Who hasn't received an email from a retailer asking you to "Like" them on Facebook? I think that we can all agree that these types of messages are starting to get a bit stale, most offer an entry into a sweepstakes of some sort, or the promise that the retailer will make a charitable donation once a certain "Like" threshold has been met. When I first saw this email from Kirkland's I thought that this was just going to be more of the same, but it turns out that they've put a little twist on this all too common communication! While this email does offer the ultimate prize of a $25,000 shopping spree it also offers a fun and interactive Facebook game that you can share with your friends!
There are a few things that I really liked about the Cha-Ching contest Kirkland's has developed. The first is that you must like their page in order to enter the contest (a great way to boost your Facebook Fan base!). The second is that you can get your friends involved in the game. Once you start the application it searches through your friends in order to find friends who are already playing the game. If you don't have any friends who are currently playing then you can invite them to join you. You and your friends can add products to your bag each day and switch them with your friends, the more you play the more badges you earn, each badge unlocks a coupon you can use in the store.
Another great feature of this game is that each time you make a swap there is an update automatically posted to your Facebook wall. This is a great way to make sure that updates regarding the Cha-Ching game are very visible to all of your friends, helping to increase interest in the game and hopefully obtain even more Likes!
So, the next time you think about sending a message to your customers to Like you on Facebook or follow you on Twitter, make sure you're giving them a reason to do so! You need to provide customers with interesting content on these social networks that will make them want to interact with you. Set yourself apart from the competition by creating fun and unique content that will generate interest and encourage your customers to tell their friends about you!
Allison Stephanian, senior program manager, e-Dialog
