Strutta

Editor's Note: Dimensions and tips presented in this post are for Facebook's old layout. Click here to view our post for optimizing your Facebook Page for a contest on the current Timeline layout.

So you’ve devised a fantastic action plan for your Facebook contest. You’ve built it out, it looks great, and now you’re ready to launch it. Before you start promoting your contest, use these expert tips to help increase engagement in your Facebook contest!

1. Design a slick graphic

The image for your Facebook Page’s contest Tab should be 520px wide.

If you’re fan-gating your contest (fan-gating is to allow entry to only those who Like your Facebook Page), you’ll want to create an image that includes a call to action to Like the Page in order to access your Page’s exclusive promotions:

You can skip the fan-gating option and open the contest to anyone who visits your Facebook Page. In this case, you’ll want to create an image that includes a few details on the contest and a call to action to entice your visitor to click through to the promotion:

Once you’ve added the contest Tab to your Page, make sure it is prominently displayed!

2. Make the Tab the default landing Tab

How: Edit your Facebook Page (button at the top right corner) > Select 'Manage Permissions' > Under Default Landing Tab > Select your contest Tab
As per Facebook’s settings, the default landing Tab applies only to visitors who don’t Like your Page yet.

3. Move the contest Tab to the top of the Tabs column

How: Edit your Tabs section (link below the listed Tabs in the left column) > Drag and drop the contest Tab to the top of the list (below Wall and Info)

4. Edit the Tab's name

How: Edit your Facebook Page (button at the top right corner) > Under 'Apps' > Select the contest App > Under 'Edit Settings' change name the Tab appropriately

5. Optimize your Facebook Page for Search Engines:

Finally, double check that your Facebook Page itself is properly set up so that people can easily discover your brand and contest on Facebook! Read Write Web put together a great guide for optimizing your Facebook Page for search engines.

What works best for you? How do you set up your Facebook Page for contests?