This Easter egg promotion post was contributed by Fae Savignano, our EVP and promotion expert.
The usage of the term “an Easter egg” has been described as an intentional inside joke, hidden message, or image, and this term is purposely applied to evoke the idea of a traditional Easter egg hunt. The term was originally coined to describe a hidden message in a video game that encouraged the player to find further hidden messages in their games, leading them on a ‘hunt.’ It has also been said that the term originated from actual eggs on the set of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The cast apparently had an Easter egg hunt on set and accidentally forgot to find at least three eggs that appeared in the movie. As years passed “Easter eggs” have been included in many movies and TV shows cleverly hidden in a scene.
If you are looking for Easter specific ideas you can use some of the ideas that we have previously shared with you in our blog: Beyond the Jelly Bean Count.
However, let’s take the “Easter egg” idea to the next level and use it to create an Easter egg promotion to boost traffic, expand your audience, build loyalty and best of all you can apply these ideas at anytime of the year. Easter egg hunt ideas that are not just for Easter…
Hidden Object Games: Entrants would need to search/listen/watch the brand’s social media posts, a radio spot, a TV show, etc. to find a hidden image, code, word, etc. Entrant would use that word to enter for a chance to win a prize. Or they can take a picture of it and post it on social media.
Text Message Scavenger Hunts: Registered entrants would receive a text with clues on where the next Easter egg is hidden. Collect the Easter eggs for a chance to win a prize. If the brand is a retail store, texts can lead entrants through their displays, enticing purchase while playing the game.
Learning Scavenger Hunts: Have entrants learn about your brand by reading through your printed and/or online materials to find answers/clues to the required question(s) listed on the entry form.
App based Scavenger Hunts: Usage of free apps to assist in completing missions and/or locate clues to gain entries into the Sweepstakes. Clues provided can lead entrant to a specific location/object that they could photograph, then submit as an entry.
Hidden Treasure Competitions: Hide the prize and reveal clues through various mediums to reveal its location. Once a hunt is public, users can comment about it and like it, earning points and rewards as they go.
Whether you are planning to run a sweepstakes or a contest, there are rules and regulations that you must follow in order to be compliant with all local, state, and federal laws. And, you should always double check every element of the promotion before releasing it to the general public. Therefore, we highly recommend that you contact us to assist you in administering your next promotion and authoring the official rules that will ensure a successful and legally compliant promotion.
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