Tag: sweepstakes compliance

Data Privacy Framework (DPF)

In July 2023, the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF) was created to replace the invalidated Privacy Shield for enabling legal, secure data transfers from the EU to the US. Privacy Shield was the original mechanism established in an attempt to meet GDPR regulations, but it failed to meet all requirements. The end goal of these regulations is to protect individuals’ right to privacy, how their personal data is collected, processed,

February 4, 2026

How to Do a Giveaway on YouTube

Brands and influencers have learned that the best way to build their YouTube audience is to run a sweepstakes or giveaway on YouTube. A giveaway is the perfect opportunity to ask people to like, comment and share your content with the world in exchange for an entry. You must use caution when running a giveaway, however, to ensure you do not get into any trouble with YouTube or the law.

April 7, 2021

Put That Sweepstakes Data to Work

The primary reason our clients say they want to run a sweepstakes is to be able to put that sweepstakes data to work to find new potential clients and increase sales. A sweepstakes is a terrific way to achieve those goals! However, if you do not make sure you follow data privacy laws and consumer protection guidance, then that data you collect as part of a sweepstakes campaign can not

February 12, 2021

Can You Use a Coupon as a Prize?

Question: Can you offer a coupon as a prize in a sweepstakes or contest? Answer: It depends. If the coupon or voucher value covers the entire full priced item without any hidden fees (like shipping & handling, etc.) then you can offer it as a prize coupon. But if the coupon offered is for savings on a purchase, or if it does not cover the shipping and handling necessary to

September 17, 2020

How Do I Run a Text to Win Sweepstakes?

A text to win sweepstakes provides your customers with a quick, easy way to enter a sweepstakes from a mobile phone. A text to win can be set up in days instead of weeks. This type of promotions is fast to enter. And it provides a way to collect minimal private, personal information if your brand is privacy focused. Here are 6 best practices to consider when running a text

June 26, 2020

Sweepstakes Email Opt-in Best Practices

The primary purpose of many sweepstakes is to build a brand’s mailing list; having a valid email opt-in on the sweepstakes registration page is imperative to the success of the promotion. If you fail to use best practices when setting up your opt-in, then your ability to email users for the purposes you had in mind may be at risk. Here are 3 things to keep in mind when

February 6, 2019

3 New Year’s Resolutions for a Better Promotional Marketing Plan

As the year winds down, it’s that time again when people start thinking about setting resolutions to make the coming year better than the last one. And while it’s usually personal resolutions that make the headlines, like joining a gym or eating less takeout, it’s also a good time to make some resolutions for your business. This year, why not think about incorporating some simple actions to take your

December 19, 2018

Regulated Industries and Sweepstakes

Some regulated industries require special disclosures and/or have special legal requirements for running sweepstakes. These regulated industries include alcohol, tobacco, gasoline, firearms, dairy, banking, pharmaceuticals, and cause-related marketing. It is absolutely essential to know the laws of these industries, or partner with a promotional marketing firm who works with legal counsel who is familiar with these laws, before undertaking a contest or sweepstakes. Here are some basics to be

April 14, 2017

Run a Legal Giveaway

Trying to figure out how to run a legal giveaway? It’s easier than you think – or not, depending on where you are running your giveaway, who can enter, how you collect and use data, and what you are giving away. First, there are some basic things to know about the legalities of a giveaway. In the United States, a giveaway, or sweepstakes in legal terminology, is when you

September 30, 2016

Social Contest Platforms: Inexpensive, Easy…and Risky

Today I was sent a link to an article touting Platforms for Social Contests that will “launch and track your contest with ease.” The article then went on to list eleven platforms, all relatively cheap – well, really dirt cheap or even free – and all the wonderful features each one had. If I were looking for a way to run a contest and I didn’t know any better

April 19, 2016