Are You Violating Facebook's Terms of Service?
Section E, Part I tells us, "Promotions on Facebook must be administered within Apps on Facebook.com, either on a Canvas Page or a Page App." This is one of the many reasons why our affiliates have us run their social promotions for them using a page app, we ensure we both adhere to the rules and maximize value for the publisher and the promotions sponsor.
Oh, one last thing, you can't notify the winner via Facebook including direct message which means you must call or email them directly - though announcing winners to the broader audience on Facebook is acceptable.
- Connect with winners directly to notify, then announce
If you have any questions about how Locable can help you follow the rules and make money from Social Promotions on your Facebook page or if you'd like to learn about the photo contest engine built into our local website publishing software please contact us to schedule a demo.
Updated 7/18, with pictures.
In casually reviewing publishers Facebook pages we've found many are regularly in violation of Facebook's Terms of Service.
At Locable we're huge proponents of social promotions and profitably engaging Facebook fans through a variety of contests and sweepstakes, however, you must be sure to first follow Facebook's rules and second run these promotions in a way that will maximize reach.
So, what are these publishers doing to violate Facebook's T&Cs?
Usually it goes something like this, "Like this page (or post) to win xyz." Occasionally we see, "Comment below to xyz" or "Share this post...".
- You must not use like, comment, share etc as an entry mechanism
All of these are violations and can result in your page being disabled - that's right, they can cut you off completely. In Section E, Part IV you find "You must not use Facebook features or functionality as a promotion’s registration or entry mechanism." Basically, you can't have people enter by liking, commenting, sharing or messaging.
