- 1. Beach Moments Summer Video Contest<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Branded Summer Hashtag Contest<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Local Event Summer Selfie Contest<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Summer Fashion Photo Contest Idea<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Summer Activity Bundle Sweepstakes<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Summer Cooking & Recipe Contest<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Summer Reading & Book Review Contest<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Backyard Makeover Summer Contest<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Summer Caption This Photo Contest<\/a><\/li>
- FAQs About Summer Contests<\/a>
- <\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
- Drive more traffic to your website<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Grow your email subscriber list<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increase your social media followers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Boost engagement on posts and stories<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Generate leads and new customers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strengthen brand recognition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Run the right summer contest, and you\u2019ll keep your brand top-of-mind all season long.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
How to Run a Summer Giveaway Contest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can run a summer contest entirely on social media, but hosting it on your WordPress website gives you more control, more entry options, and the ability to grow your email list at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a quick 5-step plan to get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Pick your prize and theme.<\/strong> Choose something your audience wants that ties into the summer season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set your rules and entry methods.<\/strong> Make them clear, fair, and easy to follow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create your giveaway page.<\/strong> Use a tool like RafflePress<\/a> to build a branded contest page in minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Promote everywhere.<\/strong> Share it on social media, send to your email list, and add it to your website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Engage and follow up.<\/strong> Respond to participants during the contest and announce the winner publicly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"RafflePress](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/rafflepress-best-giveaway-plugin.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWith RafflePress<\/a>, you can add verified actions for Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more, so your summer giveaway reaches multiple platforms at once. Plus, built-in fraud protection keeps entries fair and genuine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a more detailed walkthrough, see my guide on how to run an online contest<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Summer Contest Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The most successful summer contests start with a strong idea. If you\u2019re out of inspiration, here are some of the hottest summer giveaway ideas you can adapt for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Beach Moments Summer Video Contest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who doesn\u2019t love some summer fun on the beach?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your audience will likely be following suit with a beachside vacation over the summer period. You can tap into the summer vibe by running a video contest<\/a> for the chance to win some summer swag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask your audience to send in videos of their best beach moments, such as sandcastle building, surfing the waves, or even hanging out with family in the sun. You can enter each submission into a prize draw and reward the most creative video with the grand prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out this example from Blue Planet Surf. They asked users to upload a summer video for the chance to win a giveaway prize of $2000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/summer-video-contest.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRafflePress\u2019s custom giveaway action is an excellent way to run your summer video contest. You can customize the Invent Your Own<\/strong> action and ask users to post their video link to enter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"RafflePress](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rafflepress-video-contest.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Branded Summer Hashtag Contest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hashtag contests<\/a> are another popular giveaway idea for summer, promoting brand awareness on social media. Giveaways like this are easy to run because the entry criteria involve minimal effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take Metropole South Beach, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their summer giveaway asked users to follow their Instagram account, like the giveaway post, and share it using the hashtag #metropolesouthbeach. The prize was a 4-day stay in their hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Metropole](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/summer-hashtag-contest.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo run a similar summer contest, you can use RafflePress\u2019s Viral Refer-a-Friend<\/strong> giveaway action. It allows participants to share your giveaway on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and Email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can customize the share message for each platform and include your branded hashtag to increase awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"summer](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/hashtag-contest-rafflepress.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Local Event Summer Selfie Contest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are bound to be local events<\/a> taking place over the summer. Your business can tap into the event hype by running a selfie contest<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this example, Liverpool City Council invited users to take a selfie at each of the city\u2019s locations for the chance to win various prizes. It\u2019s an excellent way to promote local businesses while helping users enjoy their day out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Event](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/event-photo-contest.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can run this type of contest with RafflePress\u2019s Submit an Image<\/strong> action. Users can upload a selfie directly to your WordPress website to qualify. You can also ask users to join your email list with the Join an Email Newsletter<\/strong> action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"use](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/submit-an-image-entry-action.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Summer Fashion Photo Contest Idea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Summer is one of the best seasons for showing off your favorite outfits. Inspire your audience by hosting a summer style photo contest<\/a>, rewarding contestants with the chance to win gift cards for their favorite fashion brands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s what Sequin NYC did in this example. They partnered with a complimentary brand giving users the chance to win a stunning dress and earrings combo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"summer](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/summer-style-contest.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo enter, users had to post a photo on Instagram with their brand hashtag and follow both brands\u2019 profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can follow suit by using RafflePress\u2019s Submit an Image<\/strong> action. You can also boost your Instagram engagement by including bonus actions to view your Instagram profile and your Instagram post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"instagram](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/instagram-giveaway-actions.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Summer Activity Bundle Sweepstakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sweepstakes are the easiest contests to run. They require minimal effort to enter, and you can tailor them to any theme you like by choosing a high-quality prize<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Vtech\u2019s sweet summertime sweepstakes, users could enter to win promotional products<\/a> from their range of children\u2019s toys. They also chose the winners randomly to ensure everyone had a fair chance of winning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"sweepstakes](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/summer-sweepstakes-ideas.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can choose giveaway winners<\/a> randomly with RafflePress\u2019s random winner picker. When your giveaway is over, simply click the \u201cChoose Winner Now\u201d link, and it will pick a winner randomly from your pool of qualifying entries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pick](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/pick-verified-giveaway-winner.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Summer Cooking & Recipe Contest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does your audience love to get creative in the kitchen? Let them unleash their creativity by cooking up a storm with a summer recipe contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can run this type of contest by asking participants to share their favorite recipes in the comments to win promotional items. RafflePress\u2019s Leave a Comment<\/strong> action is ideal because it only takes a few clicks to enter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"RafflePress](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rafflepress-leave-a-comment-action.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlternatively, you can get users to post a quick TikTok video of how they did it. Use the Invent Your Own<\/strong> action in RafflePress and ask users to post the link to their TikTok video to qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also add bonus entries to follow you on TikTok and other social media platforms for more chances to win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"follow](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/follow-on-tiktok.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Summer Reading & Book Review Contest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your audience includes a crowd of voracious readers, you can get them involved in a summer book review contest<\/a>. Whether they\u2019re relaxing by the pool or traveling, you can ask users to choose a book from their summer reading list and review it for the chance to win promotional gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toppsta ran a summer book review contest for kids to win up to \u00a33000 in book tokens. They even had a review pack that kids could download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Toppsta](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/summer-book-review-contest.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t have the budget for such a grand prize idea? Don\u2019t worry!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With RafflePress, you can easily run a book review giveaway for any budget. One of the best ways to do it is with the Write a Blog Post<\/strong> giveaway action. Participants can publish the review on their own blog and post the link in your giveaway widget for the chance to win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"write](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/fathers-day-giveaway-write-a-blog-post.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can reward the lucky winner with a bundle of best-selling books or an Amazon gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Backyard Makeover Summer Contest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Summer is the best time of year to get your green thumb out and make some garden improvements. Why not use the good weather to inspire your audience with a garden makeover contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can ask contestants to create a Pinterest board of their dream garden or challenge them to transform their garden and submit a photo of the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert\u2019s Nursery took the latter idea, asking users to send a photo for the chance to win $10,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"backyard](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/garden-makeover-contest.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re going down the Pinterest route, don\u2019t forget to ask participants to follow you on Pinterest<\/a> for an extra chance to win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"follow](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/pinterest-action-options.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n9. Summer Caption This Photo Contest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Last up is a summer contest idea anyone can join. Choose a summer-themed photo relevant to your brand and ask participants to create a funny caption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Telus International Philippines did that in this example. Participants had to create a fun and friendly caption matching their summer-themed critter. The prizes included an iPod shuffle, branded t-shirts, and other promotional items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Summer](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/summer-caption-contest.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUse the Answer a Question<\/strong> action in RafflePress to run your caption contest<\/a>. For example, you can ask, \u201cWhat is your caption\u201d and users can enter their response for the chance to win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"answer](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/answer-a-question-entry-options.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFAQs About Summer Contests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What prizes work best for summer giveaways?<\/span><\/div>Popular summer giveaway prizes include travel vouchers, outdoor gear, gift cards, beach accessories, and seasonal food baskets. Choose something that fits your audience and ties into the summer theme.<\/div><\/div><\/div>How long should a summer contest run?<\/span><\/div>Most summer contests perform best when they run for 1\u20133 weeks. This gives you enough time to promote the giveaway without losing momentum.<\/div><\/div><\/div>Can I run a summer contest on multiple platforms?<\/span><\/div>Yes. You can use a tool like RafflePress to create one contest that collects entries from Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and your website all at the same time.<\/div><\/div><\/div>Do I need official rules for a summer giveaway?<\/span><\/div>Yes. Always publish clear contest rules including eligibility, deadlines, entry methods, and how the winner will be chosen. This builds trust and ensures you comply with legal requirements.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nRafflePress and Your Small Business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Summer only lasts a few months, so make the most of it with a viral giveaway campaign. Start your summer contest with RafflePress today<\/a> and watch your audience grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more small business tips, check out our blog. Here are a few of our favorite relevant posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 9 Father\u2019s Day Giveaway Ideas Your Customers Will Love<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to Use Contest Marketing to Grow Your Business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 15+ Best Promotional Giveaways to Easily Market Your Brand<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you liked this article, please subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube Channel<\/a>\u00a0for RafflePress video tutorials. You can also find us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Looking for summer contest ideas? In this post, we share the hottest summer giveaway ideas to boost brand awareness and leads for your small business online.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":8695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"limit_modified_date":"","last_modified_date":"2022-06-14T08:00:00","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[1833,2381,2382],"class_list":["post-8683","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marketing","tag-social-media-contest-ideas","tag-summer-contest-ideas","tag-summer-giveaway-ideas"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8683","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8683"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8683\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15996,"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8683\/revisions\/15996"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8695"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8683"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8683"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8683"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- How to Use Contest Marketing to Grow Your Business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set your rules and entry methods.<\/strong> Make them clear, fair, and easy to follow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Why Run Summer Contests for Your Business?<\/h3>
\nSummer contests are a powerful way to connect with your audience when engagement is naturally higher. People are outdoors, attending events, and spending more time on social media, making them more likely to participate and share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to HubSpot research<\/a>, contests can grow your email list by up to 34%. Other marketing studies report that giveaway posts can drive up to 3x more social engagement compared to standard content, giving your brand extra visibility in a short period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a well-planned summer giveaway, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 2. Branded Summer Hashtag Contest<\/a><\/li>