If you are looking to generate sales, increase brand awareness, and build relationships with potential customers, you should consider hosting social media contests. It’s relatively easy, provided it’s done well, and the insights you’ll gain from holding one are invaluable.

Click through for eight tips to guide you through the process of holding an online contest and ensuring that it succeeds.

Top photo credit: Valeri Potapova

Anne Preble is a Volume Nine SEO contributor to the Connectivity blog.