How do I run a social media contest to grow my email list after a holiday?

The contest works as a dual funnel — it grows your social following and captures email addresses at the same time. Create a Reel or TikTok announcing the contest with a clear call-to-action: follow your account, tag a friend, and post using your branded hashtag. The main prize can be something like $50 in store credit, but the real play is the consolation offer.

Set up an automated DM reply in Instagram that sends every commenter a 10 percent off code or free shipping offer. To redeem, they need to share their email address. This turns every single contest participant into a potential email subscriber, not just the winner. One entrepreneur reported gaining over 50 new followers in just two days using a similar loyalty-points-for-posting approach.

Post a second piece of content on day three — either a customer photo from the contest or a styled outfit featuring a gift piece — to build momentum. Update your bio link to point to a landing page showing both the contest entry and loyalty signup side by side, since that's the only clickable link most followers will see.