Google Plus Contest?

[sftravel]

We have successfully used contests leveraging standard contest platforms to build a Facebook community.  How could contests be used to increase Google Plus signals and engagement, and are there any best practices of others doing so?

[ChrisDyson]

Unfortunately you are not allowed to run contests or promotions on G+.

The social network’s content policy bans direct hosting of contests, sweepstakes, offers and coupons on Google+ pages, BUT posting a link to a promotion page is OK

I suppose this makes it a little more difficult to run a contest on the social network

[sftravel]

How about if our Facebook page hosts a contest where if someone adds us to their Google Plus circles, they get a contest entry?  There are many ways that we could promote adding us to people's Google Plus circles, but not "hosting" any contest on Google Plus.

[KeriMorgret]

Be sure to check Facebook's rules as well, they likely have even more guidelines than G+ does. I believe you also need to run the contest off of FB, but not sure of the exact details.