How To Host A Proper Giveaway: GIVEAWAY!! Included (Neck Cowl!)

When I first started blogging I was afraid to start doing giveaways on my blog. Once I started to gain some actual knowledge about blogging I figured I knew enough to finally do my first giveaway. I thought wrong.

 After researching I thought now would be the perfect time to write a post sharing with you how to host a proper giveaway. Not a successful giveaway. I will write one for that soon. Before you worry about hosting a successful giveaway you should learn about the proper fundamentals behind a giveaway. Reason being believe it or not there are laws and rules for blogging, giveaways, pictures, ETC. honestly I could really be here all night writing. Please note I am nothing close to a lawyer therefore I am not going into the legal side of terms. With that being said here's how to host a proper giveaway. Please take full advantage of this post.
How To Host A Proper Giveaway

1. Item: Name the item that you are giving away. A brief description is always nice to intrigue your readers. I always name the item and introduce the company or small business owners. 
2. Who is allowed to enter? Make sure you state in your giveaway the minimum age of your readers who can enter into your giveaway. For instance, I always say my readers have to be at least 18 years of age and older to enter. Also make sure you state where you can enter from. A lot of bloggers have giveaways that allow only the lower 48 states. Also note to include those who not included in the giveaway. This is important because the blogging world, get it, world is huge! People will enter from all over sometimes. Therefore make sure you mention where you are willing to pay for shipping. If you do not know cost of shipping, I suggest that you do your homework. Even shipping to Canada and Alaska can be pricey. 
3. length. Let your readers know when it starts and ends. The typical time for a giveaway on a blog is 5 days. 
4. How to enter into the Giveaway. Of course there are many ways to have our readers enter into a giveaway. Make it clear to your readers how to enter into your giveaway! Although simple is better. Write a small simple list. Think of it as you are trying to save your own butt. Yes I said butt!
5. How the winner is chosen? Explain how the winner of your giveaway will be chosen. 
6. Mechanical issues. If something were to happen with the giveaway allow your readers to know what will happen.

Now that you have all the knowledge how to host a proper giveaway, take a moment and see my real live example below. Also of course ENTER!

Free Giveaway!!

I would like to introduce to all of you Erin from Crochet Medley. She crocheted a beautiful chunky cowl from her shop for this weeks giveaway. Don't forget to visit her shop by clicking the link above and browsing her other cute items she has for sale.

I have always been considered a crafty person, so I decided it was time to open up shop and thus Crochet Medley was born. I am a Michigander, Married with two beautiful children and furbabies. I'm a self taught crocheter and my grandmother taught me to knit. I also enjoy the Air Force, Currently I am a stay at home mom and housewife, and I really do enjoy it. My favorite things to crochet are afghans, hats, and kitchen/bath items.

Enter to win this beautiful crocheted Chunky Cowl. Perfect for the cold lasting months or even the early spring days yet ahead. 

You must be 18 years of age to enter into this giveaway. Must not be under 17 years of age. You must be a legal US resident with a US postal address for the item to be shipped to. I'm truly sorry to exclude my international readers. I really do appreciate all of you! But at this time international laws for shipping and the pricing can become difficult. 

This giveaway Starts today Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014 and will end at midnight on Saturday Feb, 15, 2014. That means you have 5 days to enter. Please note that some entry's you may do once daily. 

How the winner is chosen: The winner is chosen randomly. Once the winner is chosen I will then announce the winner the next day's blog post, instagram if you followed and my blogs facebook's page if you liked it. If you provided me with an email I will also be kind and email you. 

Mechanic issues: Please notify me if you have any issues by email. You can find the link above on my homepage. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway