Last month, Facebook changed its terms and conditions to allow company page admins (like you!) to post contests on their pages without needing to go through a verified, third-party app.

Show of hands… how many people knew this rule even existed?

In the years I have helped companies with their Facebook Pages, most companies and producers weren’t aware they were breaking the rules by telling their fans to like the latest post for a chance to win a prize.

Prior, only third-party apps could help post legal contests. Now, page admins can post, collect and import likes and comments to pick random winners for contests, and also save that data for marketing efforts.

The data, however, is specifically related to the “fans” Facebook account. In other words, you won’t get access to their email addresses unless you pony up the cash and hire that third-party app to develop your promotion.

Now, before you start creating contests willy-nilly on your Timeline, Facebook still has some rules – and it’s important to abide from them since you won’t want to get your page shut down.

You can take a look at the rules here, or here’s a quick guide:

1.     1. You have to post the terms and eligibility requirements of your contest on your Page. If you think the company lawyer will want to create a tome of legalise, you may want to consider hiring a third-party company to create a contest app for you. But your contest rules can be simple, it’s an easy update.

2.     2. You can only promote the contest on your Page or within the third-party app. This means, you can’t ask your followers to post on their own timelines to increase their chances of winning.

Keep in mind, Facebook changes the rules often (and regularly without much fanfare) so bookmark that link if you’re considering running a promotion on your Facebook page.  And if you want to make sure your contest idea is in line with your IP, contact a professional who can help make the effort worthwhile.

Lianne Stewart is a contract Digital Strategist who has helped many-a-company navigate Facebook’s rulebook. She can be reached on LinkedIn at ca.linkedin.com/in/liannestewart/ and on Twitter at Twitter.com/liannestewart