How a smash it campaign works
Smash it is a tapping game. Objects appear on the screen, and players tap them to smash them. Every smash gives points and shows a fun effect, like a cracking egg or a popping balloon. The game ends when the time runs out, and players see their score.
Most campaigns start with a short sign-up form. People give their name, email and perhaps a newsletter permission. Then they play. After the game, the score decides the result. You can give a prize to everyone who reaches a certain score, give out discount codes, or enter the players into a draw.
You choose the objects, the effects, the background and the time limit. Everything can match your brand and your season.
The big strength of smash it is how little it asks of people. There are no rules to read and no skills to learn. A child, a busy parent and a grandparent can all play — and all feel they did well. That makes it a great game when you want as many people as possible to take part.
When to use a smash it game
Smash it is fast, simple and fun for all ages. It is a good choice when you want to:
- Run a short, lively campaign: a weekend sale, a holiday or a flash giveaway.
- Reach families: kids and grown-ups can play together.
- Celebrate something: an anniversary, a store opening or a new collection.
- Collect sign-ups at an event: a QR code on a poster lets people play while they wait.
It works well for retail and webshops, food and drink, events, theme parks and any brand with something to celebrate. A bakery can smash cupcakes. A toy shop can smash piñatas. A store opening can smash gift boxes with prizes inside.
5 ideas for your smash it game
- Easter egg smash: crack as many eggs as you can, and win chocolate or a discount code.
- Birthday piñata: celebrate your anniversary with a piñata game and a prize for everyone who reaches the goal.
- Black Friday box smash: smash gift boxes to unlock a discount for the big sale.
- Balloon party: pop balloons at a store opening or a festival, with tickets or merch as prizes.
- Product smash: a fun twist for a drinks or snack brand — smash the cans or bags to win a free product.
Tips for a smash it game that converts
Tip #1: Keep it short and sweet
A round of smash it should be over quickly. A short game feels exciting, and people are happy to play again. Long rounds can make thumbs tired and people bored.
Tip #2: Make the prize clear from the start
People play harder when they know what they can win.
- Show the prize on the start page.
- Tell people what score they need.
- Give everyone a small reward, so nobody leaves empty-handed.
Read more about the options on our prizes page.
Tip #3: Use objects that fit your story
Smashing works best when it makes sense. Eggs at Easter, pumpkins at Halloween, boxes on Black Friday. When the object fits the season, the game feels like part of your campaign and not just a random game.
Tip #4: Ask for the sign-up first
Put a short form before the game, and only ask for what you will use. An email and a newsletter permission are often enough. Read more about lead generation with games.
Tip #5: Take it into the real world
Smash it is great at events and in stores. Print a poster with a QR code and let people play on their own phone while they wait.
Tip #6: Follow up while the mood is good
Send new subscribers a welcome email right after the game, with the prize and a link to your shop. Connect Scratcher to your email tool through our integrations, so it happens on its own.
When the campaign ends, compare how many people visited, played and signed up. That shows you which channels worked best for your next game.
Want more fast games? Try tap it, where speed is everything, or hit the target, where aim matters most.
