For this entry, please open this link in a new tab/window and click to rate the photo. and come back to read the rest. http://www.cutestpetcontest.com/bigpic.php?img=http://cutestpetcontest.com/photos_beta/2008-02/100321375.jpg&enum=100321375&t=newpetentry
I'll wait a few moments for you to that before I go on.....
Okay, by the way THANKS!! If you indeed opened that page and placed a vote, you have some idea the impact that a contest can have on your products or services. I selected this as an example though, because it was not related to Giraffe Communications, although I must admit...that is my dog. I selected this example also, because I wanted you to actually perform the task without worry that I was attemping to collect your contact info, which is a prime objective when running a contest for promo purposes. I was only asking you to make 3 clicks and that's it. A related contest site wants verification of unique voters which requests you fill in your first and last name and email and click to submit. And this is what I would suggest for any small business or start-up promo contest.
1. The key to running a contest to gain hype for your event, service, product website, or otherwise are prizes with mass appeal as well as decent value. For example, people probably won't enter your contest for a free pen or a cheap t-shirt, but definately would for an iPod or trip voucher or a decent value in your products/services.
2. The contest with the best results usually requests entrants to submit a video, photo or something that other users can vote on to determine the winner. This is successful for you because you just have to attract the entrants and they spend their time and energy getting people to your site to vote for them; thus multipling your exposure and clicks by thousands and thousands.
Contests can be a great way to create a buzz before a product actually launches too. There are many things you can do with online contests that deliver an excellent ROI. That said, I always recommend contests be a supplement to your other online advertsing and not a sole driver of traffic. You want to build a following and a loyalty. While you may have some "prize pigs," if you blend a contest with your overall branding and message you are likely to walk away with more customers and less pigs. ;-)
Have a great day! And of course...comments welcome.
Amy
Comments