Any tips for managing contests?

Jazzy · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 03:56 PM

I am getting ready to launch a new phase of my site using Content 2.0 to request submissions from visitors. I have several questions:

1. How do you award prizes for your contests? Do any of you use random drawings? It would be difficult for me to do a contest of skill. My submissions are for product reviews, which is basically just people giving thier opinions.

2. How do you promote your contests?

3. Is there a standard format for contest rules or do you just make up your own?

Any other info you could provide would be helpful. Thanks!

Paul Southren · #2 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 08:22 AM

Hi Jazzy,

I've run quite a few different contests on my site - and have learned the hard way, the best approach is to make the rules crystal clear at the start, add disclaimers to cover yourself (some people are just downright greedy!

) and select the winner yourself, or with a core group of individuals such as those in your industry, etc.

Random drawings aren't a good idea I think - mostly because, no-one really going to go the extra mile to put in effort for your submission if it is just down to luck. And secondly, I think that technically - you need some kind of license to do that as it is effectively like a sweepstakes (don't quote me on that, but it's another reason to stay away from it!)

Otherwise, have a blast!

Contests are a lot of fun, and it feels really good to be generous with your community!

Cheers,

- Paul

Jazzy · #3 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 12:42 PM

I've heard that before about there being strict rules for random contests, so I'll have to find a way to make it more about skill or number of contributions, etc.

Thank you for the tips! We're starting a small contest next month and I'm really excited.

lisa · #4 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 01:31 PM

It's funny that you posted this because I am getting to run another contest here at Website Babble. I think they are great for building loyalty, repeat visits, etc.

Regarding the random issue, that's what I did for the 2nd contest I ran about 8 months ago here. Well, it was sort of random. I gave a prize for 2 MVP (Most Valuable Posters) in a given time frame. So I had my own criteria for everyone who was eligible and at the end of the contest, I randomly drew two names from those that were eligible. So the actual picking of the winners was random, but I did manually review the posts for eligibility.

So what you could do is tell everyone you are giving awards for the best review and state that all reviews must meet a certain guideline (at least 3 pros and 3 cons, a certain length, etc.) Then you randomly select from whoever is eligible.

You could promote your contest on your blog or even add a snippet about it in the footer of your SBI! site.

Jazzy · #5 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 07:59 AM

Thanks Lisa!

I think I may also do something like your Top WB Posters of the Month, where I have a page where I list the top product reviewers and they can leave a little blurb about themselves.

It is fun playing around with ideas about this.

lisa · #6 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 11:24 AM

Good idea.

wendy · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008, 10:10 PM

this is a little awkward because my site is based on the paranormal and i dont really want to turn the site into a circus but its been pretty quiet lately and believe me i have been promoting like mad to gain new members.
i did recieve 5 new members in the last fortnight but as usual they very rare post as do the majority of my members, so i thought id give a few games a go to see if it might liven the place up again.
i have some ideas for games but what i need are ideas for prizes, i cannot give out cash or items as prizes as this is not what my site is about, so id like some ideas that may give the members certain privillages or something i can use on the site itself.
any ideas would be welcome.

xxx

lisa · #8 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendy

this is a little awkward because my site is based on the paranormal and i dont really want to turn the site into a circus but its been pretty quiet lately and believe me i have been promoting like mad to gain new members.
i did recieve 5 new members in the last fortnight but as usual they very rare post as do the majority of my members, so i thought id give a few games a go to see if it might liven the place up again.
i have some ideas for games but what i need are ideas for prizes, i cannot give out cash or items as prizes as this is not what my site is about, so id like some ideas that may give the members certain privillages or something i can use on the site itself.
any ideas would be welcome.

xxx

Hi wendy,

Do you know if or how many of your visitors are from people who have sites or blogs on your subject? If so you could reward them with free exposure on your forum/site. Since you have a forum, why not get some ideas from your members to see what they think would be a good prize and what would motivate them.

wendy · #9 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008, 10:48 PM

thankyou for your suggestions lisa, i do have a links forum on my site where they can advertise freely and i do allow links in their sigs, but i guess i could offer to put their link in my sig for a certain length of time as i post every day, what do you think, would it be worth suggesting or simply not enough ?

i will ask the members what theyd like to do for prizes but il be suprised if many answerd, but i guess a few suggestions are better than non at all eh

xxx

lisa · #10 (**permalink**) 07-22-2008, 11:08 PM

Or maybe even a temporary link on your forum. You could have a section called "Hot Sites" or something to call attention to them.

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