When is the last time you held a Contest?

[tc318]

I started a contest on my main site to try and get more newsletter subs. So far it has had a pretty decent turn out.

The challenge now is getting them to click through and hoping just a few actually signed up because they have an interest in the topic. My newsletter statistics showed that 60% did open the first newsletter sent after the contest announcement, but I have tracked it further than that yet.

There are quite a few contest sites you can list your contest on in exchange for a link back. I have included the list I used below:

http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/
http://www.contestguide.com/
http://www.contestalley.com/
http://www.familysweeps.net/
http://www.sandysrealm.com/
http://www.grandmajam.com/
http://www.cashnetsweeps.com/
http://www.cyber-sweeps.com/
http://www.sweepstalk.com/
http://www.contesthound.com/

Let us know how its going or if you have any questions on starting a contest Good Luck!

[Liz@K3]

Thanks for the links! I, like you, offer a Monthly Contest for my newsletter subscribers. For a while there, I was getting subscribers just about every day, but it has died down recently. These links will help boost it back up there. Unfortunately, I think that most only subscribe because they want a chance at the FREE product every month, but at least you know that you have their attention! I have gotten orders from newsletter subscribers so it's paying off for me personally.

Thanks again!

[pattygale]

Great contest links.. Contests are a great way to help promote your business and gain new subscribers.

The key, though, is to make sure you connect with your subscribers somehow. It is crucial for them to know that there is a real person behind the contest.

What I do is this. After the contest is over, I send them an email with more of a personal touch. I simply tell them that I just wanted to introduce myself, take a minute to let them know there is a real person behind the website and then I tell them a little bit about me.

I don't try to sell them a thing... nothing... nada

There are always going to be those out there who just want a freebie, when after I send this personal email, the response is very good. I usually get at least 30 or 40 people that actually write back thanking me for the note.

It's a great way to start a nice relationship with those people who do respond back. This way you know they have visited your website and are truly interested in what you have to offer.

It's also a great way to weed out those who just want a freebie, so you don't waste your time and energy trying to market to people who really don't want to hear what you have to say.


Patty

[wah_momma]

I've always wanted to do a contest of some sort but I honestly have no clue what to do or how to start

Aurelia

[tc318]

Great advice Patty, thanks! I definitely want to connect with them so they are signing up for more than a free gift

Aurelia - Did you want to do a contest for your main site or your new coaching business? What about a contest for time management or organization tips? And you could offer a free 1/2 hour consultation as the prize. Just a thought

[illumin]

Great tips and links! Thank you for sharing them.

[HaileysMommy]

What kinds of contests do you all do? If it's something that you're giving away free, how much are you spending a month on that? I haven't done any contests and have thought about it, but was just debate the money issue if it'd be worth it. I'm sure it'd get people's attention, but I'd want orders with that attention too, not just always giving away free things, you know? Thanks!

[tc318]

The total for the prize I am offering is around $17.00. It doesn't have to be expensive.

As a prize offer one of your products or a Gift Certificate for them to use on your site. Even if it is only for $10.00 then maybe they will shop over that amount and you end up growing your mailing list and making a sale

Contest ideas can vary depending on the topic of your site/business. For this one, I just mad it simple - join the mailing list for a chance to win a prize. They have to be a current member at the time of winning and I made it three months long for them to enter, not monthly. But I have also done pet stories and cutest pet etc.

HTH