Are Blog Contests Worth It?

[_xhan]

Originally Posted by jshaffstall

I tried money, and that didn't work so well. Too many bloggers are giving away money.

I've tried giving away a custom article, and that worked a bit better. No more entrants, but the amount of participation from the people who did enter was quite high. They were more motivated, I think, because they were getting something that they didn't feel they could do themselves.

Jay

I have no money! I'm a student. I suppose I could give away a custom wordpress theme?!

[jshaffstall]

Originally Posted by _xhan

I have no money! I'm a student. I suppose I could give away a custom wordpress theme?!

If you guaranteed no other blog would have the theme, I think you'd get a lot of interest! That's definitely one of the things many people can't do for themselves.

Jay

[Kuanyin]

I've had some people say that giving away items would also give away your address when you ship it, and the people that said this didn't think it was a good idea to reveal your address with so many weirdoes out there.

The reason I like a custom item is that I can then promote other people's products as well as let them have something unique! For instance, what I want to give away is a gorgeous tote bag. This tote bag would cost a lot of money if you purchased it in a resort shop on Maui which is where they're sold. My friend is the company that sells them, and so I'd be able to give her company a plug at the same time someone would receive a gift which would be a lot more expensive than the $50 Amazon gift certificate. Plus I'd probably add some goodies like macadamia nuts, etc. too.

[jshaffstall]

That sounds like a very nice prize! Something they can't get where they're at should do well.

Jay

[ThePrizeBlog]

I have been a fan of blog contests for quite some time now. Partially, because my first blog was and still is devoted to contests. Because of that fact, I have participated in dozens of blog contests. I have also created a few myself. I have won linkbacks, blog reviews and even an mp3 player.

As for prizes, I have always felt that you should always try to give away amazing stuff. Like in a 6-Day Blogging Competition I had, Bloggeries donated $25 and a blog review. So you have to see if other sites would want to sponsor a prize. The more you offer the more people will be attracted to it.

Another way to ensure a successful blog competition, is to be creative with your contest. Have unique prizes, or crazy contest rules - whatever it is, it may mean big traffic for your blog. Before I go, I would like to make a shameless plug for the new blog contest I am holding: Guess How Many Linkbacks?

[Prettylady]

I held a contest at my writing community where I gave away $100.00 in free books & writing products.

I'm currently holding a contest on my blog.

[jshaffstall]

Originally Posted by ThePrizeBlog

Another way to ensure a successful blog competition, is to be creative with your contest. Have unique prizes, or crazy contest rules - whatever it is, it may mean big traffic for your blog.

I tried that this month, with my Win Me As A Slave contest.

No more entrants than usual, but the ones that have entered seem excited about it.

Jay

[_xhan]

Originally Posted by jshaffstall

I tried that this month, with my Win Me As A Slave contest.

No more entrants than usual, but the ones that have entered seem excited about it.

Jay

haha thats genius! I don't think I'd want to offer myself up as a prize! Especially knowing the weirdos who read my site *cough*rhyswynne*cough*

(I can say that cos he's out partying!)

[jshaffstall]

Originally Posted by _xhan

haha thats genius! I don't think I'd want to offer myself up as a prize! Especially knowing the weirdos who read my site *cough*rhyswynne*cough*

Well, I did say they couldn't make me do anything illegal, so that eliminates a lot of things.

Jay

[Kuanyin]

I'm a virgin....errr.....running a blog contest, that is.

But after deliberating and thinking and cogitating and worrying and asking for advice from everyone and my cat, I've downloaded the contest on my blog, Who's Yo Mama? at Who's Yo Mama?

The prize is a $50 Amazon gift certificate which is what most people said they would prefer to have even though I had some really khool gifts set aside for this contest. BUT if it's successful, I plan to use these gifts for another contest!

Check it out, and enter it if you feel so inclined. I've called upon The King to help me through losing my virginity.