Are Blog Contests Worth It?

[Kuanyin]

I posted on my blog, Blog-Blond, about how I gave away my Pownce invitations instead of running a contest to give them away as another blogger did. I had an interesting comment by one blogger who wrote, "Not exactly the top of food chain when it comes to blogging."

This comment made me wonder how others view blog contests? So I'm asking for some feedback. Do you think they're very low on the food chain? Do you participate in them? Run them?

[jshaffstall]

Originally Posted by Kuanyin

This comment made me wonder how others view blog contests? So I'm asking for some feedback. Do you think they're very low on the food chain? Do you participate in them? Run them?

I run regular contests. In the early days of a blog, it helps to keep the readers you do have interested and participating. My last contest ended up getting me some new readers. They came for the contest, and ended up staying.

I personally do not participate in many contests, mostly because I don't have time.

Jay

[GnomeyNewt]

I only like to participate in contest if it is a writing contest, such that you write an article and all the participants judge who has the best article. I did this and I was a runner-up. Helped boost my blog thats for sure. I'm not so into the link to me or review me, and win this or that type of contest. But if the prize is awesome, hey I'm only human! I have also entered into contest that don't require me to do any blog posting, like stumbleupon or fav them to a certain social website.

[Prettylady]

I think blog contests are a great way to grow your blog. I have participated in a couple and actually just won one.

[LennyP]

Running contests can be a very effective means of drawing attention to your blog. By thinking of something unique and compelling and you can see a huge increase in your traffic.

[Bloggeries]

I think if your goal is to increase technorati favorites and backlinks you can run a general one. If you actually want to generate a larger readership for your blog I'd recommend hosting a niche related contest. I don't know any off the top of my head but make one only open to a certain niche with a longer time period.

The only experience I've had with blog contests have been sponsoring some so far. Once I'm done doing alot more building on this site I"ll have some free time!

Just curious: For those of you who regularly participate in blog contests:

How many blog contests have you taken part in and what have you won?

Rob

[Prettylady]

Hello Rob, I have taken part in about 4. I won two t-shirts and a stress squeeze toy.

[_xhan]

I'm tempted to start my own contest - giving away pownce invites as a prize is stupid - I'd give them away to all the entrants!

I wouldn't know what to give away though....

[Kuanyin]

I'm still contemplating how to do the contest, and I posted about my deliberations today on my blog Who's Yo Mama? Who's Yo Mama? and got a little more feedback there.

So I'll let ya'll know when I'm ready to start the contest!

[jshaffstall]

Originally Posted by _xhan

I wouldn't know what to give away though....

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