How To Articles

How to Hold a Contest

Holding a contest is a great way to get people involved in and excited about your product, service or just company in general. They can be used for all sorts of reasons, from creating buzz or attracting new customers to engaging current customers or introducing them to a new product or service.

Here are 10 steps to get you on your way to holding a contest at your company.

1. Decide on a goal.
   
   You shouldn't hold a contest just for the sake of holding a contest. Before you start working out the details, figure out what your overall goal will be. Your goal is what will guide and drive all further efforts and considerations.


2. What do contestants need to do?
   
   The role that contestants play will vary from contest to contest. In some cases contestants will simply have to fill out their names and contact information. In other cases they may be required to write an essay or create a video. The amount of involvement is up to you, but be aware of how willing your customers will be to create difficult or time-consuming submissions.


3. What are the prizes?
   
   Nobody will participate in your contest without incentive. That's why you need to have prizes and offerings. Make sure that what you give contest winner's is in line with what they are required to submit and the number of people you want to participate.


4. Establish a timeline.
   
   Create a detailed timeline that pinpoints the important dates of the contest, like when the contest will begin, when it will end and when results will be announced. Be sure to leave adequate time for customers to create and submit an entry, and for you to closely examine those entries and choose a winner.


5. Create a Contest Page on your website.
   
   The Contest Page on your website should give all of the details necessary for prospective contestants to know exactly what the contest is all about, what they need to do to get involved and what they can get out of it. This includes a detailed contest description as well as terms and conditions.


6. Create an Entry Form.
   
   The most efficient way for contestants to submit entries is through an Entry Form on your website. Regardless of how you receive entries, however, make sure that you ask for all the proper information. This includes name, contact information and actual entry.


7. Promote the contest.
   
   If people don't know about your contest, they won?t be able to enter it. So get the word out however possible. Link to it on your homepage. Mention it in your newsletter. You could even put a sign out in your store front if that?s the best way.


8. Hold the contest.
   
   Once entries start pouring in, be very diligent about keeping them organized in a way that fits with the details of the contest. Once the contest has expired, remove entry forms so that they don't keep coming in. Make sure that you inform others that the contest is over, as well as when the results will be announced.


9. Choose a winner.
   
   Choosing a winner is of course completely subjective and in the hands of you and your business. It also depends on the type of contest you?re holding. Just make sure that you choose according to the guidelines established at the beginning


10. Announce results.
    
    Contact the winners and inform them that they have won. Then post the results on your Contest Page and anywhere else you think is important.