Contest Best Practices

Want to run an online contest, but not sure what to do or where to start? This is a quick primer:

1. Bring in Marden-Kane early


2. Define objectives and select best contest "processes"


3. Keep the contest simple!


4. Offer prizes that resonate with the target audience


5. Run contest for 6 to 8 weeks


6. Have Official Rules follow process flow


7. Limit number of finalists to 10


8. Offer finalists a "tool kit" with necessary elements to generate more views / votes and free media impressions for the brand


9. Open voting for 7 to 10 days


10. Hide public vote count


11. Monitor blogs


12. Allow 3 to 5 days for winner clearance


13. Minimize legal vulnerability with appropriate release forms


14. Fulfill prizes quickly


15. Analyze results


16. Optimize


17. Repeat!

Remember the goal of the promotion should be to engage your target audience while reinforcing brand attributes.