Quickly Create Buzz with Killer Contests and Giveaway Strategies

04 Jan

Posted by admin as Basic, Tutotorial

While large websites usually have a hefty advertising and marketing budget, smaller websites need to look for affordable and creative promotional strategies. How can a website generate lots of affiliate traffic on a tight budget? Contests and giveaways are an effective and affordable way to build buzz, draw in viewers and set your website apart from the competition.

Promotional Contests – An Affordable Marketing Option
Promotional contests such as item giveaways and awards offer a number of advantages for cash-strapped websites. You can hold a sweepstakes with a prize at a minimal expense. A great way to establish your site and build affiliate traffic is to hold a buzz-building promotional contest that awards an item featured on your site to the winner. Many readers will sign up and others will be inspired to make a purchase through your site.

How can you hold an event that costs you nothing? Many websites hold contests in which users submit entries that are judged based on creativity. The winners of these contests receive some type of public recognition and a graphic banner designed especially for them to display on their website or blog. This type of word of mouth marketing is a great way to generate site traffic and connect directly with your audience.

Using Contests for Long-Term Success
While these viral contests draw in a lot of viewers during the promotional contest, site traffic tends to taper off once the event is over. How can you make contests and giveaways pay off in the long-term? Some of the following tips and tactics offer ideas for making promotional contests part of your website success plan.

1. Start a Monthly Promotional Event
A one-time-only contest might lead to a brief burst of traffic, but monthly events inspire readers to visit your site frequently. Feature the contest prominently on your main page to capture reader attention and make it easy for people to sign up. Start an e-mail list to remind past participants to enter the new contest.

2. Create Content for Contest Participants
Once a reader has entered your contest, you need to give them a reason to stay on your website. A great strategy is to provide links to items similar to the one featured in your promotional event. For example, if you are giving away a book, provide links to similar titles that might interest the reader. This is an excellent way to generate affiliate sales and creates a much better user experience.

3. Promote Your Contests and Giveaways
While the goal of contests and giveaways is to promote your website, it is also important to advertise your promotional contests. There are a number of great ways to get the word out about your special events. Consider using press releases, blogs, and newsletters to let people know about the contest, the available prize, and the entry deadline. By keeping your readers up-to-date, you can create buzz and word of mouth that is sure to generate affiliate traffic and sales success.