Promoting Contests & Giveaways

Traffic Question #8
from your traffic questions

Mark McCoid asked:
I have a small website selling meditation CDs and recently I started offering Birthstone Bracelets that my wife makes. In an attempt to jump start the interest, we thought it would be a good idea to give away one of the bracelets.

So, my question is, after mailing to my list, what are some other ways to get traffic to a “Giveaway” signup page?

How to Promote Contests & Giveaways Online

Telling your current readers and visitors is a fine idea if the product is related to your current site. Though I would recommend that you set up a website specifically for this product line so that you can reach a more targeted market. That way you can get traffic and build a list specifically for that site, which is a great launch strategy.

Below are 5 quick ideas to promote your contest or giveaway...

1) Free Search Engine Traffic

Set up a page on your site that is dedicated to contests or giveaways. When you arent running a contest, you can put up a note that says the current contest is closed, but invite visitors to sign up and be notified when the next contest begins.

Your goal is to have this page always ranking well for "free *keyword*". In your case "free birthstone bracelet".

2) Pay-Per-Click Advertising

You can advertise your contest on Google Adwords for as little as 5 cents per click. You will want your ad to show for specific keywords that relate to your product - not general words like "contest" or "free" or "giveaway".

Use free tools like Overture's Keyword Selector and WordTracker's Free Trial. Simply type in your general keyword (using your example, type in "birthstone") and build a keyword list based on the results.

3) Submit your Contest to Contest Sites

Here are a few to get you started:
List Your Contest Free

Use the words freebie, contest and giveaway to search out newsletters and websites - as well as forums - that will publish your contest details.

4) Forum Marketing

Use a compelling signature and link to your contest when posting in forums where your target market gathers. Since women and mothers would be your ideal entrant, parenting forums would be a great place to get actively involved.

You can also use Social Networking sites such as MySpace to announce your contest to your friends lists.

5) Joint Venture with Complimentary Sites

Think of sites that would also reach the same target market, but not compete with you directly. Contact these site owners and offer to exchange exposure with them. They can announce your contest on their website and to their list. In exchange, you can promote their site on the confirmation page when visitors sign up for your contest.

Your page can read something like "Thank you for entering our contest!" along with any important information you want include. Then invite/encourage them to visit the sites that you are 'partnered with'.

Keep it going!
Contests can be theme-based and used on an ongoing basis to promote a website. This particular product (birthstone bracelets) for example will make a great giveaway for Mother's Day, Back-to-School and other major events or holidays.

Also See: Contests, Giveaways and Promotions

Have a question about Website Traffic?
Post it here: Traffic Questions!

Best,

Technorati Tags: contests, giveaways, sweepstakes, promotions, website traffic, traffic tips