1. Advertising
    y u no do it?

    Advertising (learn more)

    Advertise virtually anything here, with CPM banner ads, CPM email ads and CPC contextual links. You can target relevant areas of the site and show ads based on geographical location of the user if you wish.

    Starts at just $1 per CPM or $0.10 per CPC.

Contests on Forums

Discussion in 'Forum Management' started by webcosmo, Dec 13, 2009.

  1. #1
    When I run contests on the forum, I usually go for money as prizes. I tried free hosting once, that didnt go very well. What kind of prizes usually you guys offer, if you run contests at yours? Or you think would be attractive?
     
    webcosmo, Dec 13, 2009 IP
  2. Agent000

    Agent000 Prominent Member

    Messages:
    5,032
    Likes Received:
    839
    Best Answers:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    390
    #2
    iPod's
    Newly published book related to the niche
     
    Agent000, Dec 13, 2009 IP
  3. Guthix121

    Guthix121 Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,078
    Likes Received:
    20
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    #3
    I run a Swimming forum, so if I were to run a contest, it would probably be for a Gift Certificate to SwimOutlet.com.
     
    Guthix121, Dec 13, 2009 IP
  4. webcosmo

    webcosmo Notable Member

    Messages:
    5,840
    Likes Received:
    153
    Best Answers:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    255
    #4
    How is the response with those prizes? Have you tried any with money?
     
    webcosmo, Dec 13, 2009 IP
  5. Agent000

    Agent000 Prominent Member

    Messages:
    5,032
    Likes Received:
    839
    Best Answers:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    390
    #5
    I have not tried money yet ... no particular reason for not doing so.

    I like the books .... when a new book in the niche is published we offer it up as a prize in a competition ... I try to get the author involved in judging the competition (and hopefully they become a useful member of the forum!) ... and we carry some amazon affiliate links to buy the book ..... its all part of the plan!
     
    Agent000, Dec 13, 2009 IP
    webcosmo likes this.
  6. bretthexum

    bretthexum Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    129
    Likes Received:
    3
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    110
    #6
    iPods here also. Currently running a contest on my forum giving away 2 of them. So far good results
     
    bretthexum, Dec 14, 2009 IP
  7. MatrixGodFather

    MatrixGodFather Peon

    Messages:
    611
    Likes Received:
    1
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #7
    try i pods or visa gift cards or money into pay pal account things like that
     
    MatrixGodFather, Dec 14, 2009 IP
  8. ~kev~

    ~kev~ Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,866
    Likes Received:
    194
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    110
    #8
    On my gaming forum and I have been giving away some free PC games. Its through a content delivery system called "Steam". You can send games to people through the program and do not have to worry about shipping.

    On my main forum, I usually hold contest for people that want advertising. They pick the prizes, then I setup the contest thread, and send a mass email to all of my members. This works out good for people wanting to get their name out.
     
    ~kev~, Dec 14, 2009 IP
  9. NickR25

    NickR25 Peon

    Messages:
    394
    Likes Received:
    18
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #9
    I have a hard time finding prizes that attract a lot of attention. My best contest so far was our grand opening contest, in which we gave away two forum licenses (of the top two winners' choice -- vB or IP.Board), six free months of reseller hosting, two domain names, and a custom forum design (or design labor) worth up to $200. The value of all of the prizes exceeded $500-600. Many members were interested, but some of my most active members weren't... because they didn't need those things at the time.

    Our second contest was a $100 Amazon.com gift card, which wasn't too popular. One member really wanted it and did everything he could to win, and he did.


    I'm sure cash would be the most appealing, but then it looks like you're trying to 'buy' your activity and forum's success. I'm sure some people would criticize that.
     
    NickR25, Dec 16, 2009 IP
  10. webcosmo

    webcosmo Notable Member

    Messages:
    5,840
    Likes Received:
    153
    Best Answers:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    255
    #10
    How about finding some sponsors, did anybody try that route?
     
    webcosmo, Dec 17, 2009 IP
  11. Ectomorph

    Ectomorph Active Member

    Messages:
    223
    Likes Received:
    4
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    60
    #11
    I give away domains/cash, mainly. Works like a charm.
     
    Ectomorph, Dec 18, 2009 IP
  12. tommygunzz

    tommygunzz Peon

    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    1
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #12
    I used to give out rapidshare or depositfiles accounts, but I think CASH is the number one thing. I think maybe gift cards would be cool too.
     
    tommygunzz, Dec 18, 2009 IP
  13. NickR25

    NickR25 Peon

    Messages:
    394
    Likes Received:
    18
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #13
    Indeed. On one of my forums, a very popular online shop/store in our niche offers a $10 gift card on a monthly basis in exchange for a banner advertisement in one area of the forum. It serves as a nice prize for mini-contests and such. :)
     
    NickR25, Dec 18, 2009 IP
  14. tech_savvy

    tech_savvy Peon

    Messages:
    435
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #14
    I think gift or prize in a digital format be the best way to attract people for the contest. Cases where there is a material to be shipped and received would involve logistic issues as well.
     
    tech_savvy, Jan 25, 2010 IP