Tips for contests?

Hey, I'm thinking about having a contest for a music site I'm launching in awhile. Does anyone have any tips for doing contests? Should it be something that people need to just enter their name and email address to sign up for, something where they have to sign up for a newsletter, or something that requires a little participation with my website. Also, if all I can afford is small prizes like $15-$25 worth of stuff, does it help with promotion or is it not worth it? Btw, I'll probably be giving away an iTunes (e)giftcard or something

Thanks in advanced

 

Try to get sites in a similar niche to write a post about you. A friendly email goes along way.

 

You can try and get businesses to sponsor the contest. If you get in touch w/ PR companies, they often email bloggers trying to give away cds, dvds and music passes, etc.

 

The more money you add the more people will participate (Not) if people don't think your legitimate they wont participate if you offer 10 thousand dollars.

 

Thanks, I might try that.

I really don't see a business sponsoring a website that's been around for like a week, but maybe I can try that after I get established and if I start getting some traffic.

Well I definitely don't have to worry about offering to much, I only can afford about $15-25

Thanks everyone..

 

I've been running giveaways on one of my Jeep websites for some time now, and I see little $ benefit for me personally, but it is nice for my regulars. I get a company to give away one item (around $100), and out of 8500 members I'll have probably 100 signup for the giveaway. I do get some new members that signup, but they don't really stick around.

I look at it as a bonus for members that have been around for a while.

I would not ask for much out of your members - you may say something like "you must have at least 20 posts to win".

 

You could look for some JV partners. Get them to promote your contest, and you'll give them something in exchange.