How do you get the word out about your forum contests?

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by aj8690, Apr 10, 2008.

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  1. #1
    My debate forum is having a referral contest. We have almost 600 members, but I'm having a real tough time getting members to participate. I've tried sending mass emails, but nothing. The prize being offered is $20. If you're a forum owner and run any successful contests, please post here how you promote and get the word out about them. The purpose of a contest is to get more activity, not to just waste money. And even though I'm not the one who will be providing the prize (a moderator has volunteered to donate it), I feel like that is what's going to happen.

    So what do you do for your forum contests? Please share! :)

    Oh and if your interested in my forum's contest, the details can be found here.

    Thanks.
     
    aj8690, Apr 10, 2008 IP
  2. GameOver

    GameOver Well-Known Member

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    #2
    So your forum topic is debates? Why not have a debate competition, make two teams of 10 and the winning team gets $10 each by PayPal. You need to make contests that relate to your subject. Personally, no matter how high the prize is for a referral contest, I don't enter because I find it extremely boring. In other words, make the contest fun and make people want to participate.

    BTW: nice forum, it looks great and is relatively active.
     
    GameOver, Apr 10, 2008 IP
  3. aj8690

    aj8690 Peon

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    #3
    Thanks for that. Well, it wasn't my idea to do a referral contest (although I have done before), but a moderator wanted to do it to help bring activity to the forums (which I am very grateful for).

    For the next contest, I will be sure to do something more fun and interesting, but for this one, does anyone have any ideas on how to make it even a semi-success? :)
     
    aj8690, Apr 10, 2008 IP
  4. wantmomoney

    wantmomoney Peon

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    #4
    I'd say you'd have to make the prize something much more exciting than 20 bucks. Make the prize be a new iPod, and you'll probably get all kinds of activity. But personally, I don't think 20 bucks is going to inspire anyone. I know I wouldn't be motivated by it.
     
    wantmomoney, Apr 10, 2008 IP
  5. marcela2008

    marcela2008 Guest

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    #5
    I got an idea on this thread. It is good to do referral contest if you have new website or forum, only you have to be creative on how to do it. Think of ways on how you can get their attention so that they will join the contest.
     
    marcela2008, Apr 10, 2008 IP
  6. aj8690

    aj8690 Peon

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    #6
    Once again, it was not my idea to do the contest, I am not the one in control of the contest, and I am not the one providing the prize. I'm not looking for what we did wrong, I'm looking for ways to get activity to this contest in its current state. Thank you.
     
    aj8690, Apr 11, 2008 IP