If you want to have a promotional contest, cash is probably the worst prize you can offer. Why?
- You attract prize-seekers instead of qualified prospects
- It does nothing to promote your company's unique offerings
- There's no reason for anyone to talk about it (you get no word of month)
A much better prize is an experience or event that only your business can offer. Make it something that only you can give, and make it worth talking about.
Example: Click on the photos below from TOMS Shoes, which gives shoes to poor kids when you buy a pair. You can win a chance to go on the shoe delivery drip to Africa. That has a huge appeal to their target giver.
Other ideas:
- Restaurant: Win a chance to be a chef for a day, or a private dinner for 10 friends
- Clothing store: Go on a VIP buying trip to a fashion show
- Brewery: Learn to make beer
- Car dealer: Borrow a cool car for a month
- Marketing agency: A brand makeover or a free ad campaign for your favorite charity
Guess what? You'll get a better response and it will cost less.