Create Contests To Corral Customers
January 15th, 2010

We're a half month into 2010. It's not only a new year, but a new decade. Hopefully, by now you have made a new year's resolution. And for those of you who have, hopefully you have not already broken it. We're talking to you business owners!

With the new year upon us, it's important to consider the ways in which you can help your business to get to the next level. What can you do to bring about a sense of excitement surrounding your company?

Yesterday on the Synergy Marketing Consultants Blog, we discussed the concept of “buddies and freebies”. Freebies, of course, can be a great way to generate interest in your brand, especially through the clever utilization of contests. People love getting things for free. But it's incumbent upon you to make sure that you get the most out of your money.

Running a contest helps to ensure that your company is being promoted firstly by the gathering of contestants. Perhaps an online campaign would be the easiest thing to do. For every person who enters your contest you can ensure that you will have their contact information to send them special bulletins about the great products and services that you offer.

As well, you may consider the entry as a ballot into a contest for a prize that is being given away by your company. This way, for those who do not end up winning, they are still aware of your business' zest to keep customers curious and excited about your brand. Not to mention, you will be making one special customer very happy. And don't think the news of his or her happiness won't spread.

Make sure the contest suits your business' image and product. For example, it may not make a whole lot of sense to give away a flat screen television if you run a restaurant. You may want to consider offering up one of your top selling items that represent your store and industry in the best way possible.

It is also a good idea to run in-store campaigns. In situations such as these, your best bet is ensuring that each entrant leaves your establishment with a special keepsake. Among the many promo items that Synergy offers, we recommend something lightweight and practical like our pens.

This way, your customers will feel pleased to have received something free in addition to the knowledge that a bigger prize may await them. Not only that, but the mere presence of these customers in your establishment presents you with the ideal opportunity to get them acquainted with your products. It would be rarity to not have your sales increase on the day that an in-store contest is being run.

Use your promo gifts for a contest giveaway this year. It is one of the easiest and most effective methods to begin the new year with a loud message that your company is superior to its competitors. Help your client base to have fun, be interactive and energized about your brand. You will be the one who ends up a winner.