If customers are comparison shopping and your competitors' prices
are about the same as yours, many customers will buy at the last
place they visit. It is simply more convenient.However, if they
registered for a contest at your site or store, they will return
to see if they won. Sweepstakes can make your business the last
stop, the place where comparing customers finally make their
purchase.
Sweepstakes or contests are a staple of business promotion. I
spent many years working in radio, and I never worked for a
radio station that wasn't carrying on a major contest at all
times. Radio people feel almost naked without a car giveaway, CD
blow out, or vacation getaway up for grabs. However, not everyone
will play a contest (in fact, there's a consistent percentage
that think all contests are rigged). Nevertheless, about 20% of
the public will play a contest. In total numbers, that's a lot of
people. If you could increase your customer base by 20% you would
be doing significantly more business. That would be even more
substantial if the 20% were very active customers (which contest
players tend to be).
Even if only a fraction of your customers are interested in
winning, many more will enjoy the increased excitement a contest
brings your website or store. Get customers excited about your
prize by describing how their life will change when they win it.
Don't just tell them they can win a boat, include how a relaxing
weekend with sun and waves can bring tranquility, family harmony,
and better state of mind at work.Try to find prizes that closely
fit the theme of your business. Even small inexpensive prizes are
appealing if offered to a niche audience who deeply appreciate
them.
Contests can be a very good way to get a lot of people more
involved in your business and increase sales. Give away a product
or service that relates to your business. Include a mention of
your contest in all your marketing, letters, and email. Always be
sure to follow-up after the contest and let customers and
visitors know who won the contest and how they are using and
enjoying the prize. This follow-up can often be the part people
remember the most from your contest campaign.
About the Author
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his
free tips at http://DrNunley.com Take advantage of his
professional copywriting deals and popular promotion packages.
Reach Kevin at mailto:kevin@drnunley.com or (801)328-9006.