Thinking of running a posting/referral contest of my own

Seeing a few other posting/referral contests on other forums has made me think I ought to try one for my ice cream forum.

It seems to me that such contests are only successful if the prize is something really juicy, so I was thinking of offering an ice cream maker as the prize. Do you think that would be attractive enough to people? (I.e., would YOU participate for that prize?)

What's the best way to run it? Last I heard there was a mod under development to count up the points, but it wasn't released to the public yet.

 

If your forum is about Ice Cream then an ice cream maker would be suitable but usually people go for prizes like Ipods.

 

I think an ice cream maker is not a bad idea, considering your niche. If I was so into ice cream, I'd probably find myself competing for it.
One thing to consider though, is offering more then one prize and to more than one winner. If you have just one place, many people will think that they'll never get that far and that they don't have a chance. But if you offer a second and third place, members will feel like they have a broader opportunity to win something.
Of course, this isn't the easiest thing to do because you need a bit of funding behind it all to make it worthwhile.

Yes, there was a mod that would be perfect to use for counting points and such. Unfortunately, the author just stopped working on it and hasn't responded to inquiries about it. I don't think he even logs on to his forum anymore.
Brandon got lucky and was given a preview copy and it's what he uses at vBSetup.

For our contest, we're using a combination of vBCredits and manual counting; and it's not too bad.

 

Good point re: multiple prizes, I was thinking of picking up some gift certificates for Ben & Jerry's but they probably wouldn't be any good for people not in the U.S. Maybe if the top winner gets choice of prizes...

Yes, Brandon has probably been sworn to secrecy as he's not releasing that mod either

 

Well, I would definitely participate. Seriously who would pass up an icecream maker?

Domains
Itune Cards
Paypal cash

is also something you should consider.

 

I don't think domains would be a good prize on an ice cream forum, but maybe iTunes.

 

Maybe Premium Membership on your forum? More PM Space? Special forum, ect..

 

How about Amazon gift cards and such?

 

I'm not sure forum-based prizes is the way to go; I don't think new members would be interested. Amazon gift cards, on the other hand...

 

The Ben & Jerry's gift card is great idea for runner-ups, in addition to an ice cream maker first prize.
Or you could offer an array of gift cards for the winner(s) to choose from (i.e. Amazon, iTunes, B&J).

 

Yeah, I don't think the forum-based prizes would interest the members enough to play. That is something you can consider using down the road when you have a solid community.

 

I agree - forum-based prizes aren't for everybody.

I think you should come up with a list of items you would be willing to buy, and let the winner(s) choose what items they want. THEN go buy it/them and send 'em to the winner. I think this is better than purchasing things you think they'd like and forcing the winner to choose amongst them.

 

mmmmm.... makes me feel like Ice-Cream now! haha.

I think what Nick said was correct - think of some prizes/gift cards you are willing to purchase and give the winner(s) of the competition a choice then go out and buy it and send to the winners.

I am thinking of the same sort of thing - not an ice-cream maker lol - but a referral competition

 

If you want I can also do a link exchange with you. I would be more than happy to make a button for your site to use for the link exchanges as well as I can also offer a graphic for the ones that participated but didn't get any prizes. Like a siggy banner or something.

 

MomCafe, I would love for you to make a button for the ice cream forum, you do great work!

 

This is the best way to do it (in my opinion).

 

MomCafe just sent me the cute little button she designed for it

 

Very cute, Michelle! Nice job, MomCafe! :thumbup:

 

I've always found you need to be a little more creative with competitions. Your prize idea is pretty good but the way your going about it lacks originality.

Why not try to pull something off that will draw mass attention to your site? Something like make the most creative icecream sculpture or or a scene out of icecream. You could advertise it on art sites and maybe get some really creative people at your site.

What ever you decide to do, I have found referral competitions to often fail and post competitions will only have your active members competing.

Often times people would rather have the honor of winning than any prize you could give. If your competition is big enough you won't need a big prize.

Hope my words aren't my own nieve thoughts and they've helped a little. Good luck with your competition.