Whether as a promotional tactic or just to have fun, many blogs today are
running contests which reward their readers. Many people think that it is
impossible to win these contests, but let me assure you that it is much easier
than one would ever expect. Don’t get me wrong, winning does take a little work
as gifts will not rain from the sky by simply reading this post; however, with a
little effort and ingenuity you can become a shoe-in on the next contest
Don’t be in a rush to submit your entry. Rushing in with the first
contest submission is the equivalent of being the student that finishes their
test before everyone else. There is no benefit besides bragging rights Take the
time to size up your competition. Watch how much effort they are putting forth
so that you can better understand where the bar is set.
Compiling a list of all your assets can be a very valuable activity (regardless
if you are in a contest or not). Determine both online and off-line assets that
are at your disposal. This is particularly important if the results of the
contest are up to general public voting. For example, can you get your blog
readers to take action? Does a forum group owe you a favor? Here are a few
assets that you might have laying around and not know:
After sizing up the competition, blow them out of the water by over delivering.
Here are a few ideas:
Use video or audio
Build a brand new blog just for the competition
Show off a little association to famous people, talents, or humor
Be memorable
Blogging communities whether owned by you or not
Forums you participate in
Friends, family, and co-workers
Anyone that owes you links or social bookmarks
Whether you win or lose, it’s how you played the game. Did you win by dirty
means? Were you a sore loser? In either situation, how you present yourself
after the contest may directly impact your chances of winning the next one.
People don’t forget when someone misbehaves and the internet is a much smaller
place than one thinks. When the next blogging contest presents itself, remember
to not just throw your hat in the ring - make some noise and have fun doing it.
Social media provides an excellent opportunity for freelance bloggers to
promote their writing and draw traffic and exposure. Many paid writers assume
their job is over as soon as the post is submitted. However, a little bit of
extra effort to promote that post with social media could make a world of
difference in the success of the post and in the amount or work that you get.
Blog owners are paying for results. If you can outperform other freelance
bloggers by delivering some extra traffic with social media, your services will
be more complete and more effective.
