So last week I launched probably one of the biggest contest in blogging history and so far I’m receiving awesome feedbacks and some suggestions as well. As I’ve said, no contest is perfect and suggestions like this can only improve the contest and make it much more enjoyable.
In a span of a week, the contest official post has become one of the most viewed pages in the blog for this year! It’s amazing that it even got retweeted by big bloggers like Neil Patel and John Chow.
But that being said, there is only a couple of entries yet for the contest. In my opinion, I think it coincides with the fact that the contest will run still up to July 15 and most “wise” bloggers would prefer to observe and speculate first before joining. While it’s a wise and clever tactic, I may have to say that starting the contest early is still the BEST way to get it done. Why? Because by doing it early, you will get more traffic, more social media exposure, more retweets, comments and more importantly you can still improve your article based on feedbacks. But then still its up to you.
Another issue I’d like to clear is on whether traffic from blog is a huge part or not. Actually its not. It accounts for less than 30% and I did that thing because I know there are many blogs out there who don’t have that much traffic, yet are writing good content. Remember that we have judges and 70% of the criteria is about the quality. I know most of the recent contests give emphasis on promotion but as I’ve said, the goal of this contest is more on giving back to the blogosphere.
Second, I usually receive the question “What if I don’t have the best blog marketing tip?”
To be honest, is there really is? Perhaps yes, but it’s really all about trying to become creative and intercepting that and the need of your readers. If you can do that I can pretty much guarantee that it is going to be a recipe for success.
You see blogging is not new anymore. You can find soooo many marketing topics already covered around the internet. I’m not saying you should read and rehash those articles, what I’m implying is that you have to be innovative. For me most of the articles on the subject is either incomplete and unclear or is badly outdated.
It’s like essay, give your best shot because there’s no best answer. That’s why we have judges.
And lastly, it doesn’t have to be a walkthrough. I know most of us are psyched that long article means good quality. It is, but that doesn’t mean that you have to write a 2000ish word article to qualify. If a 500-word article can do it, then Im fine with that. Right now most bloggers are not newbies anymore so if you can eliminate all the super detailed noob info stuffs, then good.
And here’s the FAQ I set up specifically just for this one:
The contest will run for how long?
It will run from June 1 up to July 15 12 AM ET
Is there any requirement aside from writing articles?
You have to link back to the contest post so I can track your entry.
How if a trackback isn’t generated?
That happens in rare cases but if it ever does, just comment on my blog or hit me up personally.
Any hardened-fast rules on the article where going to make?
None. Just make sure its your best blog marketing tip. 😉
How many winners are going to be selected?
There will be 3 winners from the main writing contest and 10 winners on the retweet contest. As said in the contest post, there are going to be mini contests in the middle of the duration so watch out
Can I bribe a judge to make me win?
Yes, if you know them. 😉
Do I have to comment on the post?
No, its not required
Is retweeting a mandatory condition to win the contest?
No. It’s another contest.
If I don’t like the prize can I convert it to cash?
Essentially no. But the safer answer is it depends on the sponsor.
Can I make a series post instead of the usual one long post?
Yes. Whatever you want it will be just fine
When is the deadline for submitting entries?
July 15 12 AM Eastern Time
Do I have to link out to all the sponsors?
Definitely not.
If you have any more concerns, do so here in the comment form. All relevant questions will be added in this FAQ page
Thanks for all the clarification about the contest. As I have told you I will be doing a post series. I have taken the initial step and the posting will start in 2 days. I will personally mail you all post URL.
Also I have a suggestion, in the middle of the contest (around July 1) and at the end of the contest make posts in which you link to all the entries, so that people know what all competition they are facing and also will be good for your readers, they get to read some awesome content.
PS: I hope your readers like my post series.
Definitely not joining this but do you have an emergency plan laid out already just in case this one flops?
I think letting people edit their entries in the midst of the contest can cause some problems. For instance, one can immediately create his entry and then observe on how others do it. Then eventually he can pick the best other entries and incorporate that into this own entry which will then make it better. It would be unfair to others obviously
Yep sure I will. I’m even considering a contest recap conducted every 2 weeks in w/c I would showcase the entries to my readers.
Good luck and I’m looking forward to your entries Deepak.
yes but that would be nearly impossibe as I have a good number of entries already. 😀
Hey Melvin,
I just wrote the “Best marketing Tip” post on my Blog.
Thanks for this awesome contest.
~Dev
You have a good point Rook. I will definitely consider your suggestion and we’ll sit down and see what’s the necessary step. Thanks
No prob Dev. Gotta check out your entry. 🙂
Hey Melvin… Can we take an older post and give you a link back? Do you think a “Best pluggins” or similar post would qualify too?
After much discussion with my friends, the answer is no. Majority of the goal of the contest is to help out people but a little part of this is also to give awareness to the contest so if the post is old, then no one will gonna be able to read it and there’s no awareness for the contest.
For your second question as I’ve said, there’s no rules in the contest. As long as you think it suits well with the theme of the contest, then go ahead!
MY bad, I just came in when the contest’s date has just finished. I always come to know about all these contests so late 🙁 Congrats to all the winners in advance
hey did you read the post? The contest hasn’t actually ended yet. The contest ends on July 15 so there’s plenty of time still. 😉