As 2015 wraps up, many organizations are thinking ahead and planning for their 2016 media contest. We are currently working with several organizations that are switching to BetterBNC from other platforms and most all have asked if there is anything they can do in advance to make it an easy switch and save some time.
BetterBNC keeps it straightforward but there are a couple of things you can do to speed up the process.
Know the structure of your contest.
We’ll have you fill out a template that we use to build the contest but know the structure ahead of time. How many categories? Are there divisions? You’ll want to know the names/titles of each?
Understand how the judging process works.
Some contests have one judge per entry while others have a panel or multiple judges reviewing entries. Understanding the judging structure will help determine whether you will need a judging module.
Assemble your team.
Have the contest administrator on board and anyone who will be working with them. Once the template is submitted, you are able to schedule a training session at your convenience so you’re ready to go as soon as the contest is turned over to you.
BetterBNC builds the contest for your organization and when it’s turned over to you, you’re able to go in and simply make any changes you need from the original template you submitted. You can also build your customized and hosted contest homepage which comes at no additional cost. And remember, with BetterBNC, all training and support for the year is included in your base price. We’re here to help when you need it.
Check out BetterBNC today. Schedule a demo and see how your contest can be even better in 2016. Email karen@smalltownpapers.com to get started.
Here are ten quick tips for promoting your journalism, creative or public relations contest. Promotion builds excitement and increases participation. Good luck!
On your website.
Add a contest or button banner with your entry deadline to your homepage – link it to your entry page. If you have an awards program page on your site, include your “call for entries” and deadline dates linking to the “make entries” page. Be sure to also add contest information to any relevant calendars on your site.
On your BetterBNC branded contest page.
BetterBNC allows you to create a branded contest webpage at no additional charge. Drive contestants to this page for all of the contest information they need.
On Twitter.
Twitter is a great way to remind contestants about your contest and deadlines. Use hashtags and ramp up tweets as the deadline approaches.
On Facebook.
Post a link to your contest webpage and encourage visitors to share it with their friends. Add logo or trophy images to build interest.
On LinkedIn.
Post contest information to your LinkedIn Group or Company page. Encourage members to promote the contest to their business contacts via LinkedIn.
In your newsletters.
Always include your contest information in newsletters and bulletins you send to members. Create a banner or badge for the top of the newsletter with a link to the entry page.
Via email.
Send an email to your membership or general database and include a “forward to a friend” link. BetterBNC allows you to email contestants from the current and previous years right from the platform’s administrator dashboard. Encourage your organization’s leaders to add contest information to their email signature, as well.
Via awards program sponsors.
If your program has sponsors, provide them with logos and contest information so they can also share it on their site, newsletters, socials, etc.
At organizational events.
Promote your contest at any organizational events using flyers, postcards, table talkers and banners. Weave in a mention during any available speaking opportunities.
Promote your contest winners.
Promote your winners in all channels and include a reminder of your next contest dates to encourage future participation.
BetterBNC® is pleased to be the preferred contest platform for more than 160 print, broadcast and creative contests across North America. Our list of participating contests is climbing as organizations prepare for their fall entry and contest periods.
We’re excited to welcome a growing number of broadcast contests as well as two public relations and marketing contests. Participating contests include AP and SPJ chapters, broadcast associations, press clubs and associations, specialty organizations and more. Click below to see who’s using the BetterBNC contest platform today.
The leading contest platform for organizations sanctioning awards competitions and contests for print and broadcast journalists and other creatives in the media industry. Contact us at 360.427.6300.
