When Networking Fails…
- 5 Comment
To successfully network a blog with other blogs in your niche can do wonders for your SEO, traffic and overall branding. I had that idea with Contest Live. Its the only active contest voting network and with so many contests going on daily, I thought it would be a perfect resource for bloggers with contests. After getting set-up with the website and content up I began contacting the blogs on the Top 20 Blogs list as well as several others.
And The Result Was…
Well it was sad. I got one response declining link exchange and that. One actually asked a bit more about Contest Live, but that was two weeks ago, with no response since.
As BAYB has become a great place to find contest blogs as well as our weekly contest round-up, I not only envisioned Contest Live as a place for contests, but also a place to find other great contest blogs.
So how do I attain that with a failed networking campaign?
Attraction with Contests
To get initial buzz and visitors, sponsoring contests has been a huge boost. I have sponsored entrecard credits and advertising space for Contest Live. I’ve been able to balance links to Contest Live as well as the blog.
Getting set-up as a sponsor was a lot easier than I thought. Some contests were already in progress and I caught them early enough to throw in an additional prize. Ive also contacted people who are looking to host a contest and get in that way.
I even got my own contest featured at A Blog of Goodies and was able to pick up several great members and people submitting great contests.
We have a great guide 6 Tips for Hosting a Blogging Contest, which is a little old, but still remains pretty valid. I am looking to feature a few more contest tips upcoming.
Have you been able to use contests to further promote your website?
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5 Comments on this post
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AffiliateObsession.com said:
I haven’t been able to come up with a contest that is interesting enough for everyone. I think by now they know they have to subscribe, even if they don’t want to, and I think that’s kept some contests from becoming a success.
I would like to have contests every month, just as a content boost, but it’s hard to have the “unique” one that everyone talks about. I think the more word of mouth you can generate, the better it will be.
Plus you don’t want to make the entry process to complex, because that makes it harder on your reader, as well as, yourself to tally entries.
Good luck with Contestlive.com, I’ll keep pushing it for you !
AffiliateObsession.coms last blog post..Blog Updates and Review from the Last Couple Months
September 8th, 2008 at 7:09 pm -
Matthew Henrickson said:
Very true, thats why I have liked just adding a small prize to someones large contest. Its been great in getting backlinks as well as some new members.
I appreciate all the support you’ve given to contest live! 🙂 thanks
September 8th, 2008 at 7:19 pm -
indocontest said:
Nevermind Matt. Thats only one though. 🙂
Cheers Man!!.indocontests last blog post..Win Ads Spot and Entrecard Credits at Web Investigator
September 9th, 2008 at 4:21 am -
Courtney said:
Hi,
I run MomGiveaways.com and would be happy to exchange links. I have had some success with running giveaways. My main target is the mom crowd and they love giveaways.
Courtneys last blog post..Unique Skins for Your Gadgets Giveaway
September 9th, 2008 at 8:57 am -
trisha said:
Yes, contests help because you can have extra entries be to add links to your site, digg or stumble upon, and basically a buzz about what you are giving away.
However, I do believe link exchanges are the best form of advertising. I do think that some people dont like to link exchange, its like self protection of their blog or site. I dont understand it. Im all about free, free, and exchange, exchange!
Unless your running porn, i will exchange links.
trisha
September 9th, 2008 at 1:40 pm