Contest and other online promotions create audience and revenue growth. Newspapers around the country used contests and interactive promotions to generate millions of dollars this year. You’ll learn how papers of all sizes can easily tap into this revenue stream.

1. Contest and Promotional Strategies that
Create Audience & Revenue Growth
New England Press Association
February 2013
D R I V I N G R E V E N U E | B U I L D I N G D A T A B A S E | G R O W I N G A U D I E N C E
NEPA February 2013

2. Our Partners
2,800 local media companies
NEPA February 2013

3. Presenters
• Matt Coen
– President & Co-Founder
– Second Street
– matt@secondstreet.com
– 314.880.4902
– @mcoen
• Rebecca Capparelli
– Director of Sales Training & Development
– GateHouse Media
NEPA February 2013

4. Blizzard of „78
NEPA February 2013

5. Blizzard of „78
NEPA February 2013

6. Who We Are
NEPA February 2013

7. Promotions Lab
secondstreetlab.com
NEPA February 2013

8. Bonus Materials
secondstreetlab.com/nepa
NEPA February 2013

9. NEPA February 2013

10. NEPA February 2013

11. NEPA February 2013

12. NEPA February 2013

13. NEPA February 2013

14. Why Online Promotions?
In Billions
Source: Borrell Associates
NEPA February 2013

15. Why Online Promotions?
NEPA February 2013

16. STATESBORO HERALD STORY
STATESBORO, GA
6,000 CIRCULATION DAILY
D R I V I N G R E V E N U E | B U I L D I N G D A T A B A S E | G R O W I N G A U D I E N C E
NEPA February 2013

17. Contest Calendar
Contest Date Revenue
Cutest Pets January $10,000
Cutest Couples February $3,500
Cutest Kids March-April $10,000
Mommy Makeover May $2,500
Hot Rides June $1,500
Bikini (Alt Weekly) August $3,000
College Football September-November $12,000
Cutest Trick or Treater October $2,500
Best Of October $50,000
Total Revenue $117,500
NEPA February 2013

18. Statesboro Herald
• Pigskin Pickem: 13 week
contest
– 14 Sponsors
– 400 Players
– Social Networking
– $12,000 in Revenue
NEPA February 2013

19. Statesboro Herald
• Cutest Couple: 4 Week Contest
– 7 sponsors
– 890 new registered users
– 10,990 votes
– 25,000 page views
– Social Networking
– $3,500 in Revenue
NEPA February 2013

20. Statesboro Herald
NEPA February 2013

21. Statesboro Herald
• Cutest Kids
– 10 sponsors
– 491 Submissions
– 2,424 registered users
– 35,138 visitors
– 134,000 pageviews
– Acquired over 2,000 email addresses
– Community involvement
– Combination of Print, Web & Video
promotions make this contest a
yearly success!
– $10,000 in Revenue
NEPA February 2013

22. Statesboro Herald
NEPA February 2013

23. Statesboro Herald
NEPA February 2013

24. Contests = News!
NEPA February 2013

25. End of Contest Print Promo
NEPA February 2013

26. Lessons Learned: Planning Contests
• Contests are a catalyst for significant
revenue from multimedia sponsorship
packages
• Opportunity to approach key advertisers
before they set their marketing budget
• Ability to set goals and have time and
energy devoted to reaching them
• Option to promote your contests using all
marketing channels
• Keeps you ahead of the competition
NEPA February 2013

27. GATEHOUSE STORY
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NEPA February 2013

28. Why Plan?
NEPA February 2013

29. Case Study: GateHouse Media
Company Overview
• 79 dailies, total paid circulation: 657,000
• 257 weeklies, total paid circulation: 493,000
• 95 "shoppers“, total circulation: 1.5 million
• Over 405 locally focused websites
• Six yellow page directories, total distribution:
490,000
• Propel Marketing
• Overall strategy to increase online
revenue, email database and audience in
2012
NEPA February 2013

30. Case Study: GateHouse Media
Contest Strategy
• Create chain-wide contests
• Run with ease and simple implementation
• Everything from contest templates to sales kits provided by corporate
• In addition, each property can run local contests that fit their audience and
advertisers
NEPA February 2013

31. Case Study: GateHouse Media
• Why planning?
– Needed to leverage the sales team
• Category approaches:
– Sales blitzes for restaurants and targeting the woman consumer.
– Wanted to go to advertisers with ideas for the ENTIRE year not just a
special section
• How did you choose the contests?
• Asked stakeholders at each property what contest ideas appealed
to them
• Picked popular contest themes with proven results in other
mediums and markets
NEPA February 2013

32. NEPA February 2013

33. Case Study: GateHouse Media
2012 Contest Calendar
Marketing Revenue Initiative Market Initiative Date Revenue
Cutest Babies January $315,000
Big Game Challenge January-February $115,505
Red Carpet Challenge February $58,674
College Basketball March $300,100
Salute to Nurses April-May $214,000
Mother’s Day April-May $65,000
The Pet Show June $71,547
Football August-October $964,000
Reader’s Choice September-November $635,000
NEPA February 2013

34. Case Study: GateHouse Media
• Sales Rollout
– Kick off call
– Toolkit – promo materials, FAQs, template for contest
– Personalize the contest in larger markets where there is more
competition
– Sales goals by market size
– Leveraged the sales team by focusing contests that tied in with
special sections they were already selling!
• Contest rollout
– Created an Admin checklist for UPICKEM tool
– Conducted Admin training when each contest rolled out
– Created a “Pickenator” (way to set up/configure contest for
groups/publications that were sharing a contest)
– Schedule and create all online promotion for the sites
NEPA February 2013

35. Case Study: GateHouse Media
• Kick off call agenda:
– The popularity of each contest initiative
– Objectives
– Your Program and FAQS
– Market Revenue Successes
– Recommended Account Targets
– Advertiser Sponsorship Packages
– Timelines and Print Schedule
– Sales Collateral & Promo Ads
– Market to-dos
– Administration for UPICKEM
– Ad Submission
NEPA February 2013

36. Case Study: GateHouse Media
Cutest Babies
• Results
– 2012: $300k
– 2,400 submissions
– 3.2 MM votes
– 25k deal opt-ins
– 83K registered users
– 5.7 MM page views
– 20% increase in monthly traffic!
NEPA February 2013

37. Case Study: GateHouse Media
Pro Football
• Results
– 2011: $350K
• Pro Football Pickem
– 2012: $950K
• Pro, College, High School and
Super Bowl Games
• 170% revenue increase!
• Larger properties generate $50k-
$100k each
• Smaller properties generate $12-
15k each
• Packaged with “Pro Football
Weekly” publication
NEPA February 2013

38. Case Study: GateHouse Media
Database Drivers
• Results
• 6,500 opt-ins from
Holiday Sweeps
• 4,000 opt-ins from Pot of
Gold Sweeps
NEPA February 2013

39. Case Study: GateHouse Media
• Best practices
– Survey with market leaders and editorial on what they
want more of, less of and what drives audience for
them. Listen to market leaders and editorial team.
– Sell MULTIMEDIA and MULTIMONTH opportunities
that include print, online, mobile and social elements.
– Sell multiple contests together – not separately
• Pro Football + Super Bowl
• Babies + Salute to Nurses + Paint it all Pink
– Create a contest that can be run at anytime - Pets
NEPA February 2013

40. Case Study: GateHouse Media
• Keys to success
– Make each contest relevant to your audience.
• Football and babies were clear winners – adding High
School to the football mix in 2012 made a bigger splash
in local markets
– Make it super easy for your sales reps to sell
each contest - make it fit into EVERYTHING
ELSE they sell.
– Promote promote promote!
• Cutest Babies is a testament that promotion is key
NEPA February 2013

41. Case Study: GateHouse Media
• Chain/Group Best Practices
– Be mindful of different sized markets that may not have on site
resources.
– Include a full sales kit that includes everything they need so that
is the only thing they need to do is sell, not setup, the contest.
• Story
• Sales Collateral
• Revenue Benchmarks
– Pick contests that are universally relevant for each market (HS
Football, Babies)
NEPA February 2013

42. Case Study: GateHouse Media
• Email Database
– Besides revenue, building
email database was a priority
in 2012
• Deals, breaking news,
weather/school alerts,
promotions
– Sweepstakes contests
helped build list
• Holiday sweepstakes added
6,500 new opt-ins
• Pot of Gold sweepstakes
added 4, 000 new opt-ins
NEPA February 2013

43. Case Study: GateHouse Media
• Plan for 2013
– Contests tie in with marketing initiatives/audience categories
– Include more optional contests that work in different regions
(Auto Racing, Fishing/Hunting)
– Will continue to build entire package to roll out to the team
complete with sales collateral
– Packaging multiple contests and niche products
• Salute to Nurses, Breast Cancer awareness (Paint it all Pink) and
Cutest Babies will be sold together
– Create monthly email list builder sweepstakes based on top
performers from 2012
NEPA February 2013

44. Case Study: GateHouse Media
Results
• $3 MM revenue growth
• Database grew by 46% since January 2012
• Audience growth – 20% just for cutest babies!
NEPA February 2013

45. PLAN-IT 365 PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
D R I V I N G R E V E N U E | B U I L D I N G D A T A B A S E | G R O W I N G A U D I E N C E
NEPA February 2013

46. Program Overview
2012 Forecast
NEPA February 2013

47. Program Steps
Prepare for Prioritize Choosing Contests How to Monetize Advanced Planning
Consultation Objectives •Contests Selection •How to Price •Resource Requirements
•Webinar •Warm Up •Contests Prioritization •How to Build a •Creating Detailed Calendar
Exercise •Alignment with Goals Sponsorship Package •Finalized Revenue Goals
•Creating a Calendar •Sales Sheet Templates •Build PowerPoint
•Revenue Goals presentation
PLAN-IT 365 STEPS TO SUCCESS!
NEPA February 2013

48. Types of Contests
• Sweepstakes
• Submissions:
- Photo
- Video
- Essay
- MP3
- Code Word
• Brackets
• Trivia
• “Best Of”
• Custom Sports
NEPA February 2013

49. Top 10 Contest Ideas
Contest Idea Time of Year
Kids/Babies* Year Round
Sweepstakes Year Round
Local Sports Year Round
Pets* Year Round
Couples* Holiday Specific
Talent Year Round
Halloween* October
Advertiser Year Round
Beauty Year Round
Holidays* November/December
*Contest template available
NEPA February 2013

50. Contest Calendar
Month Suggested Contests Contest Type
January Pets Photo Contest
February Cutest Couples Photo Contest
March College Basketball Bracket
April Kids/Babies Photo Contest
May Mother’s Day Photo Contest
June Father’s Day Photo Contest
July Beauty/Talent Photo Contest
August Local Sports Multiple Choice
September Pro Football Multiple Choice
October Halloween Photo Contest
November Recipe Essay
December Holiday Photo Contest
NEPA February 2013

51. Contest Template
NEPA February 2013

52. How to Monetize
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NEPA February 2013

53. Play Anywhere
NEPA February 2013

54. Play Anywhere
Facebook Features:
• Unlimited Contests
• Any UPICKEM contest
• Ability to run contest on
multiple Facebook pages
• Multiple contests one a
single Facebook Page
• Shared data with website
version of contest
• Like Gate
• Social Boost
• Platform Boost
• Full HTML Branding Control
NEPA February 2013

55. How to Price Guide
• Consider your prospect list
• What types of sponsorships are you
offering?
- Exclusive? Semi-exclusive?
- Is this a multimedia campaign?
- What is the total value of the
promotion?
• How much do you intend to promote the
contest?
• Will this have a Facebook component?
• Will you add an email opt-in for the
advertiser?
• Who is offering prizes: you or the
advertiser?
• Are there naming rights involved for the
contest?
NEPA February 2013

56. ADVANCED PLANNING
D R I V I N G R E V E N U E | B U I L D I N G D A T A B A S E | G R O W I N G A U D I E N C E
NEPA February 2013

57. Advanced Planning Worksheet
• A robust planning configuration tool
• Utilize tool to take high-level estimated revenues from
the Contest Bank and determine detailed sponsorship
packages, types, tiers, and campaign collateral.
• Calculate revenue by: month, quarter and year
NEPA February 2013

58. Revenue Plan Presentation
Have a kickoff meeting with
your sales team and present
your plan for the year!
NEPA February 2013

59. Next Steps
• Organize your internal contest team
– Individual property or chain level
• Set up planning time with your contest team
• Plan your contest calendar
NEPA February 2013

60. Contest Benefits
NEPA February 2013

61. WHY NEWSPAPERS?
D R I V I N G R E V E N U E | B U I L D I N G D A T A B A S E | G R O W I N G A U D I E N C E
NEPA February 2013

62. Why Newspapers?
Trusted Info
Source
Ongoing Ad Key Client
Options Relationships
Multiple
We’re Local Newspapers Media
Promotions
NEPA February 2013

63. 8 STEPS TO SUCCESS
D R I V I N G R E V E N U E | B U I L D I N G D A T A B A S E | G R O W I N G A U D I E N C E
NEPA February 2013

64. 8 Steps to Success
1. Define your team.
2. Understand your goals.
3. Target the right advertisers.
4. Build an agency model.
5. Integrated promotion.
6. Track promotions revenue in your budget.
7. Build & engage an email &social database.
8. Develop a promotions calendar.
NEPA February 2013

65. 1. Define Your Team
• No one-size fits all team
• Create team to ensure internal
accountability
• Cannot be a “side project”
NEPA February 2013

66. 1. Define Your Team
• Standing Members
– Sales Manager
– Promotions Sales Expert
– Product Manager/Lead
• Other Potential Members
– Customer Service Manager
– Marketing/Community Relations
– Key Traditional Rep
NEPA February 2013

67. 2. Understand Your Goals
• What are your revenue goals?
• Do you want to grow specific
advertising categories?
• Do you want to grow your
email database?
NEPA February 2013

68. 3. Target the Right Advertisers
• What Advertisers Are You Looking To Work With?
• Create a list of advertisers you want to do business with
• Develop promotion ideas that would appeal to them
NEPA February 2013

69. 3. Target the Right Advertisers
• KISS-FM (Detroit, MI)
• Budweiser Opening Act
• Sponsored by Budweiser
NEPA February 2013

70. 3. Target the Right Advertisers
• Star-Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
• Reel „Em In
• Sponsored by Gutter Helmet, Rapala
NEPA February 2013

71. 3. Target the Right Advertisers
• KFMB-TV (San Diego, CA)
• Sponsored by Lawrence Furniture
NEPA February 2013

72. 3. Target the Right Advertisers
How to Develop Sponsorship Packages
• Exclusive Sponsor
– Good fit for large traditional spenders.
– Contests built with advertiser in mind.
• Category exclusive sponsors
– Multiple sponsors.
– Example: Pet store, Groomer, Veterinarian.
• Multiple Sponsors
– No exclusivity.
– Often geared to smaller advertisers.
– Multiple advertisers can ad up to big revenue.
– Can represent a lot of new new revenue.
NEPA February 2013

73. 3. Target the Right Advertisers
How to Price Sponsorship Packages
• Consider your prospect list and estimate what dollar amount your
advertiser will invest in your contest.
• Be mindful of what types of sponsorships you are offering.
- Is the package exclusive? Semi-exclusive?
- Is this a multimedia campaign?
- What is the total value of the promotion?
• What is the contest category?
• How much do you intend to promote the contest?
• Will you add an email opt-in for the advertiser?
• Who is offering prizes: you or the advertiser?
• Are there naming rights involved for the contest?
NEPA February 2013

74. 4. Build an Agency Model
• Prospects
– Restaurants
– Retail
– Hotel & Travel
– Local Advertisers with good
reputations and current social
presence
NEPA February 2013

75. 4. Build an Agency Model
• What should you include in
the sales package?
– Facebook contest
– Like gate for advertiser
– Online promotion on your
site
– Print/On-air promotion
– Social media mentions
from your Facebook &
Twitter accounts
– Eblast to your promotional
database
– Email opt-in for advertiser
NEPA February 2013

76. 4. Build an Agency Model
• How should you promote?
– Use featured “pinned”
posts on your page
• When posting, make sure
they are engaging
– Move contests tab to top 3
– Customize tab image
– Send an eblast to your
promotional database
– Include promotional ads in
your print/on-air/online
products
– Promote a redirect
NEPA February 2013

77. 4. Build an Agency Model
• What should you
charge?
– Consider the value of
your promotion package
– Consider the value of
your email list
– Not a performance buy –
base cost on promotional
buy
– Large market: up to $20K
– Mid market: $5K-$15K
– Small Market: $300-$5K
NEPA February 2013

78. 5. Integrated Promotions
• Online & In Print
NEPA February 2013

79. 5. Integrated Promotions
• Social Media & E-Blasts
NEPA February 2013

80. 6. Track Promotions Revenue in Your Budget
• Account for total revenue generated from each
promotion (online and offline)
• Gauge success accurately
• Shows which promotions work best
• Promotions are a catalyst to
integrated sponsorship packages
NEPA February 2013

81. 7. Build & Engage an Email & Social Database
• Case Study: Contests & Deals
• UT San Diego
• Facebook-based contest
• 6,300 submissions
• Dates: 11/9 - 12/13
• Six rounds of giveaways - $500 gift card
NEPA February 2013

82. 8. Develop a Promotions Calendar
• Your Contest Bank will be filled with great
ideas you‟ve picked WHILE
CONSIDERING:
• your advertiser‟s goals,
• special events and sections you
sponsor/run through-out the year.
• Once its complete, you have a great
contest calendar set out for 2012.
NEPA February 2013

83. 8. Develop a Promotions Calendar
Month Theme/Season/Holiday
January New Years Resolutions
February Valentine’s Day
March Spring Break (Family Oriented)
April Golf (Masters start 4/5)
May Mother’s Day
June Father’s Day
July Summer Fun
August Back to School
September Fall/Labor Day
October Halloween
November Cyber Monday Week
December Holidays/NYE
NEPA February 2013

84. 8 Steps to Success
1. Define your team.
2. Understand your goals.
3. Target the right advertisers.
4. Build an agency model.
5. Integrated promotion.
6. Track promotions revenue in your budget.
7. Build & engage an email and social database.
8. Develop a promotions calendar.
NEPA February 2013

85. Contact Information
• Matt Coen
– President & Co-Founder
– matt@secondstreet.com
– 314.880.4902
– @mcoen
– Secondstreetlab.com
– @secondstreetlab
NEPA February 2013

86. 30 Fitness
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
New Year, New You • Gyms
• Arkansas Democrat-Gazette • Diet programs
Biggest Loser • Salons
• Plastic surgeons
• KVOA-TV
• Personal trainers
Narrow it Down for Lighten Up Lenoir • Wellness centers
• New Bern Sun Journal • Doctors offices
Smart-Healthy Challenge Giveaway!
• York Daily Record
The Subway® Biggest Weight Loss Challenge
• WPXI-TV
NEPA February 2013

87. 29 Recipes
Time of the Year:
• May- Cinco de Mayo
• June/July- Picnic Recipes • November/December-Holiday Recipes
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
NAIA Cookie Challenge 2012 • Grocery Stores
• Sioux City Journal • Specialty Food Stores
Holiday Guide Recipe Contest • Bakeries
• Food Companies
• WEVV-TV
• Farmer‟s Markets
King Scoopers 4th Annual Recipe Contest
• Restaurants
• The Colorado Springs Gazette
Reason for the Season Recipe Contest
• The Advocate
12 Days of Cookies Contest
• Omaha World-Herald
Kids Can Cook Too Contest
• Tribune Chronicle
NEPA February 2013

88. 28 Essay
Time of the Year:
• The Holidays • Graduation
• Disease Awareness • National Holidays
Months
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Toro Winter Essay Contest • Grocery Stores
• WFRV-TV • Travel Agencies
Florida Dental Something To Smile About • Healthcare Centers
• WFTV-TV • Clothing Stores
• Super Market
My Favorite Loretta Lynn Song
• Banks
• Aiken Standard
• Local Universities
The Closer to My Dreams Sweet Sixteen Send Off
• WKYS-FM
What Christmas Means to Me
• Leader-Telegram
Show Me Your Heart Poetry Contest
• Nextstar Broadcasting
NEPA February 2013

89. 27 Memorable Moments
Time of the Year:
• Year Round- Holidays or Summer Vacations
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Totally 80‟s Photo Contest • Amusement Park
• WPHL-TV • Sports Team
I Love the 80‟s • Stage Shows
• Savannah Morning News • Sports Stores
• Hotels
Meal & Memories: Best of 2011
• Travel Agency
Photo Contest • Airline
• Newberry Observer • Photography Studio
Miss Marcia… Your Favorite Memories • Fair
• WTVC-TV • Bakery
100 Years if Chevrolet • Museum
• St. Louis Post-Dispatch • Mall
Restaurants of Yesteryear
• Daily Inter Lake
NEPA February 2013

90. 26 Prom
Time of the Year:
• Spring
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Prom Queen • Tuxedo Rentals
• WPRO-FM • Dress Shops
Prom Photo Contest • Florists
• Event Venues
• Kinston Free Press
• Limousines
Pittsburgh‟s Best Prom Dress Contest • Restaurants
• WPXI-TV • DJ‟s
Prom King & Queen • Photographers
• Times-News • Salons/Spas
Prom Contest 2011
• The Gazette-Washington Post
Hot Prom Takeover!
• WHAT-FM
NEPA February 2013

91. 25 Weather/Temperature
Time of the Year:
• Fall- Foliage Contest • Spring- Wildflowers Contest
• Winter- Winter Wonderland • Summer- Blue Sky Contest
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Beat The Heat Photo Contest • Camera Stores
• KDAF-TV • Photo Printing Centers
A Taste of Summer Contest • Photography Studios
• Credit Unions
• WBBO-FM
• Banks
Spring Snapshots Photo Contest • Outdoor Supply Stores
• Fort Worth Star-Telegram • Theme Parks
Beauty of a Carolinas Spring 2012 • Travel Agencies
• Charlotte Observer
Best Snowman Photo Contest
• The News Tribune/The Olympian
Weather Photos
• WXYZ-TV
NEPA February 2013

92. 24 Fishing/Hunting
Time of the Year:
• Hunting Season- varies by state
• Summer- great for fishing contests
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Hunting Photo Contest • Gun Shops
• West Central Tribune • Boat Stores
Eagle Post Fishing Photo Contest • Fishing Supplies
• Taxidermy/Deer Processors
• The Eagle Post
• Sporting Goods Stores
Fresh Catch Contest • Outdoor Supply Stores
• Union Leader Corporation
2011 Gary the Turkey
• Norfolk Daily News
Best Buck or Doe
• The Advocate
2011 Virtual Buck Pole
• WILX-TV
NEPA February 2013

93. 23 Brackets
Time of the Year:
• Year Round – March Madness Popular
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Battle of the Bands Bracket Contest • Restaurants
• St. Louis Post-Dispatch • Event Venues
Moe‟s Bracket Challenge • Sporting Goods Stores
• WRAL Sports • Athletic Teams
• Apparel Shops
More Burger Wars
• KVVU-TV
Best Pizza Playoff Contest
• The Hour
The Onion Beer Bracket
• The Advocate
NEPA February 2013

94. 22 Drawing/Art
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
• Specific Holidays
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Lego Building Contest • Family Restaurants
• Lakeland Ledger • Hospitals
2012 Insight Amateur Photo Contest • Grocery Stores
• Art Supply Stores
• Norfolk Daily News
• Performing Arts Schools
September 2011 SnapShots Contest • Theatre Troops
• New Mexico Marketplace
White Box Challenge
• WAVY/WVBT-TV
Design Challenge
• KATU-TV
NEPA February 2013

95. 21 Wedding
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
• Typical Wedding Season is Spring
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Ultimate Wedding • Wedding Venues
• Lincoln Journal Star • Florist
The Royal Wedding of Her Dreams • Grocery Stores
• WMMJ – FM • Tuxedo Rentals
Wedding Photo Contest • Dress Shops
• Limousines
• Savannah Morning News
• DJs
Wedding Exhibit Hot Fiancé Contest • Restaurants
• WAPE-FM • Salons/Spa‟s
Wedding Outtakes Contest
• Marin Magazine
Let INC Marry You!
• WISE-TV
NEPA February 2013

96. 20 Makeover
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
• Landscaping: Warmer Months
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Green & Gold Man Cave • Remodelers
• WKLH-FM • Landscaping
Hitson Cabinet‟s Kitchen Makeover • Flooring Stores
• WTVC-TV • Appliance Stores
Grants Ugliest & Oldest Kitchen Photo Contest • Carpet Stores
• Chicago Sun-Times • Lawn and Garden
I Need A New Roof! • Department Stores
• WFTV-TV • Cosmetic Surgeons
• Make Up Stores
Grimiest Grill Contest
• Salons
• WSAW-TV
• Tanning Salons
Makeover Contest 2011 • Home Storage
• Gaston Gazette • Credit Unions
• Painters
NEPA February 2013

97. 19 Travel/Vacation
Time of the Year:
• Summer
• Spring Break
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Vacation Photo Contest • Travel Agents
• Marin Magazine • Hotels & resorts
Breckenridge Ski Resort Poster Contest • Bed & Breakfast
• Summit Daily • Camera Stores
Sell of Vacations – WIN A TRIP • Restaurants
• Suburban Newspaper • Tourism Centers
• Waterparks
Shrek Sandcastle Contest
• Travel Magazines
• The Orange County Register
• Car Rental
Have a Great Summer Contest • Sports Teams
• WBBO-FM • Breweries
• Cruise Lines
• Airlines
• Tourism Board
NEPA February 2013

98. 18 Nature
Time of the Year:
• Fall – Foliage Contest • Spring – Wildflowers Contest
• Winter – Winter Wonderland • Summer – Blue Sky Contest
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Wildflower Photo Contest - 2012 • Camera Stores
• The Orange County Register • Photo Printing Centers
Your Turn • Photography Studios
• Appeal Democrat • Credit Unions
Gorgeous Gardens • Banks
• KBJR-TV • Travel Agencies
• Theme Parks
Oregon Outdoors Wild Bird Photo Contest
• Outdoor Supply Stores
• Southern Oregon Media Group
Wisconsin Trails 2012 Photo Contest
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
NEPA February 2013

99. 17 Creative
Time of the Year:
• Year Round – Summer seems most successful season
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Short Film Contest – BT Winnipeg • Electronic Stores
• Breakfast Television • Cosmetic Surgeons
2012 Cruisin‟ Downriver Calendar Contest • Concert Venues
• Michigan Central • Carpet Stores
2012 Bacon Queen Contest • Lawn and Garden
• Department Stores
• Des Moines Register
• Restaurants
Big Ken & Colleen‟s Corny Photos Contest
• Make Up Stores
• Des Moines Radio Group
• Salons
Why do you love News 1130 • Tanning Salons
• CKWX-AM • Home Storage
• Credit Unions
• Painters
NEPA February 2013

100. 16 Big Giveaway
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Chevy Cruze • Airlines
• KTLA – TV • Restaurants
Marling HomeWorks Ugliest Kitchen • Hotels
Makeover Contest • Jewelry Stores
• WISC-TV • Car Dealerships
Dream Wedding 2012 • Motorcycle Shops
• WNDU – TV • Bed & Breakfasts
• Sports Venues
Aloha Fridays – Win a Ka‟anapali
• Concert Venues
Vacation!
• Furniture Stores
• KOMO – TV
• Wedding Venues
The Master of All Garage Giveaway!
• CITI-FM
NEPA February 2013

101. 15 School Spirit/Biggest Fan
Time of the Year: • May/June – Prom and Graduation
• August – Back to School • Any Sports Season
• October - Homecoming • Most Popular – Football and baseball
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
LMFAO Suite • Sporting Good Stores
• Edmonton Sun • Sports Venues
First National Bank “School Spirit” • Local Sports Teams
• Local Breweries
Video Contest
• Restaurants
• North Platte Telegraph
• Outdoor Outfitters
NKOTBSB Contest • Sports Bars
• WPMT-TV • Gyms
School of the Year • Memorabilia Stores
• KidsLinked.com • Colleges
Time Warner Cable Fan Frenzy Contest • Health Food Stores
• WRAL Sports • Recreational Clubs
• Clothing Stores
• Restaurants
• Shopping centers
• Florists
• Tuxedo Rental
NEPA February 2013

102. 14 Mother‟s Day/Father‟s Day
Time of the Year: • May/June – Prom and Graduation
• August – Back to School • Any Sports Season
• October - Homecoming • Most Popular – Football and baseball
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Mommy & Me • Salons & Spa‟s
• WLMG – FM • Golf Courses
Fathers Day Photo Contest 2011 • Restaurants
• Kearney Hub • Sporting Good Stores
• Boutiques
Mother Daughter Lookalike Contest
• Jewelry Stores
• WKOL-FM
• Home & Garden
FM99 Rockstar Mom Contest • Florists
• WNOR-FM • Tanning Stores
Father & Child Photo Contest • Nail Salons
• Jacksonville Daily News • Bed & Breakfasts
• Movie Theaters
• Sports Venues
• Concert Venues
NEPA February 2013

103. 13 Goodwill
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Eco Ambassadors • Charities
• KFMB – TV • Landscaping
WQSB / Pepsi Field of Dreams • Flooring Stores
• Appliance Stores
• WQSB-FM
• Carpet Stores
Praise 103.9‟s Pastor of the Month • Lawn and Garden
• WPPZ – FM • Department Stores
Lend A Helping Glove • Cosmetic Surgeons
• Indianapolis Indians • Make Up Stores
Pose for the Cure • Salons
• KBXX – FM • Tanning Salons
• Home Storage
• Credit unions
• Painters
NEPA February 2013

104. 12 Cars/Motorcycles
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Transform your Toyota • Insurance Agents
• Statesboro Herald • Auto – Body Shops
ADAMM Classic Car Contest • Car Stereo Shops
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel • Window Tinting Services
E2Xtreme Car Design Contest • Car Dealers
• Boy Scouts of America • Car Clubs
• Speed Shops
Ugliest Car Contest
• Auto Specialty Shops
• The News
• Garage Flooring
Chevrolet 100th Anniversary photo Contest • Tire Stores
• State Journal – Register • Speedway/Racetrack
NEPA February 2013

105. 11 Best Of
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
• Typically Annual
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Best of Gaston 2012 • Restaurants
• Gaston Gazette • Car Services
Kindest O.C. Owner 2011 • Handyman
• The Orange County Register • Accountant
Diamond Awards 2011 • Local Event
• MPLS St. Paul Magazine • Nursery
• Carpet Store
Best of 2012
• Grocery Store
• Times of Northwest Indiana
• Car Dealer
Best of the Best 2011 • Dentist
• Chattanooga Times Free Press • Kennel
• Real Estate Broker
• Doctor
• Bank
• Movie Theater
NEPA February 2013

106. 10 Holiday
Time of the Year:
• Any Holiday Season
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Scared of Santa Photo Contest • Department Stores
• U-T San Diego • Arts & Crafts Stores
Holiday Lights Contest • Kids Clothing Stores
• Real Estate Agents
• WAVY/WVBT-TV
• Restaurants
It‟s a Wonderful Wreath • Nurseries
• New Bern Sun Journal • Party Supply
B Christmas Choir Competition • Packaging & Shipping
• Emmis Indianapolis • Card Stores
Santa and Me • Photo Printers
• The Orange County Register • Movie Theaters
• Sports Venues
• Concert Venues
NEPA February 2013

107. 9 Beauty
Time of the Year:
• Hot Body – Summer
• Beauty – Year Round
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Rock Girl Search 2011 • Hair Salons
• WHQG-FM • Nail Salons
• Tanning Salons
Hot Beach Bodies
• Clothing Stores
• WWKX-FM
• Fashion boutiques
Hottest Mom Contest • Gym/Fitness Centers
• WKLH-FM • Restaurants
PLAZER‟s 2011 $40,000 Rock Girl Search
• KAZR-FM
Pinkalicious Diva for a Day
• KidsLinked.com
NEPA February 2013

108. 8 Advertisers
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
Contest Examples:
Disneyland Resort Sweepstakes
• KDAF – TV
Clover Billboard Contest
• KZST – FM
March Baldness
• KZEP-FM
Find Scotty at Seabreeze
• WROC-TV
Washington Trust – ILUVRI Photo
Contest
• Rhode Island Monthly
NEPA February 2013

109. 7 Halloween
Time of the Year:
• Halloween – October 31st
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
3rd Annual Cutest Trick‟r Treater • Costume Stores
• Statesboro Herald • Grocery Stores
Little Rock Mamas Halloween Contest • Candy Stores
• Arkansas Democrat-Gazette • Florists
Halloween Pet Photo Contest • Kids Museum
• WPXI – TV • Pet Stores
Halloween Costume Photo Contest • Candy Brand
• Haunted Houses
• KFDM-TV
FetchToto Halloween Costume Contest
• KWCH-TV
NEPA February 2013

110. 6 Talent
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
• Bragging Rights Have No Season
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
The Tiny Tim Talent Search • Craft Stores
• KTAR-FM • Music Supply Stores
My Kid Can Sing Contest • Talent Agency
• Savannah Morning News • Dance Studio
Be Amy For a Day • Voice Trainer
• KHFI – FM • Recording Studio
• Art Gallery
RockErie Music Awards 2011
• Camera Store
• Erie Times-News
• Community Colleges
• Pottery Studio
NEPA February 2013

111. 5 Couples
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
• Holiday Specific – Valentine‟s Day (February 14th)
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Cutest Couple Photo Contest • Jewelry Stores
• York News-Times • Hair Salon
How We Met • Hotel
• The Day • Travel Agency
• Candy Store
Cutest Couple 2012
• Florist
• Kenosha News
• Spa
Cutest Couple Photo Contest • Mall
• WGN-TV • Restaurant
Bacardi Oakheart Sweetheart • Furniture Store
• The Reader • Photographer
• Winery
• Movie Theater
• Live Theater
NEPA February 2013

112. 4 Pets
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
• Seasonal Opportunities Like Snow Dogs & Pet Halloween
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Dog Days Of Summer Pets Contest • Pet Stores
• York News-Times • Grooming Salons
Cutest Canine Photo Contest • Vet Clinics
• Local Humane Society
• Sarasota Herald Tribune
• Dog Walkers
Cutest Canine Contest • Pet Boutiques
• Newsday • Breeders
2012 Pet Calendar Voting • Doggie Daycare
• The Citizen’s Voice • Pet Boarding Facilities
Cutest Pet Photo Contest • Dog Trainers
• Tribune Chronicle • Obedience Schools
NEPA February 2013

113. 3 Local Sports
Time of the Year:
• Fall - Football
• Spring/Summer – Baseball • Winter - Basketball
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Athlete of the Year-Fan Favorite • Restaurants
• The Orange County Register • Convenience Stores
Gridiron Invasion Voting • Fast Food Chains
• KKBQ-FM • Sporting Good Stores
2011 High School Football Awards • Memorabilia Stores
• WTOV – TV • Car Dealers
Female Athlete of the Year 2011 • Insurance
• Citrus County Chronicle • Banks
Big Game TV Giveaway
• Las Vegas Review Journal
NEPA February 2013

114. 2 Sweepstakes
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
• Often Run Daily
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Badge Magic Stick With Us! Giveaway • Lottery
• Boys Life Magazine • Grocery Store
Yacht Getaway • Convenience Store
• KTLA – TV • Concert Venue
Win a New Backyard Contest • Appliance Stores
• The News-Herald • Electronics Stores
Aaron Rodgers Autographed Helmet Giveaway
• WLUK – TV
Win a $1,000 gas card from Clark Howard
• WSB – AM
NEPA February 2013

115. 1 Kids/Babies
Time of the Year:
• Year Round
• Holiday Opportunities – Such as Easter and Halloween
Contest Examples: Sponsor Ideas:
Baby Bash 2012 • Children‟s Clothing Stores
• WEZB – FM • Specialty Baby Shops
Cute Kids Football Fan Contest • Photography Studios
• Tribune Chronicle • Kids Restaurants
• Daycare Centers
Cutest Kid Photo Contest
• Nanny Recruitment Offices
• Aiken Standard
• Babysitters
Insanely Cute Preschooler 2011
• The Orange County Register
Baby Idol 4
• WPRO – FM
NEPA February 2013

116. Bonus Ideas
Contest Examples:
• Tattoos
• Lookalikes
• Big Local Outdoor Event
• Award Shows
• Code Word
• Bartender
• Graduation
• Lifestyle
• Patriotic
• Girlfriends
NEPA February 2013