How to get a competition noticed?

[thekitchendesigner]

I'm thinking about having a competition to 'launch' my own range of kitchens locally, and generally make some noise, get noticed etc.

Firstly, once i have organised what i'm doing, how would i get the local papers to feature it? Could this be done as a press release, or would i have to pay to have an 'advert'?

I'd like to join forces with another local business for one of the ideas - a local limousine hire company (well known in the area) have just taken on a ferrari 360, which they hire out. I'm thinking of approaching them and asking them to provide say an hours ride in it for the winner.

I'm hoping that they'll oblige as it will be advertising for them and their new car. I'm assuming i'll pay them a 'trade price' for the experience which will be a reduction on what they ususally charge??

I know this idea for a prize isnt very kitcheny, but thats exactly why i thought about it - being different.

Lastly, i thought that to enter the competition i could have a section on my website where they need to answer a Question to enter - that way people see my website and may enquire about a kitchen. It will also help get my business to be recognised.

Please could i have your thoughts on my initial ideas. I've never done anything like this before so any advice from you good people would be great!

Cheers

 

[GreatSEO]

Mark

Hope our conversation was usefull

Regards

Dave

 

[Pebble Communications]

The best way is to run the competition in conjunction with your biggest local paper group. They give you free space and a bit of a promo in exchange for you providing a nice prize for their readers.
You need to speak to the paper's promotions department.

 

[thekitchendesigner]

Hi Fiona,

Thanks for your post.

So how would i put it to them? Should i say 'i've teamed up with xxxxxxx to provide a great competition prize, and would like to offer it to your readers'

Sorry if that sounds obvious, but i've never embarked on anything like this before!

There is one really good county wide paper that i have in mind that is by far the best, and very well known. They are part of the Newsquest group. This is a paid for paper, and gets 'reprinted' as one of the freebies the following week!

 

[LindseyMHC]

Hi Mark,

One thing you need to bear in mind is that many publications have a minimum prize value and won't even consider working with you for less. I had one client who wanted to run a competition with Good Housekeeping (right at its target market) but the £1,000 minimum prize value was prohibitive.

The prize value varies from publication to publication and is dependent on a few factors, e.g. circulation, so you would be well served to find out the value of the prize you are offering before approaching the publication.

I've had quite a bit of experience with running media competitions (as has Richard Glynn from The Buzz Factory - he's a member on this forum as well) so feel free to get in touch for some advice.

Regards,

Lindsey.

 

[Pebble Communications]

I think the papers might struggle to see the connection between your company and the limo company - it won't plug both of you unless you are both putting up a prize. Could you offer a free kitchen re-design or something - or a voucher for use against a kitchen? Or could you team up with a more relevant company - a day's cookery course or something and do a joint comp with them - win a day's cookery course plus a free kitchen re-design?Most local papers have a minimum prize value of around £250 to £300.

Just call the promotiond department, tell them you want to arrange a competition, and ask what their minimum prize value is. Then they'll help you work out all the details. Make sure you are included in the paid-for as well as free editions though.