IF LINKY ISNT HERE, ITS DOWN AND WILL GO UP AS SOON AS LINKY GOES UP! Its been on and off lately, so we have to adjust our blog accordingly.
Before you list your contests, lets start out Contest Mondays with a thought…WHY do you run contests?
Recently I was in a conversation (that subsequently lowered my IQ by 3 points for participating) where the contest entrants were convinced that bloggers would fold without contests. Basically….its all bloggers traffic and without them, we are, gasp, nothing. Obviously, that’s my dramatic interpretation but isn’t far from the truth, albeit the words they used were much more rude.
Let me ask you dear bloggers, WHY do you run contests and is it your only source of traffic?
On MomDot, while we absolutely love to offer products to our blog as a form of advertising for a company, our real purpose has very little to do with contests or product reviews. Our blog set up is in such a way that we try to differentiate contests from our regular content so its not as intertwined. If you must come for a contest, I hope you leave with a thought unrelated to a product.Your not going to remember me for a pair of shoes, but you may for this.
We actually host our contests with the thoughts of rewarding continuous visitors to our site; the ones invested into our community via reading, commenting, being on the forum, or Friday Night Shows. We also hope that it helps introduce new bloggers to our site and they wonder where they have been their whole lives and come back and get involved. Our true influence lies in those people that interact with us on a daily, or weekly basis and not with someone that stopped in to leave me a comment on a product that says “thanks” and disappears off of my blog radar.
It makes me feel used. Like showing up at my house for the pre-football game cookout, drinking all my beers, and then leaving before the game starts.
With the exception of our completely amazing and awesome swingset giveaway, very little of our traffic is actually due to contests, so if for some reason they went away, the only people we would be disappointed for is our regular audience and our inability to give back in a material way to the community that supports us.
That being said, thankyou to the BLOGGERS that spend hours and hours surfing blogs, entering and hosting contests, supporting bloggers, running advertising, marketing, and social networking till thier heads have migraines and their fingers crack from tension. YOU are the leaders, your blogs are what makes the internet go round, and we apprieciate every virtual footprint you leave at our door.
~Trisha
On to your contests! Enter them with the Contest Prize name and last day to enter in (parenthesis) so everyone knows what your offering and what time they have to do that by. Remember, we do this every Monday, so feel free to come list your new contests weekly and remember to support and enter the contests all over the Blogosphere. We also welcome you to include a comment that shares your contests or talks about something special you have going on contest related.
We love when you leave a comment and dont forget to visit someone elses contest and support them!
1. CoCo Bonbons Outfit 5/18 
2. Layers Clothing Swim Suit 5/17
3. Manhattan Toy Company Dolls 5/17
4. Eeamaria Hangbag 5/15
5. SlimPerfect Dress 5/14
6. Collage Book Kids 5/13
7. Craft Book Kids 5/13
8. Handmade Dress 5/12
9. Food Should taste good chips 5/12
10. Vado Video Camera 5/11
11. Chouette by Cosette Diaper Bag (worth more than $160) 5/24
12. Little M's Boutique Clutch Purse 5/24
13. lillebaby EveryWear Baby Carrier 5/24
14. photofiddle 5/11
15. Personalized Mommy Necklace 5/11
16. Scentsy 5/11
17. Basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets 5/11
18. Bugaloo Soft-Soled Leather Shoes (5/13)
19. Maternity Shirt Of Choice 5/11
20. Diaper Bag 5/13
21. Happy Squash Toys Set of 3 Wood Toys (5/13)
22. Apron 5/13
23. Steam Floor Mop 5/13
24. $25 Build A Bear Giveaway 5/15
25. Pendant Of Choice-TWO WINNERS 5/15
26. Sterling Silver Personalized Bracelet 5/18
27. Two Winners-Coffe Cozy AND Gadget Cozy 5/18
28. Farmstead Orgaincs Trio 5/20
29. BOOB- TWO shirts 5/20
30. Catch the Drift...(RkDsign Art prints) 5/18
31. Aurora Photo Edit Software- TEN WINNERS 5/20
32. Pair Of Earrings 5/20
33. SimaG Jewlery
34. The Mommy Measure 5/20
35. The Kirkpatrick Project CD
36. KINeSYS Sunscreen AND Spray 5/20
37. Catch the Drift...(Zutano $75 gift certificate) 5/18
38. Durex- MomShell- 5 winners
39. 2 Year Subscription To ALL YOU Magazine 5/20
40. Taste of Home Cookbook (5/31)
41. Hairstyles for girls (flat iron) 5/31
42. Catch the Drift...(Choice of TutuPosh tutu) 5/22
43. The Army Wife: Jewelry of Choice
44. You Can Make this eBook *2 winners* (5/15)
45. The Army Wife: DivaCup Giveaway (2 Winners)
46. The Army Wife: Lunapads Sampler Kit
47. Reliable Steamboy T1
48. Baby Loving Mama-Sue Berk Designs Cross and Blanket (5/25)
49. Win 1 Year of Meal-Planning from Relish! (5/31)
50. Tyson Foods (5/13)
51. Baby Loving Mama-Katie Caught a Cold Autographed Harcover Book (5/22)
52. Baby Loving Mama-Got Milk? Prize Pack (5/20)
53. Aurora Photo Editing Software (5/15) - 10 winners
54. Baby Loving Mama-SinuCleanse Kids Mist (5/19)
55. KnitPicks Organic Yarn & Harmony Needle Kit Giveaway! (5/30)
56. OPI "Breathe Life" Ltd. Ed Nail Polish Giveaway (5/17)
57. Femeeze Activewear Giveaway (5/20)
58. Star Trek Gel Skin for 15" Laptop (ends tonight)
59. Vera Wang Stationery Giveaway (5/20)
60. My Plate-Mate Toddler Feeding Giveaway (5/22)
61. Brain, Child Magazine for Thinking Mothers Subscription Giveaway (5/24)
62. Soy Spacasso Mango Papaya Silky Body Spray Giveaway (5/15)
63. Sterling Diamond earrings
64. Designs Are Unique Giveaway
65. Frecklebox Item of Choice (5/26)
66. Happy Green Bee Giveaway
67. Fusion of Color Cosmetics $25 Gift Certificate (5/26)
68. Macaroni Grill Giveaway
69. Crazy Dog Tshirts shirt of your choice (5/26)
70. Kids Swimwear Giveaway
71. Things Remembered Charm Story (5/26)
72. $25 target Gift Card (5/15)
73. Your Mama Reviews - Surft Sweets Organic Candy Gift Pack (5/18)
74. Your Mama Reviews - Organic Lavender Hydrosol
75. Mommies w/Cents-Lansinoh Diaper Cream
76. My Tot Clock (Ends 5/25)
77. Baby Gift Give-Away 5/11
78. The Body Shop $100 VALUE (Ends 5/11)
79. Sinupret for kids 5 Winners! (Ends 5/13)
80. EyeBuyDirect Eyeglasses (Ends 5/14)
81. I See Me Personalized book kit (Ends 5/15)
82. "Katie Caught a Cold" Dr. Hippo Book (Ends 5/14)
83. Skin Free Whipped Tamanu Body Butter (Ends 5/18)
84. Carry You Stroller Accessory (Ends 5/19)
85. "Dirty Bow Wow" Book (Ends 5/18)
86. Dapper Snappers (Ends 5/20)
87. Romano's Macaroni Grill Gift Basket -3 Winners (Ends 5/18)
88. Fresh Snack Packs (Ends 5/21)
89. Faryl Smith CD (Ends 5/22)
90. YouCanMakeThis.com (Ends 5/18)
91. Mommies w/Cents-Crayola Prize Pack
92. Suzie's Confections Gourmet Treats (Ends 5/31)
93. Mommies w/Cents-Moisture to Go Gift Pack- 3 Winners!
94. A Bling Affair Childrens Clothing Giveaway Ends May 17th
95. Bugaloo Kids Shoes (5/13)
96. Free Glasses from Eye Buy Direct (5/20)
97. This Mom- MixMyGranola 5/13
98. This Mom- No Throw bottle tether 5/11
99. Mommies w/Cents-Bendaroos Mega Set
100. This Mom- Toni Tierney 2 pc set- 6 months
101. Mommies w/Cents-Dry Cleaner's Secret
102. Mommies w/Cents-Piggy Bank
103. Mommies w/Cents-Southern Living Slow Cooker Cookbook
104. Mommies w/Cents-Good Home Cookbook
105. Flat Iron from Misikko (5/30)
106. Cupcake theme: Necklace, Apron, and soap! (5/30) | 107. Belli Stretchmark Minimizing Cream 5/14
108. Jump Start Membership (5/21)
109. Forever and a Day ANY ITEM ($18) 5/20
110. Copy of Windows Vista Ultimate and a TV Tuner
111. TastySuite ALPHABET DECAL 5/17
112. Hotel for Dogs DVD
113. Carolina Pad Fashionable Office Supplies worth $150 (5/25)
114. 50.00 GC to eat at Bob Evans
115. EarCheck Middle Ear Monitor (5/16)
116. Shi Shu Baby Snuggler (5/19)
117. My Flipper Toothbrush Holder (5/21)
118. Manhattan Toy (5/23)
119. Wee Squeak Shoes (5/26)
120. Deal-ectible Mommies (Bical Grippers)
121. Deal-ectible Mommies (Skin MD-2 Winners)
122. Ellembee any item (5/11)
123. Graco imonitor Dual Child Digital monitor
124. Canadian Creationz earrings (5/14)
125. Klean Kanteen
126. Miracle Blanket (Ends 5/12)
127. Beth's Boutique Candles 8oz candle & goatsmilk soap (5/16)
128. Ficklets Eyewear Charms (Ends 5/18)
129. bebe au lait Double Reversible Bib (5/16)
130. YCMT Personalized Name Pillows eBook (Ends 5/15)
131. PeaceLoveMom Tote & Notepads (Ends 5/31)
132. The Trendy Tadpole
133. Golden Sew Cute Shop
134. Little Miss Matched
135. Sage and Savvy-Prissy Designs Diaper Clutch (5/18)
136. Monkey Bum Baby Designs
137. Dr. Hippo Series
138. Pences Gifts
139. Sage and Savvy-Natural Joy Lip Tints (5/11)
140. Exergen Temporal Thermometer
141. Sage and Savvy-Things Remembered 5/12
142. CHI Turbo Flat Iron
143. Sage and Savvy-Firefly Toothbrush 5/13
144. Sage and Savvy-Half the Sky Designs Bag 5/14
145. Sage and Savvy-YouCanMakeThis.com eBook (5/15)
146. Sage and Savvy-Dirty Bow Wow 5/16
147. Sage and Savvy-Douglas Cuddle Toys 5/17
148. LIVE CONTEST for Bebe Au Lait Hooded Towel
149. Live Butterfly Garden from Insect Lore
150. $20 Gift Certificate to The Note House
151. 500 Piece Bendaroos Kit
152. $125 Beauty Gift Basket from Zhen
153. $25 Gift Certificate to The Paperdoll Store
154. Smart Moms Teething Pendant (5/12)
155. Tickle Moster by Josie Bissett
156. Children's Books Giveaway $100 value!
157. Emergency Vets for Nintendo DS 5/13
158. Spoonfuls of Stories 5/13
159. Durex Utopia/Quiver 5/15
160. Life Starring Ellie and Eve (Coupon Organizer) 5/21
161. Dirty Bow Wow 5/15
162. Thrifty & Chic Mom (Atterdag Kids $25 GC)
163. $50 Visa GC ::daily entry!:: 5/20
164. Kimono Robe and Projection Alarm Clock 5/19
165. SinuCleanse Kids Mist (5/18)
166. Flor Modular Carpet (5x7 Rug of Your Choice)
167. Melissa Beth Designs Metro 9-2-5 Laptop Bag
168. Shi Shu Baby Luxe Bamboo Snuggler Blanket (5/14)
169. $50 GC to Birth Designs Customized Jewelry (5/13)
170. Free SunProtection Zone Product of your choice! (5/22)
171. $20 e-gift certificate to PiggyPaint.com (5/15)
172. Amazing Grass Combo! 5/31
173. Frugal RI Mama - $50 Visa Gift Card
174. $20 GC to Flowerz in her Hair ends 5/14
175. Simply Being Mommy - Karito Kids Doll (5/12)
176. Simply Being Mommy - Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers (5/12)
177. Simply Being Mommy - Things Remembered (5/18)
178. Simply Being Mommy - System Mechanic (5/21)
179. Simply Being Mommy - Photofiddle $50 Gift Certificate (5/22)
180. Simply Being Mommy - Dr. Hippo Complete Series (5/24)
181. Frugal RI Mama - Hannah Montana The Moive Soundtrack
182. Peanut Butter & Smelly's Dad - Munchie Mug (5/15)
183. Peanut Butter & Smelly's Dad - Diaper Dekor
184. Peanut Butter & Smelly's Dad - Diaper Dekor (5/22)
185. Peanut Butter & Smelly's Dad - New Balance Sneakers (5/29)
186. Mommy Goggles: $100.00 Lands' End Giveaway!
187. Frugal Plus - Simple Green Naturals Products (5/18)
188. Pure Romance $25 Gift Certificate (5/25)
189. Baking Soda, Banana Peels, Baby Oil, and Beyond (5/30)
190. The Lemonade Stand - EarCheck Monitor - To detect ear infections at home! - 19/5
191. Thrifty Minnesota Mama-Skinny Dip Candles Pamper Pack-ends 5/25
192. Thrifty Minnesota Mama-Bath Luve Duck-ends 5/22
193. Thrifty Minnesota Mama-Welcome, Little One book-5 winners! ends 5/21
194. 3 boys & a dog Cotton Candy Necklace & Earrings Giveaways ends 5/15
195. Thrifty Minnesota Mama-See Kai Run pair of shoes your choice ends 5/20
196. Thrifty Minnesota Mama-Purely Products Pocket Purifier $30 value ends 5/20
197. Thrifty Minnesota Mama-Baby Dipper Bowl & Spoon Feeding Set ends 5/16
198. Thrifty Minnesota Mama-So Easy Baby Food Kit & Mama Jewel ends 5/13
199. 3 boys & a dog n-fini Shapewear 2 winners ends 5/22
200. The Lemonade Stand - Total Blog Makeover! - 12/5
201. A Mom's Balancing Act-I See Me! Personalized Book Giveaway-Ends 5/25
202. Crackers&Chaos - U*neaks Shoes&Socks (5/13)
203. Babes and Kids - Baby Sign Language Book, 2 winners! (5/25)
204. Deb (2 Evenflo Breast Pumps nursing pads - 5/22)
205. Deb (Flip Ultra Series II Camcorder - 5/15)
206. Deb (4 Hallmark card prize packs - 5/16)
207. ikookie 100% Organic Cotton Children's T-Shirt
208. "Dirty Bow Wow"-- A Dog Lover's Book
209. SuperMom Central - Children's Tent!
210. I Like it Frantic-Yes To Carrots-05/22
211. SuperMom Central - See Kai Run shoes!
212. $5 Amazon Gift Card {5/31} | 213. Me and My Boys! (Tidy Kidz 1 year membership/photo contest) Ends 5/24
214. Me and My Boys! (Pepsi Throwback Prize Package) Ends 5/20
215. Gobs of Giveaways ~ Hip-T ~ 5/13
216. Me and My Boys! (HAPPY BABY foods) Ends 5/17
217. Gobs of Giveaways ~ 2 Bottles of Nature's Source Natural Cleaners ~ 5/19
218. Me and My Boys! (First Juice) Ends 5/17
219. Me and My Boys! (Nature's Baby) Ends 5/15
220. Me and My Boys! (Happy Green Bee Reversible Hoodie) Ends 5/13
221. Summer of Pink Giveaway (1K in Prizes) Ends 5/31
222. Kolobags Giveaway ends 5/15
223. icefairy's Treasure Chest
224. icefairy's Treasure Chest-$75 GC Jumeau Bags (5/14)
225. Crackers&Chaos- Dr. Hippo Moose with the Loose Poops {5/20}
226. WubbaNubs : Babies Pacifiers (5/30)
227. Layers Clothing 5/25
228. Cheerios Books 5/25
229. Kimochis Toy 5/15
230. Me and My Boys! (bioME 5-FUN bodysuit or toddler tee) Ends 5/25
231. Bamboobino Bamboo Fitted Crib Sheet
232. Bug and Pickle ($50 GC)
233. Learning Curve Toddler Toys (2 winners)
234. GlamourMom Nursing Top
235. Flying Giggles & Lollipops Set of 4 Ribbon Board Books
236. Flying Giggles & Lollipops 4 Winners, my bodibar GC 5/14
237. Thomas & Friends Preschool play pack $55 5/18
238. Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker (5/19)
239. Peanut Butter and Pickles Trendy Brandy Kids Taitiri accessories giveaway
240. Peanut Butter and Pickles, Tutu Twirls Giveaway
241. Peanut Butter and Pickles Tutu Twirls Giveaway
242. Mommies w/Cents-Bolaball Lawn Game
243. A Frugal Friend (New Cookbook: $3 Meals) 5/19
244. It Sucked And Then I Cried by Heather Armstrong Book {6/5}
245. Lessons in the Little Stuff (Heavenly Home Package) (Ends 5/16)
246. SIMPLE - Macaroni Grill Dinner Basket (3 Winners) - 5/16
247. Vinyl Wall Art (5/31) Beauty4Moms
248. Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox
249. Kim Kihega
250. Nicole's Nickels ($30 to Edible Gifts Plus, ends 5/22)
251. Nicole's Nickels (Joolwe matching necklace and earrings, ends 5/22)
252. A Frugal Friend (Caillou 123 Train Board/Puzzle Book) 5/28
253. Crackers&Chaos- Dr. Hippo Katie Caught a Cold (5/20)
254. Giveaway: Backstage Creations Celebrity Gift Basket (Value $1200)
255. Florastor Kids (5/19)
256. Sambucol Immunity Boost (5/19)
257. ExtraordinaryMommy - Sara Lee Dessert Giveaway!
258. ExtraordinaryMommy - IPod Shuffle and Ziggy Marley Family CD!
259. Mommies w/Cents-Baby related Idiot's Guides
260. Simply faBOWlous - Flower & Rhinestone Headband Giveaway - (6/2)
261. Barely Domestic Mama - $25 gift certificate to Jupita or Dropsof Jupita (5/31)
262. This Side of Eternity ( Kajeet Cell Phone)
263. Free Mix & Match Set from Bubele Baby
264. Coupon Geek (Food Storage Set Ends 5/18)
265. Giant FOrtune Cookie giveaway
266. The G-Free Diet by Elisabeth Hasselbeck (5/21)
267. Bob Barker Autobiography (5/21)
268. May Bookshelf Cleaning - 4 Books (5/28)
269. The Survivors Club by Ben Sherwood (5/26)
270. More Than Cents - Green Toys Cookware and Dining Set (5/12)
271. Ends 5/15 (various prizes)
272. Thrifty Jinxy Pepsi Throwback Pack (5/19)
273. Couponing 101 - Cute Coupon Organizer (5/9)
274. Coupon Geek (Fresh Home Mag Subscription TWO Winners Ends 5/18)
275. Elizabeth @ Suzy Q Homemaker
276. Win a box of Florastor Kids ends 5/13
277. Remind me I'm a Momshell ends 5/13
278. Win a copy of Luanne Rice's Last Kiss ends 5/15
279. Win 1 of 25 coupons for Dove Ultimate Deodorant (ends 5/15)
280. win 1of 3 What's for Dinner Gift Baskets ends 5/15
281. A Family Completed-Custom Tutu from TutuPosh Boutique (5/25)
282. 500 Business Cards 5/21
283. Mommies w/Cents-Book/Plush toy set- 5 Winners!
284. Win a pair of Kidshoos
285. Pat. @ Here And There - Conquer The Fat Loss Code (05/30)
286. Frugal Plus - Made in the USA Book (5/21)
287. FamilyTreesMayContainNuts
288. Nowali Moccasins 5/21
289. Mommies w/Cents- The Note 2 on DVD
290. It's Really Only a Purple World - 16x20 poster print from Uprinting.com (5/22)
291. Peronalized Children's Bath Towel
292. Faryl Smith's debut album, " Faryl" - three winners - Ends May 17th
293. Tea Cozy Kit - three winners - Open to US - Ends May 18th
294. Jumpstart online membership (5/29)
295. $250 Visa giftcard
296. Baby Oil Set - Includes cradle cap baby oil, a brush, and comb - Ends 5/18
297. Swanky Bambino - leg warmers & satin hair clips (5/21)
298. London Calling charm bracelet - Open to worldwide, ends 5/17
299. Your choice of shapewear from ASSETS! Ends 5/17
300. Belkin Conserve Surge Protector - Ends 5/17
301. Windsor Tea Set - US & Canada - Ends May 21st
302. Sugar Sweet Baby - Review & Giveaway ($65 Wrap)
303. TakeLessons Voice/Music Lessons (5/25)
304. Smart Baby Kid: Mee Wee Free iTunes Album Download Giveaway
305. Mommies w/Cents- HEALTHDROPZ
306. Blessings Abound (Bloomin Earrings-5/31)
307. Blessings Abound (500 Business Cards-5/23)
308. Blessings Abound (Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara-2 winners-5/21)
309. 09/05/22 - Webkinz Day ExtravaGANZa Black Poodle (CanContests.com)
310. 09/05/22 - $25 LCBO Gift Card (CanContests.com)
311. 09/05/22 - Baby Leg Huggers (CanContests.com)
312. Mommies w/Cents- VdoBug DVD Navigator
313. Blessings Abound (Prescription Eye Glasses-5/26)
314. Blessings Abound (My Hip-T-5/26)
315. Frugal Freebies - Meow Mix Giveaway - 05/22
316. Frugal Freebies - Toilet Training Books Giveaway - 05/29
317. Wall Art for Child's Room- 5/31- Beauty4Moms
318. You're next! | |
Oh crud I didn’t put the date. Contest closes June 14th, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time.
In the beginning contests got your name out there and gave you a little traffic but now if you don’t have the content they won’t be back often or become regulars.
Thanks.
Thanks for the love. My giveaway is for an awesome personalized wall art decal! You will love it! http://beauty4moms.blogspot.com/2009/05/graphic-spaces-wall-art-giveaway.html
thanks for the link love!
Thanks for letting us post!
Outfit your little ones in flowers & sparkles: 1) Flower and 1) Rhinestone
Headband Giveaway!
Expires 6-2-09
Simply faBOWlous (Find Us Above)
Visit:
http://simplyfabowlous.blogspot.com/2009/05/may-giveaway-flowers-sparkles.html
I actually made a separate blog for giveaways and reviews, and my main blog (without giveaways) is still way more popular than my reviews blog. I honestly just like trying out new things!
I’ve started pushing for more giveaways in conjunction with reviews because I want other moms to experience the same products that I’m sharing. It’s that simple.
Sure giveaways have boosted my stats a bit, but nothing insanely huge, not even double.
I started out as a blogger for the joy of blogging. (And in fact I just had a rant of my own on my blog about that. http://snurl.com/ht70d
) Then I started reviewing products that I loved, which quickly lead to giveaways. I host giveaways on my review blog because it gets more traffic to those posts and therefore more exposure to the products – products I only review/giveaway if I think my readers are going to love them.
I’d keep doing reviews if the giveaways dried up, there would be less traffic, but the posts wouldn’t change. And I’d definitely still be blogging on my regular site, which has nothing to do with giveaways or reviews and everything to do with my life and thoughts.
The people who are saying stuff about giveaways being the backbone of the blogosphere haven’t understood a thing about this awesome space and frankly the faster they move on the better off we’ll all be.
I don’t usually visit blogs for the giveaways (unless it’s something I really really want.) I read for the content. And I don’t host giveaways for driving in traffic. I rarely even see much traffic from my giveaways, it’s usually just my regular readers who enter. I do it just for the sheer fun and excitement of seeing one of my readers win something. Blogs would definitely continue, not shrivel up and die, with or without giveaways.
Thank you for everything you do!!!
I like hosting giveaways, I think they are fun and a good way to “reward” my readers. I also think they are a good way to attract new readers…maybe not through Online Sweeps, but I have received quite a few comments from people saying they found me through so and so blog contest linky and they subscribed. I find them to be a good promo tool if used correctly. And I have no issues with the traffic that online sweepers bring me LOL plus I have had one sweeper win out of all my contests, and when I emailed her she didn’t get back to me so I chose another winner who happened to be a regular reader and commenter.
I’m not sure what amount of unique users per day is considered “great traffic”. 1000? 5000? 10000? More? I think “great content” is much more important than any contest to bring folks in. After all, even if a contest draws them in what keeps them coming back?
I run contests because I think that every mom deserves to win something! (I did giveaways for my offline mom’s group before I ever switched to the blog format.)
Currently, I have several giveaways going on..
• “All About Moms/Mother’s Day” (including free babysitting!)
• “Give Respect” Bracelet/$50 Macy’s Card
• “Crayola Outdoor Challenge” pack
• Ziggy Marley “Family Time” CD/iPod
• Tales 4 Tomorrow plush animals
• Uncle Ben’s ‘Simplify Your Life’ ($100 value)
• Nine More Great Green Products
• MyPunchbowl Birthday Reminders
Good luck!
@ Trisha-admin:
That’s the way it should be:0)
I run them for fun. I really enjoy doing the write ups and reviews that go along with most of the giveaways. My giveaways are mostly entered by readers, it doesn’t seem like I gain much extra traffic from hosting them.
I do it to reward my readers, too. But often, I get more comments on my non-review or giveaway posts. Sometimes, it’s puzzling.
I started my blog with ways to help save and make money. Then somehow I have been fortunate to receive items for review and giveaway. I try to include other posts throughout the week and I never post giveaways on weekends. I do think a lot of my traffic is due to my giveaways, but I also like to think that even if I cut back my giveaways a little bit that I would still have the same hits and views. I do get comments on non-giveaway posts and that is always nice!
I had decent traffic before I started doing giveaways, so I started doing giveaways to give back to my readers. In February my unique visitors doubled and I did not host a single giveaway. It was because of my content that month and and being linked to by other bloggers who liked my content, so my traffic is definitely not from the giveaways I host.
sandyra wrote:
i enter about 1 contest a month…seriously. I enter only when a friend wants me to OR something really freaking amazing. I go to blogs for the people behind them.
I don’t do a lot of giveaways, but the ones I do are usually entered by mostly the people that read my blog everyday. I personally don’t read blogs just for the giveaways. They have to have some reason for me to be connected to them. Not just, “hey I won a toaster”! I read them for content. Blogs will survive even if contests were not a factor!
Amy Coose wrote:
These are not all mine. LOL! They are other bloggers.
I will say that my traffic goes down dramatically when I am light on giveaways or they aren’t giveaways that are in high demand. I am very thankful for memes that allow me to include content that still draws traffic. I do have some loyal commentors though who always pull through when I don’t get a chance to link up a certain post and I love them for it!
Thanks Trish for Mr Linky as always!
Wow, you’re doing a TON of giveaways!!! That’s a great way to spend your bday!
Well, if I’m being honest, I do think giveaways bring traffic to my blog but it’s obviously much smaller than MomDot! But giveaway do not create consistent, active readers who come back every day. It’s up to us as bloggers to keep them engaged and coming back – giveaways can’t do that.