So, this is like my first online contest ever, and to be honest, I entered this contest to express my interest and thoughts toward this Conference but no lest because of the Free Ticket to HCM city. At the time of my submission, which was like 5 days into the contest, and there was only 1 other entry, and I really did think I’d have a free trip to Saigon easily.
However, as the contest heating up, competition is increasing daily, and I’m starting to question myself if it’s worth it at all. The amount of time and efforts I have put here could have paid for a two-way ticket in itself. And … I’m not even doing well right now , SAD FACT (I’m like 10th in both # of views and votes). But since I’ve already invested my effort and energy into this, I figure I better be able to learn something from it. So I’m trying to draw some lessons on marketing for myself as well as for other contestants who will not win this contest (which is always the majority: D). Hope you guys like some of these too.
1) Be early: Obviously, you need time to prepare for the content, but the earlier you submit the better. When there’re a managable number of entries, people are more likely to listen to them all and vote for you. Current statistic also shows that out of the first 6 entries, 4 are amoung among the most viewed voted. My entry was 2nd, but some mistakes below prevented my entry joining the leaders.
2) Be shameless: The entry is your effort, you need to get over the fear of failure and promote your entry relentlessly. Write an entry on your blog about your contest, encourage your friends, your family, your contacts, to vote for you. If you get enough people you know come and vote for you, you might be able to reach the “Tipping Point.” As defined in Malcolm Gladwell’s book, it’s the point that other people just follow and jump in just because everyone else is doing so. In other words, if you get your votes and views high enough through connections, people you don’t know will follow: listen and vote for you.
3) Be outstanding: If your name/nick is not seen, people will not even bother listen/read your entry, as simple as that. So be active within the community: post a question, reply to a post, make your name be seen.
Another way to be outstanding is to have catchy title. I made a mistake filing my entry title w/ my business title, and since I can’t change it, I don’t think it help in attracting reader. Let’s face it: unless you’re a judge, looking at a list of speeches from random unknown people, you’ll pick a few ones with the most catchy title. And since you’re already listen to that entry, why not vote for him/her anyway.
4) Get to know the organizer, the host, the judge: Not so that you can bribe them or something, but talking to them can give you new idea. Even better, they can help and guide you to a successful entry since in the end, they’re the one who know best about what you should write/speak about. And if they mention you or your entry in their email, you’re sure on your way to success. For example, in an email subject: “Important note to contestants,” someone from the organizer team posted 4 links to demonstrate those who have transcript in their comment section. Incidentally, 3 out of those 4 currently are among the most viewed entries. I’m sure this is unintentionally done, but this will create unfair competition in my opinion. But this point #4 actually has nothing to do with what I was trying to say, I was digressing.
Note: These tips are purely my opinions on how to increase your views and votes, not on how to win the contest which also require your entry content be excellent.
