The surge in popularity of web video has given rise to the online video contest. You have probably seen pleas for votes on Facebook or RTs of links on twitter. Luckily, for the small business marketer or non-profit fundraising chair, they aren’t just a passing fad. Big brands are utilizing video contests as a way to create and distribute content – and you can too.
There are three good reasons to participate in or hold a video contest:
They’re a Good Excuse to Make a Video!
Sometimes you just need a little extra encouragement to make a video about your business or organization. Many contests, like The Green Awards, require you to upload a video about your business or organization in order to participate – and if you don’t have one, you’re out of luck.
The Pepsi Refresh Project, which offers grants for up-and-coming small businesses based off popular vote, allows you to upload a video about your business as an additional way to make your case. If you already have a video, this is another way leverage your investment. If you don’t already have a video, it’s a good excuse to make one!
Candidio takes away the stress of producing a video by allowing the user to shoot their own high-definition video and upload it for professional editing.
They’re a Good Way to Get Other People to Make a Video for You!
Organizing a video contest on behalf of your business or organization is not only a great way to engage current and prospective customers and stakeholders, but it’s also a great way to have many different people create content around your brand without any effort on your part. For example, you could encourage your customers to send in a video of them using your product. Then, through social media, have your fans and followers choose a winner. For the relatively small investment of adminstering the contest and giving away a prize, you will end up with a lot of real, engaging content.
If you use Facebook to administer your contest, be sure to adhere to their strict guidelines.
Followers of @brewhouse on twitter have probably seen the innovative and…interesting ways he has used twitter and video contests to engage with his customers.
The city of Noblesville, Indiana is currently holding a video contest on their website that utilizes YouTube and Vimeo. Contestants are encouraged to create a video about a favorite restaurant, shopping destination, landmark or person in Noblesville. It goes without saying how these videos can increase the image and visibility of the city’s brand. They’re even using video to promote the contest!
They’re a Good Way to Make Money!
Video contests sometimes come with major cash prizes. Dell is currently holding a video contest through YouTube called “America’s Favorite Small Business.” Contestants are encouraged to submit a video about their small business for a chance to win over $75,000 in cash and prizes. Notice how Dell is creatively using their YouTube Channel to administer this contest.
Before launching a video contest, be sure you know how it will be administered and judged. It may not be for those who have just recently dipped their toes in the social media pond. However, if you plan out your contest thoughtfully and creatively, you may see big dividends on the first try.
About Steven Shattuck
