Here is a list of our top 2017 posts according to the following categories:
GOOD TO KNOW:
Criteria for Judging a Video Contest
Marden-Kane has provided you with information about “Good Criteria for Judging a Contest” and a follow-up article on “Criteria for Judging a Photo Contest”, well what about Video Contests? Read more…
What is a Surprise & Delight?
A Surprise and Delight is a marketing tactic similar to a sweepstakes or contest, where gifts are given away to fans, but instead of a posted entry period with rules and a set prize, the giveaway itself is completely unannounced and random. Read more…
Make Your AMOE Count
AMOE stands for Alternate Means of Entry or Alternate Method of Entry. By law, a sweepstakes in the United States must have a free method of entry, so if a sweepstakes asks for a purchase to obtain an entry or a code for an entry, then the rules should always list a “no purchase” or AMOE method of entry. Whether you are running a sweepstakes or entering one, here is how to make your AMOE count. Read more…
TOOLS AND TRACKERS:
Use the Marden-Kane Social Tracker for a Successful Hashtag Contest
A social media sweepstakes or contest is a cost effective way for your brand to gain followers and increase sales without setting up a special web site or sophisticated data collection.The Social Tracker tool tracks hashtags, likes and comments on social media platforms. Marden-Kane’s Social Tracker tool is a quick, efficient way to run a social sweepstakes or contest. Read more…
10 Necessary Features of an Online Contest Judging Tool
Sometimes a client comes to us with a technical vendor who has an online judging tool they plan to use. The problem with that scenario is that their vendor typically thinks like a technical expert and not like a contest expert. We believe that judging should be approached from a marketing perspective as well as a technical perspective! And the online judging tool should be built accordingly — like the Marden-Kane judging tool is! Read more…
Social Contests and Sweepstake: Favorite (and Least Favorite) Platforms to Use
Social contests and sweepstakes are currently the most popular tactic that we are seeing our clients use to increase brand awareness and reach. The Marden-Kane team has some strong ideas on what social platforms work, and which ones can cause headaches. We compiled this list of pros and cons to use when evaluating social platforms for your brand’s next social promotion. Read more…
LEGAL AND REGULATORY: 
Regulated Industries and Sweepstakes
Some regulated industries require special disclosures and/or have special legal requirements for running sweepstakes. These regulated industries include alcohol, tobacco, gasoline, firearms, dairy, banking, pharmaceuticals, and cause-related marketing. It is absolutely essential to know the laws of these industries, or partner with a promotional marketing firm who works with legal counsel who is familiar with these laws, before undertaking a contest or sweepstakes. Read more…
Sweepstakes Void in Florida & New York
One question we hear frequently: Why are so many sweepstakes void in Florida and New York? The answer is simple: some states require registration and bonding. Many companies either don’t want to deal with that requirement, don’t want to spend the extra money, or they have run out of time to file. Read more…
What is Contest Collusion?
Contest collusion is a term used in conjunction with scams or fraudulent promotions or promotion activity. Read more…
FUN:
Wacky Sweepstakes Disclaimer Fun
Here at Marden-Kane, we’ve written countless sweepstakes rules and disclaimers. And while we love our jobs, crafting these legal documents can get a bit…dry. So we decided to take a break and have a little fun. We’ve created a wacky sweepstakes-themed word game, and we’d like to share it with you. We hope you enjoy it! Read more…
Prize Fail: Avoid These Prizes
Don’t have a prize fail! Take the advice of the experts at Marden-Kane on what prizes to avoid – and what works! – for your next sweepstakes or contest. Read more…
Get Social with a Back to School Sweepstakes for Students
Social is the perfect platform for a back to school sweepstakes as it’s the easiest way to engage high school and college aged students. You don’t need a huge budget to run a social campaign, and as long as you run the promotion on a platform familiar to your target age group, and offer something they want they will find you! It’s a win-win for your brand and for your student audience. Read more…
Contact Marden-Kane to come up with a top sweepstakes or contest for your brand.
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