Everyone loves a good contest, and every day I see more examples of how a well run contest can dramatically increase exposure for a site, company or product.
Contests that require skill appear to be more popular than the "run-of-the-mill sweepstakes in today's world, and savvy marketers are making the most of this trend.
iRobot recently sponsored a contest for designers who use their base product to create a useful and complete robot. The winning entry could water plants, remind you to take your medicine, and act as an MP3 player.
We all remember the successful Davinci Codes contest run by Google - I don't remember the exact figures on web traffic increases, but I do remember that it was significant!
Now, Gather.com has put its site in the news by partnering with Borders Books and Court TV in the Search for the Next Crime Writer. This highly publicized contest is sure to add tons of new traffic to Gather, as well as new members to the social network.
By the way, be sure to check out my entry - it is the Salt/Sage Murders!
