How to create a successful contest?

**PromoDirect** · 05-24-2011 05:33 AM

I have this question for my friend. He is creating a blog with multiple authors. The author with the top post at the end of each week will receive a special prize. He have an arrangement with a US based online store that makes this very easy, and I get free shipping.

Here's the problem: Many of the authors who want to contribute do not live in the United States, and if they win the contest I cannot afford to pay $20 for international shipping.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? What can he do differently?

Thank you!!

**willbeme** · 05-24-2011 12:48 PM

How about giving them a prize like a book on business or writing that they can download electronically? Great prize, no shipping to worry about.

**my_misyel** · 05-24-2011 06:28 PM

^oh, that's quite expensive. Maybe, you can suggest other web-based prizes like free domains, templates, ebooks or hosting service. Otherwise, if the prize is worth to deliver; you may ask them to shoulder the courier (but that's a burden i know!)