Guest Author - Jennifer L. Thompson

Many of us who enjoy entering contests find it to be an enjoyable pass time, an engaging hobby, or a fun way to earn money. From the other end of the spectrum, however, there is a quite different perspective. Sweepstaking is not only beneficial to those of us who enjoy entering, it is also a boon to big business, and is "sweeping" through the advertising world. Sweepstakes are a unique form of advertising.

A sweepstakes of some type can be found in nearly any industry. Though winning something such as "HGTV's Dream Home" may be considered to be something akin to a real-life miracle to those of us with "sweepstaking dreams", the advertising and good consumer/business relations received for the sponsors and suppliers makes it all worth while from a business standpoint. The audience reached covers the breadth and width of the advertising spectrum, with people from all walks of life gaining exposure to the sponsor's products and services. The impact of a large business running a sweepstakes can be a great asset to all.

The financial savings over other forms of advertising can be substantial. Many items may be donated from other companies or individuals in order to advertise their own products and services, thus cutting the cost to the primary sponsor. Though there may still be other expenses involved, the end cost is a fraction of the actual value received.

Smaller businesses are also beginning to see the same "big-business" type benefits. Promoting a particular product through a free drawing can bring nationwide, or even world-wide exposure to a small business through the wonder of the world wide web. Avid sweepstakers hunting for entries will run across a promotion and it will be passed on to countless others. Sweepstaking websites and magazines will offer another type of "free" advertising in promoting a company or product. These "sweepstaking networks" are comprised not only of those who love to win prizes, they are also valuable consumers who are gaining exposure to new products and services each and every week, thus broadening the consumer base for a business.

So, if you are looking for an innovative way to promote your business, you may find it very beneficial to run a sweepstakes! In the end, it's not only "big business", it's a win-win situation for all!