Contests automatically generate excitement about your company because everyone likes to be a winner. A well-designed contest will increase traffic to your online business, improve off-line and online visibility, increase sales, and leave your customers feeling good, whether they win or not. Here are some tips for holding an effective contest:

1) Offer something worth winning: a significant and valuable prize won't cost you that much if its related to your business.

2) Select the audience by selecting the prize: By choosing a gift that relates directly to your business, you'll attract only potential customers.

3) Offer consolation prizes: Just knowing there are other prizes makes people more likely to enter. You may want to offer an inexpensive to all entrants.

4) Think globally: Make sure that your prize can be delivered anywhere.

5) Know the rules: Make sure there are no legal restrictions on awarding your prize to whoever might win it.