Any Good Ideas on Promoting a Contest?

[MyNet]

Does anyone have any good advice on how to promote a contest?  Has anyone hosted a contest and had a lot of good luck that could offer some pointers on how to get the word out? The contest consists of people uploading a 60 second or less WildBlue commercial video that they have created.  The video with the most votes will win the competition, and we are giving the winner a $50 cash prize.  So far I have been Tweeting about it, and I have sent out a press release.  Any other advice will be appreciated.  The link to the contest page is http://www.mybluedish.com/lp/contest/ if you want to take a look at it.  Thank you in advance.

[LornaM]

I haven't personally hosted a contest but some of the ones I have seen have mainly used Facebook to promote it. This allowed fans to view the videos others have created and comment on them. Potential entrants can then see what others have done and get ideas. It also creates more followers of the contest as they come back to see the new videos. It is only one idea I have seen work in the past but I hope it helps.

[AnthonyMangia]

I know this probably isn't what you're looking for by any means, but I think it's going to be hard to really promote the contest given how small the cash prize is.  It's just not exciting enough to really generate any sort of buzz, and certainly no press whatsoever.  If you had a few thousand dollars in your budget and thought up some unique prizes for the top 3 winners, it would be much more marketable.

But I understand, budget is always an issue.  I would try tweeting bloggers and influencers in your niche or in related industries asking if they can RT the details.  Now is the time to call in any favors you have from personal connections or people you know in the industry.

You might try reaching out to niche amateur filmmaking communities, although I suspect you would have much better luck with a bigger prize.  Though that's not really the audience you want to reach with this contest, it could help get you some better quality submissions, for content's sake.

[EssEEmily]

This seems like a contest your customers might be interested in. Do you have an email list? Perhaps send it out there.

I have never run a contest where someone has to create a video, but I have had success with free contest listing sites. Do a quick google search and you will find a few where you can list your contest. Also, don't be afraid to ask your followers to RT your Tweets. I find when I ask followers are happy to oblige.

Best of luck with the contest!