Friday, October 8, 2010

Giveaways

Giveaways are an interesting way that some  promote their on-line business and get views and links to their business page or web site.  Most people are suspicious of anyone who offers to give them something for nothing especially on the internet.  I was always one of those people.  I've come upon a number of giveaways since opening my Etsy store a year ago and for the most part I pass them by.   I don't know why exactly, I just don't feel moved to participate.  Maybe the item being offered although valuable, just doesn't interest me.   Maybe it's because I don't remember ever winning anything.   But when I  happened upon a giveaway for a web page design by Mary of SEO Web Design. I went for it.   I do ok for myself but my computer skills are really limited so this giveaway was something that really interested me.  I remember saying wouldn't it be great if I won this web page set-up. Usually, to enter these giveaways, they ask that you post a comment on their blog or web page or promote their business page on facebook.  That's something anyone can do.   I made my obligatory comment post which entered me in the giveaway,  prayed about it and never gave it another thought.   I didn't even remember I had entered until Mary sent me the notification that I was the chosen winner.  
I have yet to offer a give-away.  I know that Facebook restricts you from hosting giveaways through your facebook business page so maybe when my new web page is up and running I'll promote it by offering a giveaway.  But I have a lot to learn.  For instance, I know some use Random.org to randomly choose the winner but don't know how that works.

Here is a giveaway that I found thought my facebook friends
http://jewelrykidsandlife.blogspot.com/ (ends Oct 10)

The next giveaway is by Sue of MySavior etsy shop  She hosts back to back giveaways for people who want her to do them.  Her current giveaway on her web page is a beautiful piece of jewelry by CK SILVER on Etsy

The following giveaways I found in the Etsy forums searching by giveaways:
http://ohnohuedidnt.blogspot.com/
http://dragonflykissesjewelry.blogspot.com/2010/10/giveaway.html
http://tonyautkina.blogspot.com/2010/10/giveaway-red-berry-earrings.html



http://remakingmemories.com/blog/fall-fun-and-fun-giveaway
http://heidijaneblankets.blogspot.com/2010/10/melted1-adjustable-swarovski-crystal.html

I'd love to hear from some of you who have successfully hosted giveaways and how you did them.  If you'd like to post a link to a current giveaway please do so.  

9 comments:

  1. I find giveaways fun but maybe for different reasons than others. For me, the fun comes from having as many people as possible to enter so the seller doing the giveaway can be promoted. If that seller gets a sale from my hosting the giveaway - WOW! That makes me a happy camper.

    ♥♥♥
    Sue

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  2. I've won a couple giveaways and I also hold them when I have a milestone I want to celebrate. They do a few things IMO- they get the word out, other people see your work, and someone who may not have been able to purchase your items regularly might win. It's just all around fun :)

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  3. I have never entered in any giveaways, not sure why. Perhaps for similar reason as your own.

    Thank you for posting this, I found it to be very informative.
    ~Casey

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  4. Sue, That's sweet that you are so committed to the success of others. I'd love to have you host one for me once my web page is ready.

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  5. Thank you Casey and Gossamer for your comments and kind words - I appreciate it.

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  6. I haven't hosted a giveaway yet, but I did win a prize by participating in a game on a facebook fan page. I was so suprpised and delighted. I am thinking of doing something similar soon! Thanks for posting...it was very informative!

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  7. I did one giveaway once and the winner never came forward. I will be trying again soon!

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  8. I have had a few giveaways and won one giveaway.
    For me it's a bit expensive to hold one because of the shipping costs of mosaics and I don't really see any difference except maybe in the amount who follow my blog.

    There are just so many out there now that it feels like you are just lost in a sea of giveaways.

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  9. I have done giveaways on Jewlry by Solange Blog http://jewelrybysolange.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-showers-bring-may-flowers.html and on Christie Cottage Blog http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/ Both brought interest/sales

    Julie Riisnaes
    http://www.julieriis.etsy.com

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