Profit By Running an Online Contest: 33 Irresistible Prize Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

School's out for the summer, and although we grown adults don't get two months off every year, it's still one of the nicest times of the year.

It's also a great time to set up a social media giveaway for your brand.

Contests and giveaways are a great way to grab attention, generate positive buzz, and grow your social media following…

…AND grow the number one asset you can POSSIBLY have:

a targeted email list.

Everyone loves that unique feeling that comes with being a winner — not to mention getting awesome free stuff. No content or giveaway would be complete without at least one prize.

But what should you actually offer people?

This can be one of the most surprisingly challenging aspects of planning a social media contest.

It needs to be something that your audience wants, and that makes sense for your brand.

But without breaking the bank.

Since an email list is the most profitable asset you can have…

You have to look at this as an investment in your business.

A recent post from Wishpond offers a bunch of great ideas for fun, ‘summery' prizes your followers will love.

Warning: Do not choose a prize that is irrelevant to your business. If you own a toy store, don’t give away a limo package for two, a brewery tour or a gym membership. These have nothing to do with your store and won’t be attracting the right customers. People will just be entering to win the prize and not because they would ever buy your products.

Summer Contest Prize Ideas

In summer the combination of sunshine, longer days and warmer weather make everyone happy. Piggyback on this happy time of year and make a splash into the summer with these contest prize ideas.

1 . Tickets to a sporting event
2 . Fishing trip/Hunting Trip
3 . Shooting range
4 . Ferry/boat trip
5 . Luggage set
6 . Camera with tripod stand
7 . Aquarium/Amusement Park/Zoo
8 . Camping Package
9 . Hiking Package
10 . Round of golf for two
11 . Picnic Basket and Accoutrement
12 . Graduation related prize
13 . Sporting event tickets
14 . Personal training sessions
15 . Swimwear
16 . 2 Night Hotel Stay
17 . Outdoor Music Festival
18 . Sunscreen/skin care kit
19 . Summer makeover – wax/laser, haircut
20 . Sunset Cruise/ Boat cruise
21 . Adventures – kayak, ziplining, bungee jumping, canoeing, surfing

Back-to-school contest prize ideas

22 . $50 worth of photo prints
23 . Back-to-school gear: Backpack, pens and markers, calculator
24 . Car detailing pack: free car wash, interior cleaning, etc.
25 . Lesson set for dancing, music, art
26 . Sports team sponsorship
27 . E-reader
28 . Bike/skateboard/rollerblades
29. Body wash prize pack including deodorant, soap, razors etc
30 . 6 months paid cell phone bill
31 . Language classes
32 . Cold/flu care package: Tea, blanket, heating pad, bubble bath
33 . Kid’s facepaint, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and costume

Even if none of these work for your niche, hopefully it at least gives you a spark of inspiration.

You can find more contest prize ideas over at Wishpond.