If you belong to the right groups, you see requests for contest sponsors on a regular basis. So why should you just give away your products? What is in it for you?

Exposure for your business at a low cost is one benefit. Whoever you are donating to, should give you credit for your donation, along with your business and web address. This is perfect for "showing off" what you offer on your website.

Gaining a new customer is always a possibility, too. When the winner gets the chance to try out your product, it's possible for them to order again from you. They may even just recommend you to their friends!

A few things you should know before committing:

~What the contest is being held for and who is holding it. Make sure the people that are signing up are your target market.

~Ask if the person holding the contest will give you the names of those entering, or at the very least the name of the winner (you want to follow up on them to see how they liked the product they won!).

~Find out all the details on how the contest is being handled. Know for sure if this particular contest is going to work best for you and the person holding the contest.

If you don't belong to any lists or message boards where you see requests for contest sponsors, here is are a few:

http://www.mompack.com (subscribe to the Yahoo Group)
http://www.wahm.com (check on the message boards)

Contest sponsoring is just one of many ways that you can get your name out. It should be done in combination with other marketing ideas. Good luck!

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About the author: Kara Kelso is the owner of Mom's Market, which is an online mall where shoppers can support mothers by purchasing products and services from a mom-run business. Visit: Mom's Market Online