In June 2012, we hosted our 3rd annual 30 Contest Ideas in 30 Minutes webinar. We shared the top 30 contest categories run on UPICKEM, as well as examples and best practices for contesting success. Below you’ll find the recording a slide deck from 30 Contest Ideas in 30 Minutes and the slide deck. Also, check out the list of all the contests we mentioned during the presentation, plus advertisers to target for each contest category.
Download: 30 Contest Ideas in 30 Minutes
30. Fitness
Examples:
- Get Fit Challenge: Star-Herald
- New Year, New You: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Biggest Loser: KVOA-TV
- Narrow it Down for Lighten Up Lenoir: New Bern Sun Journal
- Smart-Healthy Challenge Giveaway!: York Daily Record
- The Subway® Biggest Weight Loss Challenge: WPXI-TV
Advertisers to Target:
- Gyms
- Diet Programs
- Salons
- Plastic Surgeons
- Personal Trainers
- Wellness Centers
- Doctors’ Offices
29. Recipes
Examples:
- NYS Apple Growers Recipe Showdown: WNYT-TV
- NAIA Cookie Challenge 2012: Sioux City Journal
- Holiday Guide Recipe Contest: WEVV-TV
- King Scoopers 4th Annual Recipe Contest: The Colorado Springs Gazette
- Reason for the Season Recipe Contest: The Advocate
- 12 Days of Cookies Contest: Omaha World-Herald
- Kids Can Cook Too Contest: Tribune Chronicle
Advertisers to Target:
- Grocery Stores
- Specialty Food Stores
- Bakeries
- Food Companies
- Farmers’ Markets
- Restaurants
28. Essay
Examples:
- West Side Story, Share Your Love Story: KOMO-TV
- Toro Winter Essay Contest: WFRV-TV
- Florida Dental Something To Smile About: WFTV-TV
- My Favorite Loretta Lynn Song: Aiken Standard
- The Closer to My Dreams Sweet Sixteen Send Off: WKYS-FM
- What Christmas Means to Me: Leader-Telegram
- Show Me Your Heart Poetry Contest:Nextstar Broadcasting
Advertisers to Target:
- Grocery Stores
- Travel Agencies
- Healthcare Centers
- Clothing Stores
- Supermarket
- Banks
- Local Universities
27. Memorable Moments
Examples:
- Disneyland Making Memories Contest: KATU-TV
- Totally 80’s Photo Contest: WPHL-TV
- I Love the 80’s: Savannah Morning News
- Meal & Memories: Best of 2011 Photo Contest: Newberry Observer
- Miss Marcia… Your Favorite Memories: WTVC-TV
- 100 Years of Chevrolet: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
- Restaurants of Yesteryear:Daily Inter Lake
Advertisers to Target:
- Amusement Parks
- Sports Teams
- Stage Shows
- Sports Stores
- Hotels
- Travel Agencies
- Airlines
- Photography Studios
- Fairs
- Bakeries
- Museums
- Malls
26. Prom
Examples:
- Favourite Prom Photo Contest: Truro Daily News
- Prom Queen: WPRO-FM
- Prom Photo Contest: Kinston Free Press
- Pittsburgh’s Best Prom Dress Contest: WPXI-TV
- Prom King & Queen: Times-News
- Prom Contest 2011:The Gazette-Washington Post
- Hot Prom Takeover!: WHAT-FM
Advertisers to Target:
- Tuxedo Rentals
- Dress Shops
- Florists
- Event Venues
- Limousines
- Restaurants
- DJs
- Photographers
- Salons/Spas
25. Weather/ Temperature
Examples:
- Fall Photo Contest: Our State
- Beat The Heat Photo Contest: KDAF-TV
- A Taste of Summer Contest: WBBO-FM
- Spring Snapshots Photo Contest: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- Beauty of a Carolinas Spring 2012: Charlotte Observer
- Best Snowman Photo Contest: The News Tribune/The Olympian
- Weather Photos: WXYZ-TV
Advertisers to Target:
- Camera Stores
- Photo Printing Studios
- Photography Studios
- Credit Unions
- Banks
- Outdoor Supply Stores
- Theme Parks
- Travel Agencies
24. Fishing/ Hunting
Examples:
- Gone Fishing: New Bern Sun Journal
- Hunting Photo Contest: West Central Tribune
- Eagle Post Fishing Photo Contest: The Eagle Post
- Fresh Catch Contest: Union Leader Corporation
- 2011 Gary the Turkey: Norfolk Daily News
- Best Buck or Doe: The Advocate
- 2011 Virtual Buck Pole: WILX-TV
Advertisers to Target:
- Gun Shops
- Boat Stores
- Fishing Supplies
- Taxidermy/ Deer Processors
- Sporting Goods Stores
- Outdoor Supply Stores
23. Brackets
Examples:
- DFW.com Battle of Burgers 2011: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- Battle of the Bands Bracket Contest: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
- Moe’s Bracket Challenge: WRAL Sports
- More Burger Wars: KVVU-TV
- Best Pizza Playoff Contest: The Hour
- The Onion Beer Bracket: The Advocate
Advertisers to Target:
- Restaurants
- Event Venues
- Sporting Goods Stores
- Athletic Teams
- Apparel Shops
22. Drawing/ Art
Examples:
- Spring Cover Shot Surf Photo Contest: OrangeCounty.Com
- Lego Building Contest: Lakeland Ledger
- 2012 Insight Amateur Photo Contest: Norfolk Daily News
- September 2011 SnapShots Contest: New Mexico Marketplace
- White Box Challenge: WAVY/WVBT-TV
- Design Challenge: KATU-TV
Advertisers to Target:
- Family Restaurants
- Hospitals
- Grocery Stores
- Art Supply Stores
- Performing Arts Schools
- Theatre Troops
21. Wedding
Examples:
- Q Wedding Giveaway 2012: WCVQ-FM
- Ultimate Wedding: Lincoln Journal Star
- The Royal Wedding of Her Dreams: WMMJ – FM
- Wedding Photo Contest: Savannah Morning News
- Wedding Exhibit Hot Fiancé Contest: WAPE-FM
- Let INC Marry You!: WISE-TV
Advertisers to Target:
- Wedding Venues
- Florist
- Grocery Stores
- Tuxedo Rentals
- Dress Shops
- Limousines
- DJs
- Restaurants
- Salons/Spas
20. Makeover
Examples:
- Make Me Over: The Pitch and Her Kansas City
- Green & Gold Man Cave: WKLH-FM
- Hitson Cabinet’s Kitchen Makeover: WTVC-TV
- Grants Ugliest & Oldest Kitchen Photo Contest: Chicago Sun-Times
- I Need A New Roof!: WFTV-TV
- Grimiest Grill Contest: WSAW-TV
Advertisers to Target:
- Remodelers
- Landscaping
- Flooring Stores
- Appliance Stores
- Carpet Stores
- Lawn and Garden
- Department Stores
- Cosmetic Surgeons
- Make-Up Stores
- Salons
- Tanning Salons
- Home Storage
- Credit Unions
- Painters
19. Travel/ Vacation
Examples:
- Apple Vacations Endless Summer Photo Contest: WPHL-TV
- Breckenridge Ski Resort Poster Contest: Summit Daily
- Sell of Vacations – WIN A TRIP: Suburban Newspaper
- Shrek Sandcastle Contest: The Orange County Register
- Have a Great Summer Contest: WBBO-FM
Advertisers to Target:
- Travel Agents
- Hotels & Resorts
- Bed and Breakfast
- Camera Stores
- Restaurants
- Tourism Centers
- Waterparks
- Travel Magazines
- Car Rental
- Sports Teams
- Breweries
- Cruise Lines
- Airlines
- Tourism Board
18. Nature
Examples:
- Wildflower Photo Contest – 2012: The Orange County Register
- Your Turn: Appeal Democrat
- Gorgeous Gardens: KBJR-TV
- Oregon Outdoors Wild Bird Photo Contest: Southern Oregon Media Group
- Wisconsin Trails 2012 Photo Contest:Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Advertisers to Target:
- Camera Stores
- Photo Printing Centers
- Photography Studios
- Credit Unions
- Banks
- Travel Agencies
- Theme Parks
- Outdoor Supply Stores
17. Creative
Examples:
- Rihanna Red Head Hair Contest: KBFB-FM
- Short Film Contest – BT Winnipeg: Breakfast Television
- 2012 Bacon Queen Contest: Des Moines Register
- Big Ken & Colleen’s Corny Photos Contest: Des Moines Radio Group
- Why do you love News 1130: CKWX-AM
Advertisers to Target:
- Electronic Stores
- Cosmetic Surgeons
- Concert Venues
- Carpet Stores
- Lawn and Garden
- Department Stores
- Restaurants
- Make-Up Stores
- Salons
- Tanning Salons
- Home Storage
- Credit Unions
- Painters
16. Big Giveaway
Examples:
- Sands Wedding Giveaway: Newsday
- Chevy Cruze: KTLA – TV
- Dream Wedding 2012: WNDU – TV
- #1 Day Chevrolet Great Car Giveaway Contest: WPXI
- The Master of All Garage Giveaway!: CITI-FM
Advertisers to Target:
- Airlines
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Jewelry Stores
- Car Dealerships
- Motorcycle Shops
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Sports Venues
- Concert Venues
- Furniture Stores
- Wedding Venues
15. School Spirit/ Biggest Fan
Examples:
- Bolt Fever – Photo Contest: U-T San Diego
- LMFAO Suite: Edmonton Sun
- First National Bank “School Spirit” Video Contest: North Platte Telegraph
- NKOTBSB Contest: WPMT-TV
- School of the Year: KidsLinked.com
- Time Warner Cable Fan Frenzy Contest: WRAL Sports
Advertisers to Target:
- Sporting Good Stores
- Sports Venues
- Local Sports Teams
- Local Breweries
- Restaurants
- Outdoor Outfitters
- Sports Bars
- Gyms
- Memorabilia Stores
- Colleges
- Health Food Stores
- Recreational Clubs
- Clothing Stores
- Restaurants
- Shopping Centers
- Florists
- Tuxedo Rental
14. Mother’s Day/ Father’s Day
Examples:
- Mother’s Day Photo Contest: WKRG-TV
- Mommy & Me: WLMG – FM
- Fathers Day Photo Contest 2011: Kearney Hub
- Mother Daughter Lookalike Contest: WKOL-FM
- FM99 Rockstar Mom Contest: WNOR-FM
- Father & Child Photo Contest: Jacksonville Daily News
Advertisers to Target:
- Salons & Spas
- Golf Courses
- Restaurants
- Sporting Good Stores
- Boutiques
- Jewelry Stores
- Home & Garden
- Florists
- Tanning Stores
- Nail Salons
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Movie Theaters
- Sports Venues
- Concert Venues
13. Goodwill
Examples:
- WCTV’s Teacher of the Month!: WCTV-TV
- Eco Ambassadors: KFMB – TV
- WQSB / Pepsi Field of Dreams: WQSB-FM
- Children’s Reading Foundation Photo Contest: Tri-City Herald
- Pose for the Cure: KBXX – FM
Advertisers to Target:
- Charities
- Landscaping
- Flooring Stores
- Appliance Stores
- Carpet Stores
- Lawn & Garden
- Department Stores
- Cosmetic Surgeons
- Make-Up Stores
- Salons
- Tanning Salons
- Home Storage
- Credit Unions
- Painters
12. Cars/ Motorcycles
Examples:
- Enter To Win $1000 From Youngblood Auto: KY3-TV
- Transform your Toyota: Statesboro Herald
- ADAMM Classic Car Contest: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- E2Xtreme Car Design Contest: Boy Scouts of America
- Ugliest Car Contest: The News
- Chevrolet 100th Anniversary Photo Contest: State Journal – Register
Advertisers to Target:
- Insurance Agents
- Auto-Body Shops
- Car Stereo Shops
- Window Tinting Services
- Car Dealers
- Car Clubs
- Speed Shops
- Auto Specialty Shops
- Garage Flooring
- Tire Stores
- Speedway/ Racetrack
11. Best Of
Examples:
- Lincoln’s Choice – Voting: Lincoln Journal Star
- Best of Gaston 2012: Gaston Gazette
- Kindest O.C. Owner 2011: The Orange County Register
- Diamond Awards 2011: MPLS St. Paul Magazine
- Best of 2012: Times of Northwest Indiana
- Best of the Best 2011: Chattanooga Times Free Press
Advertisers to Target:
- Restaurants
- Car Services
- Handymen
- Accountant
- Local Event
- Nursery
- Carpet Store
- Grocery Store
- Car Dealer
- Dentist
- Kennel
- Real Estate Broker
- Doctor
- Bank
- Movie Theatre
10. Holiday
Examples:
- Scared of Santa: Shelbyville Times – Gazette
- Scared of Santa Photo Contest: U-T San Diego
- Holiday Lights Contest: WAVY/WVBT-TV
- It’s a Wonderful Wreath: New Bern Sun Journal
- B Christmas Choir Competition: Emmis Indianapolis
- Santa and Me: The Orange County Register
Advertisers to Target:
- Department Stores
- Arts & Crafts Stores
- Kids Clothing Stores
- Real Estate Agents
- Restaurants
- Nurseries
- Party Supply
- Packaging & Shipping
- Card Stores
- Photo Printer
- Movie Theaters
- Sports Venues
- Concert Venues
9. Beauty
Examples:
- Be the Next SUNshine Girl: Winnipeg Sun
- Rock Girl Search 2011: WHQG-FM
- Hot Beach Bodies: WWKX-FM
- Hottest Mom Contest: WKLH-FM
- PLAZER’s 2011 $40,000 Rock Girl Search: KAZR-FM
- Pinkalicious Diva for a Day: KidsLinked.com
Advertisers to Target:
- Hair Salons
- Nail Salons
- Tanning Salons
- Clothing Stores
- Fashion Boutiques
- Gym/Fitness Centers
- Restaurants
8. Advertisers
Examples:
- Name the Baby Red Panda: WDBJ-TV
- Disneyland Resort Sweepstakes: KDAF – TV
- Clover Billboard Contest: KZST – FM
- March Baldness: KZEP-FM
- Find Scotty at Seabreeze: WROC-TV
- Washington Trust – ILUVRI Photo Contest: Rhode Island Monthly
7. Halloween
Examples:
- Cutest Trick’r Treater Photo Contest: Lubbock Avalanche Journal
- 3rd Annual Cutest Trick’r Treater: Statesboro Herald
- Little Rock Mamas Halloween Contest: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Halloween Pet Photo Contest: WPXI – TV
- Halloween Costume Photo Contest: KFDM-TV
- FetchToto Halloween Costume Contest: KWCH-TV
Advertisers to Target:
- Costume Stores
- Grocery Stores
- Florists
- Kids Museums
- Pet Stores
- Candy Brands
- Haunted Houses
6. Talent
Examples:
- Dance With Britney: WPRP-FM
- The Tiny Tim Talent Search: KTAR-FM
- My Kid Can Sing Contest: Savannah Morning News
- Be Amy For a Day: KHFI – FM
- RockErie Music Awards 2011: Erie Times-News
Advertisers to Target:
- Craft Stores
- Music Supply Stores
- Talent Agencies
- Dance Studios
- Voice Trainers
- Recording Studios
- Art Galleries
- Camera Stores
- Community Colleges
- Pottery Studios
5. Couples
Examples:
- Cutest Couples Photo Contest: WLMG-FM
- Cutest Couple Photo Contest: York News-Times
- How We Met: The Day
- Cutest Couple 2012: Kenosha News
- Cutest Couple Photo Contest: WGN-TV
Advertisers to Target:
- Jewelry Stores
- Hair Salons
- Hotels
- Travel Agencies
- Candy Stores
- Florists
- Spas
- Malls
- Restaurants
- Furniture Stores
- Photographers
- Wineries
- Movie Theaters
- Live Theatres
4. Pets
Examples:
- My Pet Rox the Black & Gold: WEZB-FM
- Dog Days Of Summer Pets Contest: York News-Times
- Cutest Canine Photo Contest: Sarasota Herald Tribune
- Cutest Canine Contest: Newsday
- 2012 Pet Calendar Voting: The Citizen’s Voice
- Cutest Pet Photo Contest: Tribune Chronicle
Advertisers to Target:
- Pet Stores
- Grooming Salons
- Vet Clinics
- Local Humane Society
- Dog Walkers
- Pet Boutiques
- Breeders
- Doggie Daycares
- Pet Boarding Facilities
- Dog Trainers
- Obedience Schools
3. Sports
Examples:
- Best High School Mascot: Arkansas Democrat – Gazette
- Athlete of the Year-Fan Favorite: The Orange County Register
- Gridiron Invasion Voting: KKBQ-FM
- 2011 High School Football Awards: WTOV – TV
- Female Athlete of the Year 2011: Citrus County Chronicle
Advertisers to Target:
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Convenience Stores
- Fast Food Chains
- Sporting Good Stores
- Memorabilia Stores
- Car Dealers
2. Sweepstakes
Examples:
- Great Grill Giveaway: KDAF-TV
- Badge Magic Stick With Us! Giveaway: Boys Life Magazine
- Yacht Getaway: KTLA – TV
- Win a New Backyard Contest: The News-Herald
- Aaron Rodgers Autographed Helmet Giveaway: WLUK – TV
- Win a $1,000 gas card from Clark Howard: WSB – AM
Advertisers to Target:
- Lotteries
- Grocery Stores
- Convenience Stores
- Concert Venues
- Appliance Stores
- Electronics Stores
1. Kids/ Babies
Examples:
- Cutest Baby Contest: Herald News
- Baby Bash 2012: WEZB – FM
- Cute Kids Football Fan Contest: Tribune Chronicle
- Cutest Kid Photo Contest: Aiken Standard
- Insanely Cute Preschooler 2011: The Orange County Register
- Baby Idol 4: WPRO – FM
Advertisers to Target:
- Children’s Clothing Stores
- Specialty Baby Shops
- Photography Studios
- Kids Restaurants
- Daycare Centers
- Nanny Recruitment Offices
- Babysitters
- Tattoos
- Lookalikes
- Big Local Outdoor Event
- Award Shows
- Code Word
- Bartender
- Graduation
- Patriotic
- Girlfriends
