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CliquePrize by Cinnamon Entertainment Group LLC
CliquePrize seeks to create a meaningful dialog and understanding of customer needs and behaviors with small businesses through the power of digital promotions.Small Business Trends: How CliquePrize® Transforms Growth For Brick & Mortars 11 Apr 2025, 12:00 am
#### **Purpose of This Guide** This resource is for: - Brick & Mortar small business owners called [Sponsors](/sponsors) who are eager to market smarter, whether flying solo or with a small team. What you’ll gain: - Insights into how CliquePrize® drives customer acquisition and loyalty, drawn from peer strategies - Clarity on what delivers results versus what wastes effort, with CliquePrize®’s advantages in focus - Actionable ways to use CliquePrize® for big impact, no matter your industry or scale **About the survey:** We collected responses from over 1,000 small business leaders (1-100 employees) across our core small business categories: Questions varied—some required single choices, others allowed ranking—capturing diverse perspectives. Percentages reflect these formats, with ranked answers weighted to highlight priorities.  - **Bars & Restaurants: 20%** - **Hair Salons/Nails/Beauty: 15%** - **Gyms/Sports/Kickboxing/Yoga: 10%** - **Party Centers/Event Planning: 8%** - **Karate/Swim/Music Schools: 6%** - **Dermatology/Skincare: 6%** - **Tanning Salons: 4%** - **HVAC: 6%** - **Bridal Shops: 4%** - **Real Estate Open Houses: 5%** - **Tourism: 5%** - **Interior Designers: 5%** - **Others: 6%** ### Employee Size Distribution - **1-10 employees**: Common for salons, bridal shops, tanning - **10-20 employees**: Event planning, small gyms - **21-30 employees**: Less common but sometimes for bars & restaurants - **31-40 employees**: for mid-sized gyms & HVAC - **41-50 employees**: for larger restaurants - **51-90 employees**: Less common for these categories - **91-100 employees**: for the largest firms (e.g., chain gyms) - **Others**: Minimal, as ranges cover 1-100 **Estimated Data**: - 1-10 employees: 25% - 10-20 employees: 20% - 21-30 employees: 15% - 31-40 employees: 15% - 41-50 employees: 13% - 51-90 employees: 10% - 91-100 employees: 10% - Others: 2% ## **2\. Why CliquePrize® Beats Social Media For Brick & Mortar Small Business Growth** We asked small businesses to rank opportunities for expanding reach and gaining customers. CliquePrize®’s giveaway-driven model offers a dynamic alternative to conventional tactics. **Building Brand Visibility** Social media led for awareness, but CliquePrize® amplifies this by turning engagement into lead capture. Its giveaways spark shares and interactions, creating organic buzz that cuts through digital clutter, but more importantly results in actionable local data you can market to (namely email addresses and mobile phones). **Attracting New Customers** Social platforms topped customer acquisition, but CliquePrize® excels at converting leads into repeat paying customers. Giveaways with prizes—are incentives to capture leads. Social media doesn't offer this and the benefits are minimal in comparison. **Budget Priorities** Most plan to increase digital marketing (78%) and social media (73%), with 57% boosting email. Traditional ads face cuts (19%). CliquePrize® aligns with this digital shift, offering high-impact giveaways at low cost, complementing email and social strategies. In essence, more bang for your dollar. **Key Insight: Impact Drives Decisions** Small businesses seek clear returns. CliquePrize® delivers by merging social engagement with measurable outcomes—more social shares of giveaways captures more leads. Unlike algorithm-dependent platforms, CliquePrize® gives you control, ensuring efforts yield growth. ## **3\. Small Business Challenges and Goals: The CliquePrize® Difference** **Top Challenges** Customer acquisition dominated (i.e. lead generation), web traffic, social engagement, and brand awareness. Retention, email growth, and algorithm navigation ranked lower. **Top Goals** Acquiring customers was the primary goal, trailed by retention, increasing customer value, and generating buzz. Pipeline growth and email lists were less urgent. **CliquePrize®’s Solution** CliquePrize® addresses these head-on: - **Acquisition & Leads**: Giveaways captures leads with rewards, boosting sign-ups and referrals through Refer A Friend - **Engagement & Traffic**: Contestants will visit your site to learn about your small business; this results in visits to your site or social media profiles - **Retention & Value**: Exclusive offers keep [Contestants](/contestants) returning, decreasing acquisition spend - **Buzz & Advocacy**: Viral campaigns turn Contestants into promoters and brand advocates Its simplicity, small businesses focus on connection, not complexity. **Key Insight: Authenticity Wins** Direct engagement builds trust. CliquePrize®’s giveaways create memorable experiences, making customers feel valued and eager to engage—via shares or email opt-ins. Why? Because giveaways signal that you are putting skin in the game to earn their trust. This is the essence of incentive marketing. ## **4\. What Works, What Doesn’t, and What CliquePrize® Already Knows** **Popular Channels** Social platforms (69.6%) and email (64.1%) lead, followed by direct mail (52.4%) and select networks (48.3%). Podcasts (18.8%) lag behind. **Difficult Channels** Influencer campaigns and SEO were toughest, followed by digital ads. Email and social were easiest, favoring accessible tools. **What Flopped** Some reported universal success, but others noted failures in social ads, direct mailings, and podcasts due to low engagement or high costs CliquePrize® avoids these traps: - **User-Friendly**: No expertise needed, unlike influencer or SEO hurdles - **Results-Driven**: Giveaways outperform static ads or ignored mailings; there's a clear ROI with giveaways in numbers - **Affordable**: Delivers better ROI than costly flops like billboards. **Key Insight: Results Matter** CliquePrize® lets you skip ineffective tactics for a proven strategy. Giveaways work because everyone wants to win something for free, turning passive audiences into active fans without draining resources. ## **5\. Budgets and Returns: CliquePrize®’s Value** **Biggest Investments** Small businesses prioritized traditional ads, email, and social, with digital ads and content close behind. Niche channels saw minimal spend. **Best Returns** Email led ROI, followed by social and traditional ads. Direct channels consistently outperformed. **CliquePrize® Flips The Model** CliquePrize® maximizes returns by blending email and social: - **Low Cost**: Giveaways cost less than ads, with prizes more effective than any other method to capture lead data - **Direct Access**: Pair giveaways with email to nurture leads and own your data. - **Trackable**: Monitor entries and conversions; which is why CliquePrize® cares about [MQLs and SQLs](/small-business-marketing/what-are-marketing-qualified-leads-mqls-and-sales-qualified-leads-sqls-for-small-businesses-) - **Incremental:** CliquePrize® is the only digital promotions app that has 3rd party [Affiliate Publishe](/publishers)r management; this matters because now you can capture incremental, relevant leads by simply exchanging banners and paying nothing for the leads **Key Insight: ROI is King** CliquePrize® turns small budgets into big gains, focusing on controlled, direct channels for measurable growth. Our survey shows small businesses thrive on direct, impactful connections. CliquePrize® embodies this, offering a fun, affordable app that transforms customer acquisition with modern digital tools. With giveaways that spark engagement, drive traffic, and capture leads, CliquePrize® levels the playing field—no huge budget needed. From health spas to bridal shops, it transforms growth prospects, letting you focus on building a brand customers love. Ready to rethink marketing? Try CliquePrize® and discover why it’s the small business growth app of choice. 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
How To Legally Host A Giveaway 8 Apr 2025, 12:00 am
#### Legally Hosting a Giveaway with CliquePrize® 1. **Avoiding Lottery Elements with CliquePrize®** - **No Purchase Necessary**: CliquePrize® ensures compliance by enabling [Sponsors](/sponsors) (small business owners) to offer a free alternative method of entry (AMOE). For example, while [Contestants](/contestants) can join via the app, you can customize your promotion to include a free mail-in option, avoiding the “consideration” element that defines an illegal lottery - **Free AMOE Customization**: The app supports various entry methods (aka AMOE) such as QR code scans or in-app One-Click to Enter registration, which is always free for Contestants. This flexibility ensures all entrants have an equal chance to win without spending money - **Chance-Based Selection**: CliquePrize® facilitates random winner selection for [Giveaways](/small-business-marketing/cliqueprize-is-the-small-business-giveaways-tool), a key distinction from skill-based contests, ensuring compliance with chance-based giveaway laws. You can choose winners or the app can choose for you *CliquePrize® Advantage*: Unlike social media giveaways, where entry might involve a “like”, “follow” (sometimes debated as consideration) or share campaigns, CliquePrize® explicitly captures Contestant 1st party data through verified accounts, ensuring clarity and legality in entry methods. 2. **Creating Clear and Transparent Rules with CliquePrize®** - **Official Rules Made Easy**: CliquePrize® provides tools to create and display official rules within the app. Sponsors can customize these rules to include: - **Eligibility**: Require Contestants to be in the legal age group (e.g., 18+). - **Entry Methods**: One click to Enter (inside the app) or Text to Instant Win (outside the app) offer flexible modes of entry - **Entry Period**: Set specific start and end dates, adjustable to your campaign timeline - **Prizes**: Detail prizes (e.g., a $50 gift card or a physical item) with approximate retail value (ARV); All giveaways clearly indicate the ARV on the Browse Promotions and Prize Details screens - **Fulfillment**: Winners can redeem their prizes in person through QR codes or scan them in at home via a physical prize that is mailed through a major US carrier such as FedEx, UPS or the USPS - **Notification**: Winners will be contacted via email or SMS as well as through in-app Notifications - **Contact Info**: Your small business’s name and address are automatically included - **No Purchase Necessary**: A customizable disclaimer ensures this is prominent - **Odds of Winning**: The app provides transparent real-time entry numbers so the Contestant knows how many people entered prior to registration - **Accessibility**: Prize summary, Privacy Policy, Terms and Rules are provided within the app, making them easily accessible to Contestants, unlike social media posts where rules might be buried in comments or bio links; these assets can be customized or edited from CliquePrize®'s standard templates *CliquePrize® Advantage*: Social media giveaways often lack detailed rules or lead capture, targeting a broad, non-local audience. CliquePrize®’s geo-targeting by zip code ensures your giveaway reaches the right local prospects, enhancing relevance and compliance. 3. **Compliance with State and Federal Laws Using CliquePrize®** - **Lottery Laws**: CliquePrize® avoids lottery classification by never offering cash prizes, a must under U.S. law - **Consent & Privacy Laws**: Its CMP (Consent Management Platform) helps manage consent in line with data protection laws like the CCPA which applies to the mobile banner ads inside the app; promotions do not fall under this requirements because Contestants already provided permission to share their data as part of the [Contestant User Terms](/legal/contestants-terms) during the sign up process - **Sweepstakes Laws**: The app supports prize values under $1,000 (avoiding public bonding requirements), but for prizes over $600, it reminds Sponsors to issue a 1099 form to winners, ensuring tax compliance - **Social Media Integration**: While CliquePrize® can leverage social media for awareness, it captures leads directly in-app, bypassing platform-specific pitfalls (e.g., Facebook’s ban on using personal timelines for entries) - **Security**: CliquePrize® prioritizes data security since it is hosted on the [MS Azure Cloud](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/mobile); this protects Contestant information—a step beyond social media’s often lax security protocols - **User-Generated Content**: If you customize your giveaway to include content submissions (e.g., videos or photos), CliquePrize® ensures compliance by allowing you to specify copyright rules in the terms *CliquePrize® Advantage*: Social media giveaways don’t capture actionable lead data and often attract entrants outside your local market. CliquePrize®’s hyper-local focus, paired with robust legal tools, makes it a superior choice for small businesses aiming to grow their customer base. #### CliquePrize® vs. Social Media Giveaways - **Lead Capture**: Social media giveaways (e.g., “Like to win!”) doesn't collect detailed entrant data, limiting follow-up opportunities. CliquePrize® captures verified [Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) ](/small-business-marketing/what-are-marketing-qualified-leads-mqls-and-sales-qualified-leads-sqls-for-small-businesses-)with contact info, enabling direct nurturing via email or SMS through its partner, HelloLeads.io. - **Targeting**: Social media casts a wide net, often reaching irrelevant, non-local audiences. CliquePrize® uses patent-pending technology that leverages Apple Location Services and Metro Market targeting to focus on prospects within a 30-mile radius—crucial for brick-and-mortar small businesses where 95% of sales come locally - **Customization**: Social media offers limited control over giveaway structure. CliquePrize® lets you tailor promotions (sweepstakes, video contests, raffles, events, text to instant win promotions) and integrate features like Refer A Friend Rewards programs, all while staying compliant #### Legal Requirements for Giveaways in the U.S. To run a giveaway legally in the U.S., you must adhere to federal and state regulations. Here’s an overview: - **Federal Laws**: - **No Purchase Necessary**: Required under the Illegal Lottery Act to avoid classification as a lottery (prize, chance, consideration) - **Tax Reporting**: Prizes valued at $600+ require a 1099 form issued to winners; for $5,000+, 25% tax withholding applies unless the sponsor covers it - **FTC Guidelines**: Endorsements (e.g., influencer promotions) must disclose material connections, and giveaways must use #sweepstakes or #contest hashtags if entrants post content - **FCC Rules**: If broadcasted (e.g., via radio), material terms must be disclosed periodically or online - **State-Specific Differences**: - **New York & Florida**: Sweepstakes with prizes over $5,000 must be registered and bonded (NY: 30 days prior; FL: 7 days prior). CliquePrize® caps prizes at $1,000 to avoid this - **Rhode Island**: Registration required for retail sweepstakes over $500 - **Arizona**: Contests requiring purchases must register with the Attorney General and certify no additional fees were added to the price - **Colorado, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, Vermont**: Prohibit purchase requirements for skill-based contests - **California**: The CCPA mandates clear consent for collecting personal data, which CliquePrize®’s CMP addresses #### Example CliquePrize® Giveaway **App Announcement**: “Enter our giveaway for a chance to win a $50 gift card to \[Your Store\]! Download CliquePrize®, enter via the app, or scan our QR code in-store. Ends \[date\]. No purchase necessary. Open to \[zip code\] residents 18+. See rules in-app.” **Official Rules (In-App)**: Detailed terms covering eligibility, entry methods, prize value, random selection process, and compliance disclaimers, all customizable within CliquePrize®. CliquePrize® transforms giveaways into a powerful, legal, and local lead-generation tool for small businesses. By addressing lottery risks, providing customizable rules, and ensuring compliance with U.S. laws, it outshines social media giveaways that lack targeting precision and data capture. For brick-and-mortar businesses, CliquePrize® offers a smarter, safer way to engage customers—consult a legal professional to fine-tune your campaign, and let CliquePrize® handle the rest! 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
What is the Best App to Promote Your Small Business? 30 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
### Why CliquePrize**®** is The Mobile App for Local Small Business Promotions When it comes to promoting a local small business, one of the best strategies is to create a sense of exclusivity and high chances of winning for your [Contestants](/contestants). With CliquePrize**®** the odds of winning are far greater than national or global contests, which means Contestants are more likely to enter to win. - Most national promotions or general online giveaways open up to Contestants worldwide, meaning the chances of winning are slim; the data is also useless because its from places far away from your small business - In contrast, CliquePrize**®** focuses entirely on local promotions, ensuring that only Contestants who reside within a specific metro market can enter - This increases the odds of winning for your local Contestants, which in turn captures more leads This unique advantage is powered by CliquePrize**®**'s patent-pending technology that integrates Apple Location Services to verify that Contestants are physically located near the [Sponsor](/sponsors)'s local Metro Market. - This ensures that small businesses can target leads from within a 5-10 mile radius—exactly the local audience that matters most to [brick-and-mortar businesses](/small-business-marketing/how-to-drive-foot-traffic-to-brick-and-mortar) - Local lead generation through the incentive of free prizes becomes a powerful tool for attracting the right repeat, paying customers ### World Class Security You Can Trust In an age where data privacy is more important than ever, CliquePrize**®** stands out by providing robust security features that protect both Sponsors and Contestants. While many contest apps and platforms are web-based, CliquePrize**®** takes a different approach by hosting its app on the [Microsoft Azure Cloud](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/mobile). This ensures that user data is protected with state-of-the-art security protocols. - CliquePrize**®** also uses a [Consent Management Platform (CMP)](/small-business-marketing/protecting-contestant-privacy-with-a-consent-management-platform-cmp) for mobile banner ads inside the app to comply with California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regulations since the app is US only - This means your customers’ privacy is protected, and their data is only used with their consent - At the moment, CliquePrize**® i**s available in only 22 US states plus Washington, DC, which further helps maintain the platform's focus on local engagement and ensures the compliance of regional privacy laws ### Promoting Your Promotions for Free One of the standout features of CliquePrize**®** is its automatic social media marketing. When you run a promotion as a Sponsor, the app automatically posts your promotion to all of CliquePrize**®**'s social media channels—at no additional cost. This free advertising is an invaluable asset for small businesses looking to increase their visibility and attract more leads. - As CliquePrize**®** continues to grow in popularity, the app’s social media reach will result in even more eyes on your promotions, leading to higher engagement and more local leads - This built-in exposure helps small businesses extend their reach without having to invest heavily in marketing or pay for additional advertising services ### The Power of Product Mix Unlike other platforms that limit you to one type of promotion, CliquePrize**®** offers a comprehensive range of digital promotion products. This diverse array of options allows you to rotate and tailor your promotional strategies to suit your business needs, keeping your marketing efforts fresh and engaging. The CliquePrize product mix includes: - [Giveaways](/small-business-marketing/cliqueprize-is-the-small-business-giveaways-tool) – Perfect for capturing new Contestants and rewarding loyal ones - [Video Contests](/small-business-marketing/video-contests) – Engage Contestants creatively by inviting them to submit their own content, and let the community rate or vote on the best - [Events](/small-business-marketing/event-registration-giveaways) – Host a local event for your small business and CliquePrize**®** will handle the event registration, attendance tracking and the prize selection - [Raffles](/small-business-marketing/raffle-ticketing-prize-selection-tool) – Ideal for local charity causes where you can collect the money offline and CliquePrize**®** will handle the digital ticketing and winner selection - [Text to Instant Win ](/small-business-marketing/text-to-win-instant-giveaway-promotions)– Great for in-store promotions where Contestants can instantly win a prize by texting a keyword while inside your store or by visiting your store to redeem a prize - [Surveys ](/small-business-marketing/surveys-polls-quizzes-questionnaires)– Use polls, quizzes, and questionnaires to gather valuable customer feedback, all the while incentivizing responses with a prize These digital products offer flexibility in how you choose to engage your Contestants to promote your small business and drive foot traffic to your small business. With CliquePrize**®**, you have a toolkit for promoting your small business in a way that is relevant and worthwhile to your local customers. ### Ease of Use for Contestants For your Contestants, CliquePrize**®** is incredibly easy to use, making it accessible to anyone with an iPhone on a major US wireless carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon). Contestants simply need to verify their mobile number, and with just one click, they can enter up to 5 promotions per day. - This simplicity reduces the barrier to entry, capturing more leads for your promotions - The more valuable the prize, the more registrations you will get, which leads to a larger pool of qualified [Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs)](/small-business-marketing/what-are-marketing-qualified-leads-mqls-and-sales-qualified-leads-sqls-for-small-businesses-) for your small business ### Building Your Local Sales-Qualified Leads Database At CliquePrize**®**, we believe that the key to small business growth lies in having a Sales Qualified Leads (SQL) list. It’s a numbers game: the more local data you collect, the more marketing opportunities you have to reach your customers directly through text and email. - Unlike relying on traditional methods like word of mouth, Google ads or reviews, Facebook promotions, or printed flyers, CliquePrize**®** helps you build a highly-targeted list of local leads that are already engaged with your brand - With this database, you can directly market to your audience and encourage foot traffic, reservations, or purchases When you have a dedicated list of local, interested leads, your chances of converting them into actual sales are much higher compared to broader, non-targeted approaches. This is the power of database marketing in action, and it’s one of the most efficient ways to grow your small business. If you're looking for an app that not only helps you promote your small business but also ensures that you engage your local community in a meaningful and secure way, CliquePrize**®** is the perfect solution. With its high-odds local promotions, built-in social media exposure, diverse product offerings, and commitment to security, CliquePrize**®** takes the guesswork out of digital marketing and turns it into a powerful tool for your small business's growth. Start using the CliquePrize**®** iPhone mobile app today and see the difference it can make in promoting your small business! 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
The Guide To The 5 Best Marketing Strategies For Brick & Mortar Small Businesses 29 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
### **1) Offer Online Reservations – Streamline Customer Experience** **Why It Works**: Offering online reservations gives customers an easy and convenient way to book your services. Whether you're running a restaurant, a beauty salon, or a fitness center, reservations save [Contestants](/contestants) time and ensure a smoother experience. **How to Integrate CliquePrize®**: - **Create Promotions Tied to Reservations**: Use **CliquePrize**® to run promotional contests encouraging customers to book online. For example, *“Book your next meal at \[Your Restaurant Name\] through our online reservation system and enter to win a free appetizer via CliquePrize®!”* - **Capture Leads via Reservation Surveys**: Encourage Contestants to fill out a short survey or poll after booking their reservation, asking them about their preferences or their reason for visiting; Contestants can double their odds of winning if you use CliquePrize®'s [Survey](/small-business-marketing/surveys-polls-quizzes-questionnaires) tool **Benefit**: This strategy builds customer convenience while capturing data that will help refine your marketing strategy. CliquePrize® enhances the experience by offering additional benefits for engaging with the reservation system, ensuring both immediate and repeat business. ### **2) Offer Live Chat on Your Website – Connect Digitally and Physically** **Why It Works**: Live chat gives Contestants a real-time way to get answers to their questions, boosting your store’s reliability and accessibility. Whether customers are inquiring about availability or looking for more information, live chat fosters a stronger relationship. There are a lot of free online LIVE chat tools available too. **How to Integrate CliquePrize**®: - **Promote Promotions via Live Chat**: When Contestants inquire about your services, answers their questions and always have a Call to Action (CTA) at the end of the conversation to enter to win your CliquePrize® promotion. For instance, “*By the way, don’t forget to enter our CliquePrize® giveaway for a chance to win a free
How to Use CliquePrize® To Run Photo Contests 28 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
### The Most Popular Cat & Dog Photo Contest CliquePrize® makes it easy for small businesses to host photo contests with a range of customizable options. Some small businesses host Cat & Dog Photo contests that have the following features on CliquePrize®: - **Photo Uploads to YouTube**: Sponsors upload their photos to YouTube, where they can either be displayed as static images or enhanced as animated presentations. This flexibility allows small businesses to go beyond traditional photo contests, where photos are typically static, and add a creative flair that makes the contest more engaging. Animated photos or slideshows can captivate voters and make the contest more visually appealing - **Music Integration**: Unlike many traditional photo contests, CliquePrize® Photo Contests offer [Contestants](/contestants) and [Sponsors](/sponsors) the ability to add music to accompany their photos, so long as it is original or properly licensed. This adds an extra layer of personalization and creativity, which encourages Contestants to get more involved and invested in their entries. The combination of music and visuals can make the experience far more memorable and enjoyable for voters - **Voting and Rating**: Contestants can vote for their favorite photos or rate them using a 1-5 star system, each photo must receive a unique vote per Contestant in order to eliminate or significantly reduce the likelihood of a tie ### How It Works: Voting vs. Submissions - **Submission Phase**: In a User-Generated Content (UGC) photo contest on CliquePrize®, up to 50 Contestants can submit a video URL (photo). These photos are uploaded to YouTube - **Finalist Selection**: The Sponsor then reviews the submissions and selects 2 to 5 finalist photos (which are YouTube videos featuring photos) for the Voting Phase. These finalist photos are what the Contestants will vote on - **Voting Phase**: During the Voting Phase, Contestants vote on these photos. The voting system can either involve a star rating (1 to 5 stars) or a simple vote for the best photo, depending on the contest format It's worth noting, Contestants can vote for their own photos if selected as a finalist, adding another layer of excitement. The Contestant with the winning photo submission as well as one or more lucky random Contestant voter(s) will win a prize. ### Why Do Contestants Love Photo Contests? Photo contests have become increasingly popular, and there are several reasons why they resonate with participants: - **74% of Americans** are more likely to engage with user-generated photo content (*Source: Nielsen, "Global Trust in Advertising", 2015*). - **65%** of people say they share photos on social media to express creativity or showcase something meaningful (*Source: Adobe, "The Future of Creativity", 2019*). - **73%** of people enjoy entering to win photo contests because they get a chance to express their creativity and win prizes (*Source: YouGov, "US Consumer Photography Behavior", 2020*). This data shows that photo contests attract high levels of engagement, as they tap into the universal appeal of sharing personal moments and creative work, all while providing the opportunity to win exciting prizes. ### Typical Number of Votes in Photo Contests In a typical photo contest run on CliquePrize®, the number of voters generally falls between 50-100 Contestants, but this can vary significantly depending on your promotion and audience. While this is the low end expected, small businesses could easily get more than 100 voters depending on how widely the contest is shared and promoted. - **Local contests** may attract 50-100 votes as a baseline, depending on the size of the community or customer base - L**arger contests**, especially those with wider promotional reach, could easily see more than 100 voters - **Each photo submitter as well as each voter is also a lead**, as CliquePrize® collects important contact information (first name, last name, email, mobile number, and zip code) for every Contestant who votes or submits a photo. This makes photo contests a powerful lead-generation tool for small businesses ### The Emotional Connection: Why Some Photos Win Over Others Photos that resonate emotionally with the viewer tend to outperform others in contests. Here’s why: - **Authentic Emotional Connections**: Certain photos tap into universal emotions—joy, nostalgia, love—creating a deeper bond with the audience. People are naturally drawn to images that evoke feelings of happiness or shared experiences, making them more likely to vote for these photos - **Photos that Tell a Story**: In a world where digital interactions can often feel distant or impersonal, photos that tell a story or capture a meaningful moment have a greater impact. This emotional connection is why certain photos stand out over others in a contest setting - **Encourage Customers to Share Their Experiences**: Small businesses can use photo contests as an opportunity for customers to share photos of themselves enjoying the business, whether it's a meal, a product, or the overall experience. This type of contest builds trust and fosters customer loyalty by turning customers into advocates for the brand ### Why Baby Photo Contests Are So Popular Baby photos are particularly effective in creating strong emotional connections with Contestants and their families. This type of contest is especially popular with family-oriented businesses like mom-and-pop brick & mortar retailers or restaurants. - **Family-Oriented Appeal**: Baby photos naturally evoke warmth, love, and nostalgia, emotions that are deeply ingrained in family-centered businesses. Customers love to see their children in such contests, which strengthens their bond with the small business - **Building Customer Loyalty**: Baby photo contests encourage families to interact with the small business and create positive memories, ensuring they’ll return in the future. This fosters long-term loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion ### The Future of Photo Contests: Virtual Reality Looking ahead, photo contests may evolve to incorporate emerging technologies like **Virtual Reality (VR)**, offering even more immersive and engaging experiences. Here’s what the future might look like: - **Immersive Experiences**: VR could allow Contestants to explore photos in 360-degree views or experience photos in a fully interactive environment, adding a whole new dimension to photo contests - **VR Headsets**: As VR technology progresses, Contestants will need **VR headsets** to fully experience these contests. As platforms like YouTube evolve to support VR content, small businesses can begin hosting contests that feature virtual, immersive experiences - **Futuristic Contest Formats**: With VR, photo contests could become more interactive and engaging, allowing users to explore images and videos in new ways. As VR technology advances, small businesses could offer truly unique experiences to their Contestants through virtual photo contests. CliquePrize® is always looking to innovate, and as these technologies become more mainstream, which enables small businesses to host cutting-edge photo contests in the future. Photo contests offer small businesses an exciting way to engage with their community, build brand awareness, and generate valuable leads. By using CliquePrize®, small businesses can easily host interactive and dynamic contests that offer something new and exciting for Contestants. Whether you’re running a family-friendly baby photo contest or planning for the future with VR technology, photo contests create lasting memories and connections that strengthen your brand. Start planning your next photo contest today with CliquePrize®—where innovation and engagement come together to help your small business thrive. 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
How CliquePrize® Innovates Small Business Text Message Marketing 26 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## **How Text to Instant Win Promotions Work on CliquePrize®** CliquePrize®’s **Text to Instant Win** digital promotions combine instant rewards with lead generation: 1. **Contestant text a keyword** (e.g., "BRIDALSHOP" or "WEDDINGVIEL") to a specific number 2. **A winner is instantly selected** and notified via text, while all [Contestants](/contestants) are added to the small business lead capture list 3. **Small Businesses can subsequently follow up with targeted text campaigns**, offering discounts, appointment reminders, and event invitations to keep customers engaged This system not only **incentivizes new customers** to visit but also **builds a loyal audience** for future promotions. ## **Turning Leads into Sales with SMS Marketing** Once a small business has collected mobile numbers through CliquePrize®, the next step is **lead nurturing**—sending personalized text messages that encourage customers to visit again. Here’s how CliquePrize® [Sponsors](/sponsors) can apply SMS marketing effectively. ### **1\. Sales Promotions** Encourage Contestants to visit your small business with limited-time discounts sent via SMS. **Example (Bars & Restaurants):** *“Hey \[Name\], craving something delicious? Stop by \[XYZ Bar & Grill\] this weekend & show this text for a free appetizer with any entrée!”* **Example (Tanning Salons):** *“Get that sun-kissed glow! Visit \[XYZ Tanning\] this week & enjoy 20% off any spray tan. Show this text at check-in.”* ### **2\. Welcome Texts** First-time Contestants should feel appreciated. A simple welcome message can encourage them to return. **Example (Gyms / Kickboxing / Yoga):** *“Welcome to \[XYZ Fitness Studio\]! Your first class is FREE. Show this text at check-in & let’s get moving! Reply STOP to opt out.”* ### **3\. Feedback and Surveys** Gather valuable insights from Contestants by sending SMS surveys. **Example (Hair Salons / Beauty Clinics):** *“Thanks for visiting \[XYZ Hair Studio\]! We’d love your feedback. Enter our CliquePrize® survey and double your odds of winning our giveaway! All valid survey respondents will receive 10% off your next haircut: \[link\]”* ### **4\. Seasonal Greetings** Celebrate holidays and special occasions with festive messages and exclusive offers. **Example (Party Rental Centers):** “Happy Halloween from \[XYZ Party Zone\]! Host your Night Fright with us & enjoy 25% off your Halloween Party this year if your reserve before Oct 10th!” ### **5\. Product Launch Campaigns** Generate excitement around new services or menu additions with exclusive early access offers. **Example (Dermatology & Skincare Clinics):** *“Try our new anti-aging facial at \[XYZ Skincare\]! Be one of the first to get 15% off if you stop by our clinic this week only."* ### **6\. Limited-Time Sales Offers** Encourage urgency with time-sensitive promotions to boost sales. **Example (HVAC Services):** *“Winter is here! Stay warm with a $50 discount on furnace tune-ups at \[XYZ Heating & Cooling\]. Offer valid this week only—call now to book!”* ### **7\. Sending Discount Coupons to Customers** Reward loyal Contestants with exclusive text-only discounts. **Example (Karate / Music Schools):** *“Hey \[Name\], thanks for training at \[XYZ Karate\]! Get 1 FREE private lesson when you bring a friend this month. Show this text to redeem!”* ### **8\. Order Updates** *For small businesses offering pick-up services or appointments, SMS updates improve customer experience.* **Example (Real Estate Open House):** *“Hey \[Name\], your VIP reservation tour of the home of your dreams at 1 Maple Ave is now confirmed for this Saturday at 8AM! The Open House begins at 9AM. If you attend, you will also be eligible to win our $500 Home Depot Gift Card Giveaway on CliquePrize®!”* ### **9\. Birthday Greetings** Make Contestants feel special on their birthday with a personalized text and a small gift. **Example (Bars & Restaurants):** *“Happy Birthday, \[Name\]! Celebrate with a FREE dessert at \[XYZ Bistro\] today. Just show this text to your server!”* ### **10\. Event Notifications** Promote upcoming [Events](/small-business-marketing/event-registration-giveaways) using CliquePrize® and special nights to boost attendance. **Example (Real Estate Open Houses):** *“Thinking of buying a home? Join us this Saturday at \[XYZ Realty\] for an exclusive open house event. RSVP here: \[link\]”* ## **Why Small Businesses Grow CliquePrize® from SMS Text Marketing** CliquePrize® takes text message marketing beyond simple promotions by integrating lead generation and automated follow-ups. Here’s what makes the mobile app stand out: ✔ **Instant Lead Generation** – Contestants willingly opt-in via text to instant win promotions ✔ **Increased Foot Traffic** – Instant win promotions boost attendance rates through offers, coupons and in-store VIP events ✔ **Automated Follow-Ups** – Small businesses can send timely text messages to nurture leads ✔ **Budget-Friendly Marketing** – Low-cost, high-impact strategy for small businesses With CliquePrize®, small businesses don’t just send texts—they build relationships, boost sales, and create repeat customers. ## **How Much Does Text Message Marketing Cost?** One of the biggest advantages of text message marketing is its affordability compared to traditional advertising. Small businesses using CliquePrize® can send lead Contestant data to [HelloLeads](/partners/helloleads), which is also integrated with Twilio, a leading provider of text messaging services. Text message marketing isn’t just about sending promotions—it’s about creating an interactive customer experience that keeps people engaged. CliquePrize® makes it easy for small businesses to capture leads, reward customers, and drive sales with strategic SMS campaigns. ### **Cost Example for Small Businesses** Suppose a hair salon runs a [Text To Instant Win Digital Promotion](/small-business-marketing/text-to-win-instant-giveaway-promotions) and receives 2,000 entries, the estimated cost would be: - $0.0075 (standard text message fee per text) x 2,000 = $15 additional fee for that promotion When a Contestant enters a Text to Instant Win Promotion, they text a keyword (e.g., “BRIDALSHOP” or “WEDDINGVIEEL”) to the designated number. Instead of just collecting a mobile number, CliquePrize® already knows the following Contestant details: ✅ **First Name** ✅ **Last Name** ✅ **Email Address** ✅ **Mobile Number** ✅ **ZIP Code** ### **Why This Matters for Small Businesses** - **No Duplicate Entries** → The Contestant’s information is already stored, so they don’t need to re-enter it every time they join a new promotion - **Higher Opt-In Rates** → Since Contestants don’t have to fill out long forms and only have to text a keyword, they are more likely to register to win - **The Best Local Bullseye! Targeting** → Small businesses can send SMS text messaging campaigns based on zip codes, ensuring messages reach local Contestants who are more likely to visit - **Lead Nurturing**→ After a Contestant registers, their details can be automatically synced with HelloLeads, which integrates with Twilio for easy SMS text follow-ups ### **No Need to Register Again—Unless They Move** A Contestant’s details remain stored unless they change their mobile number, email, or move to a new location. This means small businesses can continually nurture leads without requiring repeat sign-ups, making it easier to send: - **Special offers & discounts** - **Event invitations** - **Reminders for expiring promotions** - **Exclusive VIP deals** By eliminating friction in the lead capture process, CliquePrize® helps small businesses grow their customer base effortlessly while ensuring that every SMS campaign is reaching the right audience. Texting a keyword to a number is painless and incredibly rewarding to both parties. If you're a small business owner, it’s time to take your SMS marketing to the next level. Start using CliquePrize® today and watch your repeat paying customer base grow! 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
How CliquePrize® Drives Foot Traffic to Brick-and-Mortar Small Businesses 25 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
### The Top 8 Strategies to Drive Contestants to Your Brick & Mortar Small Business Using CliquePrize® Here are five effective ways to use CliquePrize® to boost in-store visits: #### 1\. Bullseye! Location-Based Digital Promotions  CliquePrize® utilizes patent-pending technology that leverages Apple’s location services to ensure that only local [Contestants](/contestants) see your promotions. Through geo-targeted digital promotions, small businesses can reach people within a Metro Market (i.e. 30-90 miles around the nearest major city to your small business), increasing the likelihood that they will visit in person #### 2\. Loyalty Campaigns Loyalty programs keep customers coming back. CliquePrize® rewards Contestants who enter promotions and refer friends with 1 (ONE) reward point for each action. Use this technology to get grow your database marketing list (i.e. first name, last name, email, mobile and zip) and incentivize them to refer friends who are likely to register to win #### 3\. Geo-Fencing Geo-fencing is a tactic where small businesses attract Contestants away from competitors by offering an "Enter to Win" promotion based on their presence inside your competitor's location. CliquePrize® can help you set up digital promotions that specifically target people inside these stores with mobile banner ads on their iPhones #### 4\. Event-Based Marketing Special events draw people into brick & mortar locations by providing an engaging reason to visit. With CliquePrize®, you can promote in-store events, such as product demonstrations, tasting events, or special sales, ensuring that Contestants know about these experiences and are incentivized to attend. You can even create an [Event](/small-business-marketing/event-registration-giveaways) using CliquePrize and give away prizes just for attending. Remember, in the process you will capture their lead information #### 5\. Customer Feedback Is Priceless Building strong customer relationships is key to long-term success. CliquePrize® enables small businesses to gather direct feedback through [Surveys](/small-business-marketing/surveys-polls-quizzes-questionnaires) such quizzes, polls, and questionnaires which allow you to understand what Contestants like, dislike and want to see from your small business. For example, you could offer a free prize to everyone who responds to the Questionnaire with a valid survey response. Incentive marketing works. Capture lead data with the right incentives. #### 6\. Real-Time Text to Instant Win Promotions Seasonal and real-time [Text to Instant Win](/small-business-marketing/text-to-win-instant-giveaway-promotions) promotions can be a great way to drive traffic. Using CliquePrize®, you can ask Contestants to text a specific keyword to a pre-determined mobile number. The Contestant can only redeem the prize if they are in the store. There's no better incentive than that. #### 7\. Raise Money For A Local Charity With A CliquePrize® Digital Raffle While CliquePrize® does not permit [Sponsors](/sponsors) to require Contestants to purchase something in order to win a free prize, you can however collect money offline and donate the proceeds to a local charity though [Raffles](/small-business-marketing/raffle-ticketing-prize-selection-tool). CliquePrize® will simply handle the digital ticketing and winner selection for the raffle. Giving back to the local community goes a long way towards establishing trust and helps your brand get noticed. #### 8\. Turn Video Reviews Into A Video Contest Why not ask the first 50 Contestants to submit their video review of your small business? This would occur during the Submission Phase. Make it a requirement that they must visit your small business with no obligation to purchase. Narrow the video submissions down to the 5 best video reviews during a CliquePrize® [Video Contest](/small-business-marketing/video-contests) and then ask Contestants to vote on the most useful, informative review. This would occur during the Voting Phase. Not only will the Contestant with the winning video win a free prize but so will one lucky random voter. CliquePrize® goes beyond traditional advertising by providing a gamified, incentivized approach to brick & mortar local marketing. By integrating location-based targeting, geo-fencing tools, and data-driven insights, small businesses can attract the right customers at the right time, maximizing foot traffic and in-store sales. If you're looking to enhance your brick-and-mortar marketing strategy, CliquePrize® offers an affordable and effective way to connect with local customers and drive in-store visits. Start your first promotion today and experience the difference! 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
How Prizes Can Be A Tax Deduction Using CliquePrize® 24 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## When Prizes **Are Not** Tax-Deductible While most small business-related prizes are deductible, there are scenarios where they may not qualify: 1. **Personal or Non-Business Use** - If the prize is given away for personal reasons and not directly tied to business promotion, it doesn’t qualify - *Example: A small business owner gifts a vacation package to a friend but claims it as a marketing expense* 2. **Lack of a Clear Business Purpose** - If the giveaway is not connected to lead generation, sales, or branding, it may not be deductible - *Example: A retail store gives away a luxury watch but doesn’t advertise or market it* 3. **Excessive or Unreasonable Prizes** - The IRS may challenge deductions for extravagant prizes that seem unreasonable for the small business size - *Example: A small bakery giving away a $100,000 car* 4. **Failure to Report Prizes Over $600** - If a [Contestant](/contestants) receives prizes totaling $600 or more, small businesses must issue them a Form 1099-MISC - Failing to do so could lead to IRS scrutiny 5. **Prizes Given to Employees** - If an employee wins, the IRS may classify the prize as taxable compensation rather than a marketing expense - *Example: A company awards an employee a $5,000 vacation but tries to deduct it as marketing* When considering tax implications for prizes in giveaways and contests, there are additional state-specific tax differences to be aware of. While federal tax rules are standard across the U.S., state tax laws vary significantly in terms of how prizes are treated. Some states impose their own specific rules, and small business owners should ensure they are compliant with local regulations. ### State Tax Differences in Prize Deductions 1. **State-Specific Tax Deductions**: - Not all states allow small businesses to deduct the full cost of prizes as a marketing expense. While many states align with federal tax rules, others may have restrictions or limitations. For example, certain states may require that prizes be directly tied to a business promotion in order to qualify for deductions. - ***Example****: California and New York typically follow federal guidelines, but some states may have more stringent requirements for claiming prizes as a business expense or may limit deductions for "luxury" items.* 2. **State Sales Tax**: - States may impose sales tax on prizes given in contests or promotions, particularly for tangible goods like electronics, merchandise, or other physical products. If your prize is taxable, the small business may be responsible for collecting sales tax from the winner at the time of distribution - ***Example****: In states like Texas and Florida, physical prizes may require the sponsor to pay sales tax on the value of the prize or collect it from the winner* 3. **State-Level Withholding Requirements**: - Some states require withholding on prize winnings, even if the federal government does not. For example, winners in states like **California** and **Pennsylvania** may be subject to state income tax withholding on prizes that exceed certain thresholds, such as $600 or more - ***Example****: If a winner in California wins a $1,000 prize, the sponsor might be required to withhold a percentage of that prize for state taxes in addition to federal withholding. CliquePrize® does not permit prizes with a cash value over $1000* 4. **State Reporting Requirements**: - States like **New York**, **California**, and **Michigan** may have additional reporting requirements for prizes over a certain value. These reports typically go to the state tax authority, and failure to comply can lead to penalties. - ***Example****: A sponsor in New York must report prizes totaling over $600 to the state tax department in addition to the IRS* 5. **Gift Certificates and Coupons**: - Some states treat gift certificates, gift cards, and coupons as taxable income immediately upon issuance, while others may treat them differently, depending on whether they are redeemable for tangible goods or services. - ***Example****: States like **Georgia** may have different rules on how gift certificates or digital gift cards are taxed compared to cash-equivalent prizes* While the federal government allows small businesses to deduct prize expenses as part of their marketing budget, some states may impose their own rules or limits on such deductions. In short: - **Federal taxes**: Yes, the deduction for prizes can be deducted as a marketing expense and this rule applies at the federal level - **State taxes**: States may have their own specific tax rules that could impact deductions, sales tax on prizes, and withholding requirements for contest winnings ### Tax Filing Requirements - **$400**: If you're a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you must file if your net earnings are **$400 or more** - **Any income**: Partnerships and multi-member LLCs must file Form 1065 if they have **any income** - **Corporations**: C-corps and S-corps must file an annual return regardless of income ### Recommendations for State Compliance - **Consult a State Tax Professional**: Since state tax rules can vary significantly, it is crucial to consult with a tax professional familiar with local regulations to ensure full compliance. - **Track Prize Values**: Carefully track the value of prizes given away and be mindful of both federal and state thresholds for reporting and withholding. - **Verify Sales Tax Obligations**: In states that impose sales tax on prizes, ensure you are collecting and remitting tax accordingly. By keeping state tax differences in mind, business owners can better navigate the complexities of prize deductions and avoid potential penalties. ## How a CliquePrize® Plan B Monthly Subscription Can Lower Taxable Income Suppose a Sponsor gives away $100 worth of prizes each month as a CliquePrize® monthly Plan B subscriber. By year’s end, they will have spent $1,200 on prizes. If these prizes qualify as marketing expenses, the small business can deduct the full $1,200, effectively lowering taxable income. For example: - If a small business has $50,000 in taxable income before deductions, deducting the $1,200 prize expense reduces the taxable income to $48,800 - This means the small business is not truly spending the full $1,200, as it offsets taxable earnings and lowers the tax burden ## Tax Implications for Digital Gift Certificate Prizes If a [digital gift certificate](/partners/bhn-rewards) is given as a prize, the Sponsor may be required to report it to the IRS and withhold taxes in certain cases. ### Reporting and Withholding Rules: ✅ If the **prize value is $600 or more**, the Sponsor must issue a **1099-MISC** to the winner and report it to the IRS ✅ The IRS treats **gift certificates, gift cards, and cash-equivalent prizes** as **taxable income** for the recipient ✅ The Sponsor **does not have to withhold taxes** unless the recipient is flagged for **backup withholding** by the IRS ✅ It’s the **winner’s responsibility** to report and pay taxes on the prize amount ### When Would Withholding Be Required? The Sponsor must withhold 24% for federal taxes if the winner is subject to backup withholding, which happens when: - The winner does not provide a valid TIN (Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number). - The IRS has notified the payer ([Sponsor](/sponsors)) that backup withholding is required. ### Best Practices for CliquePrize® Sponsors: 🔹 Have winners complete a W-9 form before receiving prizes of $600+. 🔹 Issue a 1099-MISC if required. 🔹 Inform winners that they are responsible for reporting the prize as income. For most digital gift certificate prizes under $600, there is no requirement to report or withhold taxes. However, tax laws can change, so consulting a tax professional is always a smart move. ## Key Takeaways for CliquePrize® Sponsors ✅ Prizes used for marketing purposes are **deductible business expenses** ✅ A **monthly giveaway strategy** using CliquePrize® can provide consistent tax deductions ✅ **Proper documentation** is essential to ensure compliance with IRS rules ✅ If a single winner receives **$600+ in prizes**, a **1099-MISC must be issued** ✅ Employee prize winnings may be treated as **compensation, not marketing expenses** Using CliquePrize® for [giveaways](/small-business-marketing/best-giveaways-app-for-small-business) and [video contests](/small-business-marketing/video-contests) isn’t just a smart marketing move—it’s also a strategic financial decision. By ensuring proper tax compliance and leveraging the deductibility of prize expenses, businesses can reduce taxable income while driving customer engagement. Always consult with a tax professional to maximize these benefits and ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Start running tax-smart promotions today with CliquePrize®! 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
CliquePrize® Redefines Top Of The Funnel Small Business Lead Generation 23 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## **Offline Contest Registration Doesn't Work** Many small businesses still rely on outdated lead generation methods, such as: - **Collecting business cards in a fishbowl** – This method gathers random business contacts, usually work emails, which makes it difficult to send personalized offers - **Sign-up sheets** – Paper sign-ups are hard to manage, and handwriting can be illegible, leading to inaccurate or incomplete data - **Paper raffle tickets** – These don’t collect customer emails or mobile numbers in a way that’s easy to use for follow-up marketing These methods fail to capture high-quality, local customer data, making it difficult to engage leads with future promotions, discounts, or coupons. CliquePrize® solves this problem by collecting first-party customer data—such as first name, last name, email, mobile number, and zip code—on an opt-in basis. This ensures that small businesses gather real, actionable leads that can be nurtured into repeat customers. ## **Current Small Business Lead Generation Tactics** Most brick-and-mortar small businesses don’t invest heavily in online lead generation tactics like SEO or PPC advertising. Instead, they rely on local engagement through the following methods: - **Google and Yelp Reviews** – Small Business owners encourage [Contestants](/contestants) to leave positive reviews, which helps improve online visibility. However, reviews don’t provide customer contact information, making it impossible to re-engage with reviewers directly - **Google My Business Optimization** – Keeping business hours, menus, and promotions updated helps attract local search traffic, but it doesn’t generate a list of leads that can be marketed to later - **POS System Data Collection** – Platforms like Toast, Square, and Clover allow small businesses to track purchase history and offer loyalty rewards, but these systems only capture data when a customer makes a purchase, not when they are first considering your small business. CliquePrize® fills this gap by capturing leads before they become paying customers, allowing small businesses to nurture and convert them over time. Thus, there is a Conversion Sales Funnel to consider. ## **Understanding the Sales Conversion Funnel: AIDA** Small business owners must understand the Sales Conversion Funnel to turn leads into paying customers. The AIDA model—Awareness, Interest, Desire, and Action—breaks down the journey from first impression to final purchase. Each stage is critical in converting potential customers into loyal buyers. ### **1\. Awareness: Capturing Attention with CliquePrize® (Top of the Funnel)** Awareness is the first step in the funnel. If Contestants don’t know your small business exists, they can’t buy from you. CliquePrize® is designed to create brand awareness by offering an enticing giveaway. A high-value prize grabs attention, encouraging Contestants to opt-in and share their contact information. This step ensures that local consumers discover and engage with your small business in a meaningful way because the offer is relevant and the odds of winning are high. ### **2\. Interest: The Opt-In Moment** When a Contestant enters a CliquePrize® promotion, they move from Awareness to Interest. They’re not just noticing your small business; they’re actively engaging with it. By providing their first name, last name, email, mobile number, and zip code, they show a genuine interest in your brand. This is a critical touchpoint—it signals that they are open to hearing from you, setting the stage for deeper engagement.  ### **3\. Desire: Building Excitement Through Digital Marketing (Mid-Funnel)** Once a lead has opted in, the next step is to create Desire. Digital marketing strategies like email campaigns and SMS text messages help nurture this interest by providing exclusive offers, discounts, and event invitations. The goal is to transform passive interest into active desire—making potential customers feel like they’re missing out if they don’t visit your store. This is why Small Businesses use a low-cost CRM like [HelloLeads](/partners/helloleads) to manage their contact list captured from CliquePrize®. ### **4\. Action: The In-Store Purchase (Lower Funnel)** The final step in the AIDA model is Action—when a customer visits your location and makes a purchase. Without a well-built lead list, Awareness and Interest rarely happen, and Desire never develops. The local market is crowded with options, and even if a [Sponsor](/sponsors) offers a great product or service, it must stand out to be considered. Offering something of value, like a giveaway, is the key to getting potential customers to take action. By leveraging CliquePrize®, small businesses can consistently generate Awareness and Interest, nurture leads through digital marketing, and drive real-world foot traffic that leads to sales. ## **Why CliquePrize® is Elite for Local Lead Generation** CliquePrize® is designed specifically for small, local brick and mortar businesses looking to attract customers in their area. Here’s how it stands out from other methods: - **Local Targeting** – Instead of gathering random internet leads, CliquePrize® ensures that leads come from local customers near your small business. The app verifies Contestant locations with patent-pending technology that leverages Apple Location Services for precise targeting - **One-Click Entry** – Contestants can enter a promotion in seconds, making registration frictionless and maximizing engagement - **Highly-Secure -** CliquePrize® is hosted on the MS Azure Cloud and is a highly secure; the odds of Contestant data being hacked or stolen is remote - **First-Party Data Collection** – Unlike social media contests that provide limited customer details, CliquePrize® captures essential contact information—on an opt-in basis—that small businesses can use for marketing and sales follow-ups - **Fair, Transparent Winner Selection** – CliquePrize® prevents fraud by offering Small Businesses the ability to blindly select winners, ensuring fair play and building trust with Contestants. The same is true if the App itself selects winners ## **Lead Scoring: Turning Leads Into Repeat Paying Customers** Not all leads are equal, which is why lead scoring helps small businesses prioritize high-value customers. With CliquePrize®, brick and mortar small businesses can start segmenting their leads. A simple lead scoring model might look like this: - **High-Value Customers (Score of 3)** – Repeat customers who spend more and visit frequently - **Mid-Value Customers (Score of 2)** – Occasional customers who engage with promotions but don’t visit often - **Low-Value Customers (Score of 1)** – One-time visitors who may need additional incentives to return  Through CliquePrize® [Surveys](/small-business-marketing/surveys-polls-quizzes-questionnaires) and [Video Contests](/small-business-marketing/video-contests), small businesses can learn customer preferences, likes, dislikes, and where they live by zip codes—allowing for targeted offers that increase loyalty. The ultimate goal? To clone your best customers by attracting more people like them. ## **Lead Generation Is A Numbers Game** The more Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs) you collect, the more opportunities you have to convert them into paying customers. CliquePrize® helps small businesses build their local marketing database, making it easier to: - **Send more emails and texts** – More touchpoints lead to higher engagement and foot traffic - **Drive repeat visits** – Offering exclusive promotions to past Contestants to encourage them to return - **Increase conversion rates** – The larger the pool of local SQLs, the better the chances of finding high-value, repeat paying customers CliquePrize® also helps segment [Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) from Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs)](/small-business-marketing/what-are-marketing-qualified-leads-mqls-and-sales-qualified-leads-sqls-for-small-businesses-)—so small businesses can focus on customers who are most likely to convert. The default SQL percentage is 10%, but small business owners can customize this setting to fit their needs. ## **Using CliquePrize® to Generate Leads at Events** Hosting [Events](/small-business-marketing/event-registration-giveaways) is another powerful way to generate leads. With CliquePrize®, small businesses can: - **Run Event Registrations** – Capture attendee information before they even arrive. - **Track Attendance** – Know exactly who showed up to your event. - **Select Prize Winners** – Offer a giveaway to boost participation and collect lead data. For example, a local Bridal shop could sponsor a 5K charity race and use CliquePrize® to register runners, track attendance, and award a free prize to lucky Contestants. This not only promotes community engagement but also generates a highly targeted list of local leads. > **Pro Tip:** When planning an event, small business owners should consider permits, location logistics, and insurance coverage to ensure everything runs smoothly. Brick and mortar small businesses need better ways to capture and use local, customer data, and CliquePrize® is the ultimate tool for effective local lead generation. Instead of relying on outdated fishbowls or hoping customers leave a review, small businesses can actively grow their targeted marketing list with real, local leads. For just $29 upfront and $1 per lead, small businesses can start building a database of high-value customers, driving foot traffic, and increasing sales. Start your **first CliquePrize® promotion today** and take control of your **lead generation strategy**! 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
How To Conduct Small Business Market Research with CliquePrize® Surveys 22 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## **What Does Your Small Business Surveys Tell You?** As a small business, your goal is to understand who your customers, also known as [Contestants](/contestants), are and what drives their decisions. CliquePrize® [Surveys](/small-business-marketing/surveys-polls-quizzes-questionnaires) can help you collect this information and give you a clearer picture of your customer base. Here are some key areas you might focus on: - **Customer Demographics**: Knowing where your customers live, especially by zip code, allows you to target specific neighborhoods for marketing efforts - **Product or Service Preferences**: Understanding what products or services customers want is essential for inventory management, menu updates, or service offerings - **Customer Satisfaction**: You can gauge how well your small business is meeting customer expectations, from the quality of your offerings to the ambiance of your space - **Areas for Improvement**: Customers can tell you where you need to improve, whether it’s parking, pricing, temperature inside your small business, menu variety, or seating options For example, a medical spa may want to know customer expectations for the level of service they provide, the licensed massage therapist (LMT), or whether the temperature in the waiting room is comfortable. These insights will allow the small business to optimize their services and create a more inviting and efficient experience for their customers. #### The Three Types of CliquePrize® Surveys CliquePrize® offers three survey types that are ideal for brick-and-mortar small businesses to collect different types of data. Let’s break down each one and discuss how they differ.  1. **Quizzes** A quiz is a great way to test knowledge or understanding. With a quiz, there is **one correct answer per question**, making it ideal for gauging how much your customers know about your offerings or how they view certain aspects of your small business. For example, a medical spa might ask, "What treatment did you receive during your visit?" This helps ensure you're gathering reliable, factual information about your customers' experiences 2. **Polls** Polls, on the other hand, are about **popularity**. The winner is based on how many people choose a certain option. Polls are ideal for asking broad, simple questions, like "Which of these new products would you like to see next?" This type of survey helps small businesses prioritize customer preferences in a straightforward manner 3. **Questionnaires** Unlike quizzes and polls, questionnaires are **qualitative**. They allow for open-ended responses, giving customers the chance to express detailed feedback on their experience. This makes them perfect for gathering deeper insights into what customers like and dislike about your small business. A questionnaire might ask, "What suggestions do you have for improving our service?" or "What did you like most about your visit?" These insights are invaluable for making meaningful improvements Sponsors can run each Survey type or run a hybrid of two or three types together. There's no cost difference. In the US, according to our research small businesses like dermatology and real estate tend to have higher [NPS scores](https://www.eliassen.com/blog/elas-blog-posts/net-promoter-scores-what-do-the-numbers-really-mean), reflecting strong customer loyalty, while other types like party centers and tanning salons have lower scores. #### Ensuring Accurate Data with a Qualifying Question CliquePrize® helps ensure the quality and relevance of your survey data by requiring a **qualifying question**. This question confirms that the Contestant taking the survey has actually been to your small business. For example, a [Sponsor](/sponsors) might ask, "Where is the painting located in the lobby?" If a contestant answers incorrectly, they will be disqualified from participating in the survey, ensuring you only receive feedback from actual customers. Additionally, by completing a survey, contestants get an extra chance to win a prize through **"Double Your Odds."** This gives them an automatic second entry into the promotion, rewarding them for their time and effort in providing valuable feedback.
2025 Best Brick & Mortar Small Business Marketing Tips 21 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## **What is Small Business Brick & Mortar Marketing?** Brick-and-mortar marketing refers to promotional strategies designed specifically for physical retail locations. Unlike e-commerce businesses, which rely heavily on digital advertising, brick-and-mortar small businesses focus on driving foot traffic, enhancing the in-store experience, and building lasting relationships with local customers. Effective brick-and-mortar marketing integrates both offline and online tactics, including local promotions, curb appeal, loyalty programs, and innovative technology to maximize engagement and sales. With shifting consumer preferences and advancements in retail technology, small businesses need to adopt creative marketing strategies to stay competitive. In 2025, leveraging digital tools like CliquePrize® alongside in-store innovations such as contactless payments and digital signage can give brick-and-mortar businesses a significant advantage. ## **Using CliquePrize® to Capture Local Leads on a Highly Secured Mobile App** One of the biggest challenges for small businesses is acquiring and retaining local customers. CliquePrize® simplifies this process by offering a secure mobile app hosted on the MS Azure Cloud that is designed to capture local leads through giveaways, raffles, events, video contests, and surveys. With CliquePrize®, you can grow your customer base with: - **Geo-Targeted Lead Generation**: CliquePrize® ensures that [Contestants](/contestants) are local since it uses patent-pending technology that leverages Apple location services, ensuring small businesses can collect high-quality leads from people who are physically able to visit their location - **Low-Cost Entry Point**: At just $29 for a first-time promotion, [Sponsors](/sponsors) can capture prospects without a huge marketing spend; following the promotion, Sponsors can also[ purchase](/sponsors/pricing) Contestant lead data starting at $1/record (i.e. first name, last name, email, mobile and zip) on an *optional* basis and never pay for the same record twice - **Blind Winner Selection**: Prevent fraud by ensuring randomized winner selection, making promotions more credible and fair to everyone; for example, it would be impossible to chose family, friends or employees on purpose as winners - **Data Integration with Zapier**: Small businesses can connect CliquePrize® leads to their CRM, POS systems, or email marketing platforms, ensuring seamless follow-up with potential customers By using CliquePrize®, small businesses can capture a steady stream of leads, nurture them into paying customers, and analyze their behavior using analytics tools like Qualetics. ## **Innovation at the Point of Purchase** 2025 brings new advancements in retail technology, enhancing customer convenience and boosting sales. Implementing innovative point-of-purchase solutions can improve checkout speed and overall customer satisfaction. ### **Top Payment & Checkout Innovations:** 1. **Contactless Pay** – NFC-enabled transactions for seamless checkout without physical contact 2. **Mobile POS (Point of Sale)** – Employees can process payments on tablets or smartphones, reducing checkout lines 3. **In-App Payment** – Customers pay for purchases through the small business’s mobile app, eliminating checkout lines 4. **Tap-to-Pay** – Allows customers to tap their phones or cards on a payment terminal for fast transactions 5. **Self-Checkout Kiosks** – Customers scan and pay for items themselves, enhancing efficiency These payment technologies streamline the shopping experience, reducing friction and increasing customer satisfaction. ## **Curb Appeal & Digital Signage: How To Capture Foot Traffic** First impressions matter. A small business’s exterior should be inviting and clearly communicate what’s inside. Effective curb appeal strategies include: - **Eye-Catching Signage** – Use bold fonts, high-contrast colors, and unique designs to draw attention - **Seasonal Decor** – Keep the storefront fresh with themed decorations that align with holidays or events - **Window Displays** – Showcase best-selling or new products in a way that entices passersby; give them a reason to enter the front door ### **Digital Signage: Enhancing the In-Store Experience** Once inside, Contestants should be engaged with dynamic digital displays to improve their shopping experience. - **Promotional Screens:** Highlight sales, new arrivals, and upcoming events in real-time - **Interactive Kiosks:** Let Contestants browse inventory, check availability, or sign up for loyalty programs - **Social Proof:** Display real-time customer reviews and testimonials on screens to build trust; videos work best Investing in digital signage improves engagement and drives more in-store sales by keeping customers informed and entertained. ## **Loyalty Rewards & CliquePrize® Integration** Retaining repeat customers is far more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. A strong loyalty program encourages customers to keep coming back. ### **How to Use CliquePrize® for Loyalty Rewards:** - **Track Rewards Points:** CliquePrize® can track points for digital promotion registrations and Refer A Friend Contestant registrations; combine this with loyalty rewards points for purchases and now you've got the most complete loyalty rewards program available - **Zapier Integration:** Automatically send sales order data from a POS system to Qualetics and combine it with CliquePrize® lead data to track spending habits. - **Analyze Behavior:** Identify your most valuable customers by zip code and tailor personalized offers to increase lifetime value By linking CliquePrize® promotions to sales data, small businesses can build a more targeted loyalty program that drives real revenue growth. ## **Next-Gen QR Codes for Product Discovery** QR codes continue to revolutionize in-store experiences. In 2025, small businesses can use next-generation QR codes for: - **Price Checks:** Let customers scan a QR code to get the latest price - **Product Information:** Provide detailed descriptions, reviews, and videos - **Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping:** Allow customers to visualize products in real-world settings - **Exclusive Discounts:** Offer **QR-only promotions** to encourage scanning and engagement By placing QR codes throughout the store, small businesses can provide a more interactive and informative shopping experience. ## **3D & VR Shopping Experiences** As technology evolves, retailers can enhance customer engagement through immersive experiences: - **In-Store 3D Glasses:** Allow customers to see product demonstrations in augmented reality (AR) - **At-Home VR Shopping:** Customers can wear VR goggles to virtually walk through the store, browse products, and make purchases remotely These innovations create a futuristic shopping experience that blends the physical and digital worlds, giving customers more reasons to engage with a brand. ## **Building a Database Marketing List with CliquePrize®** At the heart of every successful brick-and-mortar small business is a growing database of potential customers. - **CliquePrize® giveaways** enable small businesses to capture top of the funnel leads at the lowest cost per acquisition - **It’s a numbers game** – the larger the list, the higher the chance of converting those leads into paying customers - **Email Marketing & SMS Text Messaging** keep small businesses connected with their audience and drive repeat visits; thus, the list Sponsors capture from CliquePrize® is critical By continuously building and nurturing a marketing list, small businesses can ensure sustainable growth and profitability in 2025 and beyond. 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
The Best Small Business Sweepstakes & Video Contest App 17 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
### The Popularity of iPhones and CliquePrize®'s Mobile App Over 60% of all mobile users in the United States own an iPhone, a statistic that speaks volumes about the mobile-first world we live in. As a native iOS mobile app, CliquePrize® is the app best suited for the majority of smartphone users in the US. By focusing on iPhone users, CliquePrize® maximizes its potential to reach the right audience: local customers who can visit and support small businesses in their community. ### Data Security and One-Click Entry to Win At CliquePrize®, security and ease of use are top priorities. The app is hosted by Microsoft Azure, offering enterprise-grade data security to protect both [Contestants](/contestants) and [Sponsors](/sponsors). This ensures that all sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as the Contestant's first name, last name, email, mobile and zip, remains secure and confidential. Another standout feature is the one-click entry to win. Contestants can enter sweepstakes (aka giveaways) or video contests with a simple tap, eliminating the need for lengthy forms or complicated processes. This streamlined experience increases registration rates and encourages repeat entries, which benefits small businesses by increasing lead capture. ### Patent-Pending Localization Technology For brick and mortar small businesses, attracting local customers is crucial. CliquePrize® sets itself apart by leveraging patent-pending localization technology, which ensures that only Contestants who are physically near the small business can enter these digital promotions. This feature is invaluable for Small Business Owners that want to capture with local leads rather than nationwide sweepstakes that often capture non-local registrants. For example, a gym or hair salon in New York can ensure that only New York-based Contestants are eligible to win prizes by voting on [video contests](/small-business-marketing/video-contests). This geo-targeting technology allows Small Business Owners to target the right audience and build loyalty among their local customer base, without worrying about capturing irrelevant Contestant data. ## How to Run a Photo or Video Contest on CliquePrize® Running a photo or video contest on **CliquePrize**® is simple and effective. Small businesses can leverage the app’s user-friendly interface to create, manage, and promote their video contests. Here’s how it works: 1. **Upload Photo or Video Content**: Contestants can upload their photos or videos to YouTube and then copy and paste the URL into the CliquePrize® app. These videos are then eligible to be voted on by other Contestants. Videos that win the Most Popular or Highest Rated do so based on merit and not random choice. These are called User Generated Content (UGC) Contests. 2. **Voting and Rating**: For each video or photo submission, all Contestants can vote for their favorite (Most Popular) or rate each finalist video on a 1-5 star scale (Highest Rated Contest). Each video in a rating contest has its own unique rating by the Contestant amongst the finalists. This method of voting ensures a unique winner, avoids ties and provides valuable feedback to the small business on what resonates best with their target audience. 3. **Prizes**: What's unique about **CliquePrize**® UGC Video Contests is that there are attractive prizes for both the winning video creator and the voter. The winning video creator (Contestant) can win by achieving the highest rating or receiving the most votes, while others may be randomly selected for prizes just for registering in the voting process. ### Uploading Photos and Videos: Guidelines and Engagement During User-Generated Content (UGC) contests, Contestants can upload a photo or video to YouTube, giving them the opportunity to showcase their creativity and crowdsource ideas for a small business. - **Video Requirements**: Contestants can submit videos that may or may not include music, as long as the music used is non-copyrighted or has the appropriate music synchronization license. Alternatively, Contestants can use original music in their submissions, allowing for endless creative possibilities. - **Photo Requirements**: Photos can also be submitted to YouTube, with or without accompanying music. If music is included, it must adhere to the same licensing guidelines as videos. CliquePrize® encourages creativity and originality, making it easy for Contestants to submit content that showcases the local business and its offerings. Think of CliquePrize®, therefore, as the voting machine. The app records the Contestant data as well as the vote itself but doesn't host the videos or the photos. ### Why UGC Contests Generate More Leads and Interest User-Generated Content (UGC) contests are often the most successful for small businesses, and for good reason. UGC contests invite Customers to engage directly with the brand in a creative and personal way. This kind of engagement fosters stronger emotional connections with the brand and increases the likelihood of word-of-mouth promotion. Furthermore, UGC contests drive more leads because they give customers a reason to share content on their own social media channels, helping to promote the small business organically. When Contestants share their creations with their followers, it opens the door for the small business to reach new potential customers and expand its local influence. Additionally, the voting and rating system further boosts engagement, as Contestants feel more invested in the outcome and are likely to share their participation with their networks. CliquePrize® is the perfect app for small businesses looking to make a big impact. By leveraging cutting-edge localization technology, robust data security, and easy-to-use features, CliquePrize® gives small businesses a powerful tool to engage their local communities, generate leads, and build lasting relationships. With its unique focus on iPhone users, CliquePrize® ensures that small businesses can connect with the right customers and achieve real results. Whether you’re looking to run a sweepstakes, a video contest, or a user-generated content campaign, CliquePrize® offers all the tools you need to grow your small business and engage your local audience. 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
How Small Businesses Can Conduct Market Research With Video Contests by CliquePrize® 16 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## Before launching a brick and mortar small business, you need to gather insights on: - **Addressable Market:** Who are your potential customers, and how many are there? - **Product Fit:** Does your product or service actually solve a problem or fulfill a need? - **Market Demand:** Is there enough interest to sustain your small business long-term? - **Competition:** Who else is offering similar products, and how can you differentiate? CliquePrize® developed [Video Contests](/small-business-marketing/video-contests) to answer these very questions. With the right market research at a low cost, you can learn the answers to these questions and more. ## Video Contests: A Cost-Effective Way to Crowdsource Market Insights Videos are one of the best and most cost-effective ways to crowdsource ideas and customer feedback. With CliquePrize®, small business owners can launch **User-Generated Content (UGC) Video Contests** or **Hybrid Video Contests** to gain insights into [Contestant](/contestants) preferences, pricing, service expectations, and even location viability. ### How Video Contests Provide Valuable Market Research 1. **Marketing & Branding Ideas:** Contestants create and upload videos to YouTube in order to showcase how they perceive your business or idea, providing real insights into messaging that resonates. 2. **Pricing Strategies:** Contestants can express what they’re willing to pay for your products or services; this can also be accomplished through [Surveys](/small-business-marketing/surveys-polls-quizzes-questionnaires) 3. **Service & Product Improvement:** Learn what Contestants (i.e your customers) love and what they think needs improvement about your small business 4. **Customer Reviews:** If your small business is already operating, [Video Contests](/small-business-marketing/why-small-business-video-contests-outperform-all-other-contest-types) can collect authentic customer testimonials that build trust with future prospects ## Understanding Contest Formats: Most Popular vs. Highest Rated Videos CliquePrize® offers two types of video contests, each yielding different types of learning: - **Most Popular Video Contest:** Contestants vote for their favorite video, revealing which concept is most appealing to the largest number of people. - **Highest Rated Video Contest:** Contestants rate videos on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, helping to rank ideas from best to worst based on quality and effectiveness; each video must have its own unique rating and the winner is determined by the highest average The **Highest Rated Video Contest** provides the most structured learning since it results in an ordered list of ideas, allowing small businesses to see what resonates the most and what needs improvement. During the Video Submission phase, up to 50 Contestants can upload a video to YouTube and submit the URL into CliquePrize® for evaluation during the Voting Phase. As the [Sponsor](/sponsors), your job is then to dwindle the list down to no fewer than 2 and no more than 5 Video Finalists for the Voting Phase. ## Cost Comparison: Traditional Market Research vs. Video Contests Traditional market research methods, such as focus groups, can cost thousands of dollars. Here’s a breakdown of costs: - **Focus Groups:** $5,000 - $10,000 per session - **Professional Market Research Reports:** $10,000 - $50,000+ - **Customer Surveys & Polls:** $500 - $5,000 In contrast, a CliquePrize® Video Contest costs only **$29 for first-time Sponsors**, making it an **affordable and scalable solution** to obtain similar market insights at a fraction of the price. ## The Value of Ranked Feedback from Video Contests One of the most powerful insights from video contests is the ability to generate a ranked list of marketing concepts, small business ideas, or customer preferences. By analyzing the **highest-rated** videos, small businesses can determine: - The most effective messaging and branding concepts - The best pricing strategies according to customer willingness to pay - Common themes in customer preferences or needs - Which location or service models have the most demand This ranking system helps small businesses make **data-driven decisions**, reducing the risk of costly mistakes. ## How Upfront Market Research Saves Money and Builds Competitive Advantage Conducting market research before launching a brick and mortar small business helps avoid unnecessary costs and gives entrepreneurs a strategic edge. Here’s how: ### **Cost Savings** - **Avoiding Bad Locations:** Market research ensures you select a high-traffic location with the right demographics, preventing financial losses from poor sales - **Preventing Overstock or Understock Issues:** Understanding demand helps optimize inventory levels, minimizing waste and storage costs - **Minimizing Marketing Expenses:** Researching customer preferences ensures advertising efforts are targeted and effective - **Right Pricing Strategy:** Setting competitive yet profitable prices based on data prevents overpricing or underpricing - **Efficient Staffing:** Analyzing peak business hours allows for better employee scheduling, reducing unnecessary labor costs ### **Advantages** - **Better Product-Market Fit:** Ensures your products or services align with customer needs, increasing the likelihood of success - **Stronger Competitive Positioning:** Knowing your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses allows you to differentiate and create unique value - **Higher Customer Retention:** Addressing customer pain points from the start leads to better service, satisfaction, and repeat business - **Investor & Loan Approval:** A well-researched business plan with market data increases credibility and improves funding opportunities - **Faster Break-Even Point:** Avoiding costly mistakes and targeting the right market allows for quicker profitability ## Assumptions **Year 1:** - **Total Revenue:** $250,000 - **Total Expenses & Upfront Investment:** $200,000 - **Net Profit:** $50,000 #### **Breakdown of Expenses & Investment:** - **Lease/Rent & Utilities:** $50,000 (25%) - **Inventory & Supplies:** $40,000 (20%) - **Marketing & Advertising:** $20,000 (10%) - **Salaries & Wages:** $60,000 (30%) - **Equipment & Furnishings:** $30,000 (15%) Market research is a small investment that can prevent expensive mistakes and significantly increase the chances of long-term success. CliquePrize® Video Contests offer an affordable, engaging, and data-driven way for small businesses to conduct research and gain insights that drive growth. With CliquePrize®, a brick and mortar small business owner can increase revenues, low customer acquisition costs and reduce marketing expense significantly. 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
Local Business Marketing: How to Capture Leads With Bullseye! Targeting 15 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## How CliquePrize® Captures Local Leads CliquePrize® offers 6 unique digital products to capture local leads: - **Giveaways** (Sweepstakes) - **Video Contests** - **Event Registrations** - **Raffle Ticketing** - **Text-to-Instant Win Promotions** - **Surveys (Polls, Quizzes, Questionnaires)** All of these digital promotions require Contestants to verify their location before entering, ensuring they are physically present in the targeted area. When someone enters a promotion, CliquePrize® captures their: - **First Name** - **Last Name** - **Email** - **Mobile Number** - **Zip Code**  From CliquePrize®'s earliest days, Bullseye! was the name of the Newsletter and its lead targeting strategy. This **localized lead list** can be used for follow-ups, special promotions, and customer retention strategies—all while ensuring small businesses called [Sponsors](/sponsors) are only targeting verified, local prospects. Its also worth noting that these prospects can only enter from a major US Wireless Carrier such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. This eliminates fake or alias Contestant entries who try to enter to win with different VOIP, WhatsApp or burner phones. ## Metro Markets: The Key to Precision Bullseye! Local Targeting What makes CliquePrize® unique is its Metro Market system. Instead of targeting individual zip codes, which can be inefficient, CliquePrize® organizes the 41,000+ U.S. zip codes into Metro Markets—a group of zip codes forming a radius around major cities in each U.S. state, plus Washington, D.C.  Each Metro Market allows small businesses to **target an entire economic region**, rather than a single town, increasing the reach while maintaining local relevance. So far, 22 US States are LIVE plus Washington, DC. Each with their own unique number of Metro Markets (See chart above). Sponsors automatically receive their base Metro Market but can add additional markets in any state at $49/market. Instead of wasting ad dollars on random online traffic, small businesses can use CliquePrize® to zero in on the highest-value local leads. ## Why This Matters for Small Businesses With CliquePrize® digital promotions, small businesses can: - Capture highly targeted leads within their close radius to their location - Ensure only verified local Contestants enter their digital promotions - Increase conversion rates by engaging with high-intent, local prospects - Spend less on marketing while achieving a higher return on investment (ROI) Digital ads (like Facebook or Google) often target broad audiences, making them inefficient for small businesses. CliquePrize® solves this problem by ensuring every lead is local and relevant. For small businesses looking to maximize local engagement and drive foot traffic, running digital promotions through CliquePrize® is one of the most effective and affordable strategies. By leveraging Apple Location Services and Metro Markets, businesses can capture, verify, and convert real local leads—without the waste of traditional digital advertising. 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
10 Strategies to Drive Sales for Brick-and-Mortar Small Businesses with CliquePrize® 14 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## **1\. Engage Customers with a Referral Program** Referral marketing is a powerful tool for small businesses that thrive on word-of-mouth, such as hair salons, bridal shops, and gyms. - **CliquePrize®’s Refer-a-Friend program** offers current [Contestants](/contestants) the ability to refer friends who register a valid CliquePrize® Contestant account and earn reward points. This incentivizes word-of-mouth marketing without extra costs. - Offer in-store **discounts** or **exclusive deals** when Contestants refer others to your business. > **Example**: A **local restaurant** offers a free appetizer or drink for every Contestant referred who makes a purchase, increasing both new and repeat visits. Remember though, winning a prize is never contingent upon a purchase. ## **2\. Use Local Promotions to Increase Foot Traffic** Creating offers that appeal to local customers is essential, especially for businesses like karate / music schools, tanning salons, or real estate open houses. - Post **free Offers** on **CliquePrize®** to attract new customers who are local to your area. - All CliquePrize® Sponsors can post Offers at any time as much as you'd like. These Offers have no bearing on the outcome of promotional prizing. They are independent listings inside the App offered to you as a free courtesy  - Include limited-time **discounts, BOGO deals**, or special “**first-time visit**” offers that encourage new Contestants to walk through your door > **Example**: A **real estate agency** could offer a free consultation or property tour for first-time home buyers who Enter to Win a promotion through **CliquePrize®**. ## **3\. Optimize Your Bullseye! Directory Listing** Enhance your small business visibility by optimizing your **Bullseye! directory listing** on **CliquePrize®**. This directory helps Contestants find small businesses alphabetically within their local Metro Market. Optimize your Bullseye! screen by adding key details: - **Business Summary** - **Address (linked to Google Maps)** - **Phone Number** - **Website** - **Operating Hours and Days** - **Links to All Live Promotions Hosted on CliquePrize®** Your Bullseye! listing is deep-linked through your **handle URL**, such as [www.cliqueprize.com/@my-handle-name](http://www.cliqueprize.com/@my-handle-name), on a **first-come, first-serve** basis. This makes it easier for local Contestants to discover your small business, and click through to your live promotions and special offers. > **Example**: A **local gym** makes their Bullseye! page accessible with exclusive membership offers and class schedules. ## **4\. Offer Limited-Time In-Store Events or Classes** Hosting events, classes, or workshops can increase foot traffic and create a sense of urgency for Contestants. - Host **live events** like cooking classes at your **restaurant**, free trial **kickboxing classes** at your **gym**, or skincare consultations at your **dermatology clinic** - CliquePrize® promotion**s** can help generate buzz for these events by offering discounted rates or prize giveaways for attendance > **Example**: A **yoga studio** could offer a “bring a friend” special with a free class for the first 10 people who sign up through CliquePrize®. ## **5\. Drive Repeat Business with Membership Deals** Encourage Contestants to return and become regulars by offering loyalty programs or membership-based deals. - Use CliquePrize® to post exclusive offers for existing customers, such as discounts on future services or special promotions for members - Offer packages such as 5 sessions for the price of 4 at your kickboxing studio or gym, or VIP access at a bar or tanning salon > **Example**: A **music school** could offer ONE (1) FREE YEAR of LESSONS for students who Enter to Win a **CliquePrize® promotion**. ## **6\. Boost Visibility with Customer Reviews** Online reviews and testimonials are powerful sales tools for small businesses. - Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on platforms like **Google**, **Yelp**, and **Facebook** - **CliquePrize®** can help amplify this by mirroring these **Offers** to those review platforms and providing exclusive deals for Contestants who leave a review. > **Example**: A **bridal shop** might offer a 10% discount on a future purchase for every bride who leaves a review after their initial appointment. ## **7\. Create Special Discounts Around Holidays or Events** Strategic seasonal promotions can increase sales during key times of the year. For example, for tourism and lifestyle businesses, or party rental centers, you can drive bookings for special events. - Host holiday sales or special discounts on popular items during peak seasons, such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, or New Year’s - Promote limited-time CliquePrize® giveaways for those who sign up during specific promotional periods > **Example**: A **party rental center** could create a special discount for customers booking event rentals for holiday parties or summer weddings. ## **8\. Partner with Complementary Local Small Businesses** Partnerships with non-competing small businesses that share a similar customer base can help drive mutual sales. Harvard Business Review found that partnerships can expand customer reach by 40%. - Partner with a local gym with a co-branded CliquePrize® giveaway for spas or health clinics for their members - Promote co-branded CliquePrize® giveaways for karaoke bars and music schools, or real estate agencies and home improvement stores. > **Example**: A **hair salon** could partner with a **beauty store** to offer a special discount on products when Contestants enter to win a **CliquePrize®** giveaway. The discount would be emailed or sent via a text to all registrants following the promotion ## **9\. Showcase Your Expertise and Build Trust** Positioning your small business as an expert in its field can attract Contestants who are looking for high-quality services or products. - Offer free workshops or consultations to educate your customers about your services - Use CliquePrize® to host these educational [Events](/small-business-marketing/event-registration-giveaways), such as Win A free skincare consultation at your dermatology clinic or a a Win A Personal fitness consultation at your gym > **Example**: An **HVAC business** could host a free energy efficiency seminar, offering Contestants valuable tips while providing exclusive discounts for attendees who book a service. ## **10\. Utilize Local Sponsorships and Community Engagement** Engaging with your local community helps build trust and visibility. - Sponsor local events, charity drives, or sporting teams to build goodwill and increase brand awareness. - Post community-focused offers on CliquePrize® to encourage people to visit your business. > **Example**: A **karate school** could sponsor a local youth sports team, offering free training sessions to those who play sports and want to learn self-defense By using the 10 strategies above, brick-and-mortar small businesses can effectively drive sales and increase foot traffic. CliquePrize® provides valuable tools to engage local Contestants, promote referral programs, and amplify your offers. Additionally, optimizing your Bullseye! directory listing and partnering with other local small businesses can significantly boost your visibility in your community. If you’re ready to grow your brick-and-mortar business, CliquePrize® offers customized promotions, free Offers, and strategic tools to help you achieve your sales goals. 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
Comparing Sweepstakes and Contest Platforms for Lead Generation and Viral Marketing 13 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## The Leading Sweepstakes and Video Contest App for Lead Generation CliquePrize® is designed specifically for small businesses focusing on lead generation. Unlike generic marketing tools where contests are secondary, CliquePrize® has a dedicated lead capture functionality, outperforming other platforms in generating conversions. Users report conversion rates that are 32% higher than industry averages. **Key Features** - **Lead Scoring System**: Segments participants based on likelihood to convert; segments by [MQLs and SQLs](/small-business-marketing/what-are-marketing-qualified-leads-mqls-and-sales-qualified-leads-sqls-for-small-businesses-) - **Automated Campaigns:** Post-promotion, integrated with tools like [HelloLeads](/partners/helloleads) to automate workflows for converting leads - **Localization**: CliquePrize® excels with advanced local targeting capabilities that leverages Apple Location Services, the app ensures leads are local which always results in a higher conversion for brick and mortar small businesses ## Build Customizable Video Contests with a Powerful Giveaways App Creating unique, engaging promotions is crucial to standing out. CliquePrize® offers a wide range of free templates and customizable backgrounds, logos, summaries, rules, privacy policy, and terms, which offers Small Business Owners the ability to build contests like [giveaways](/small-business-marketing/cliqueprize-is-the-small-business-giveaways-tool), [events](/small-business-marketing/event-registration-giveaways), [video contests](/small-business-marketing/video-contests), [raffles](/small-business-marketing/raffle-ticketing-prize-selection-tool), [text to instant win](/small-business-marketing/text-to-win-instant-giveaway-promotions) and [surveys](/small-business-marketing/surveys-polls-quizzes-questionnaires) such as quizzes, polls and questionnaires without any coding knowledge. **Benefits** - **Upload Functionality**: No technical skills required to customize background images and logos - **Mobile Optimization**: One-Click to Enter; no long contest forms to fill out - **Publisher Management**: Ability to drive 3rd party[ Affiliate Publisher](/publishers) traffic from a banner exchange to your promotion at no extra cost While other platforms also offer customization options, CliquePrize® goes further with its proprietary “localization” technology and one-click to Enter technology that outperforms all others for [Contestant](/contestants) opt-ins. ## Boost Your Social Media Contests and Viral Marketing Campaigns Viral marketing relies on creating experiences that Contestants want to share. CliquePrize® excels at leveraging social media with an Refer A Friend Rewards program for sharing contests with their friends, resulting in a 3.8x increase in reach. **Social Features** - **Referral System:** Contestants earn 1 (ONE) Rewards point for entering to win as well as 1 (ONE) Rewards point for referring a friend who creates a valid Contestant account - **Multi-Channel Integration**: Works seamlessly with email, mobile ad networks, PPC, and social media platforms that can capture local leads easily with a custom handle URL as as [www.cliqueprize.com/@my-handle-name](http://www.cliqueprize.com/@my-handle-name) that deep links into your [Sponsor](/sponsors)'s Bullseye! screen - **Analytics**: Real-time visibility into campaign performance that displays number of Contestant entries segmented by MQLs and SQLs as well post-promotion data visualizations (optional) to view by Contestant entries by zip code in the local area on a map Unlike basic platforms, CliquePrize® amplifies social sharing with its Refer A Friend Rewards Points system which results in a greater viral spread. ## Capture Local Lead Data Such As Email In One-Click Email capture remains one of the most valuable benefits of contests. CliquePrize® enhances this with its one-click to enter feature, which gathers participant instantly, boosting form completion rates by 32%. - **Email DSP Integrations**: Integrates with Zapier so you can export your leads directly in HelloLeads or many other popular CRM tools such as HubSpot, Salesforce or SalesLoft - **CCPA Compliance**: Ensures legal data collection since CliquePrize® uses a [native mobile CMP ](/small-business-marketing/protecting-contestant-privacy-with-a-consent-management-platform-cmp)for all in-app banner ads; this is not necessary for giveaways or promotions since the Contestants opt-in as a result of our [Terms of Use](/legal/contestants-terms)  While other platforms also focus on email capture, they lack the in-depth integration features that make CliquePrize® particularly effective for building high-quality email lists. ## Create Engaging Viral Marketing Campaigns with a Video Contest Builder Engagement is key to a successful contest. CliquePrize® offers video contests that put the power of Idea Generation into the hands of the Contestant. **Gamification Features** - **User-Generation Content (UGC)**: Contestants can win a prize for uploading a video to YouTube that is voted as the Most Popular or Highest Rated Video by other Contestants; these video contests are truly UGC opportunities for Contestants to provide their own marketing ideas for your small business as well as their own reviews - **Achievements & Points**: Contestant earn 1 (ONE) Rewards point for submitting a video and could also win an additional rewards point for the winning video - **Video Storytelling**: By understanding customer needs through videos, Small Businesses can take these ideas and develop marketing campaigns that resonate within the local area Unlike other platforms, which lacks gamification, CliquePrize® uses a data-driven approach to optimize for engagement. ## The Ultimate Online Contest Builder for Customizable Giveaways CliquePrize® provides unmatched flexibility in creating giveaway experiences. Whether a its sweepstakes, event, video contest, raffle or text to instant win promotion, CliquePrize® supports all contest formats. **Post-Giveaway Features** - **Winner Selection**: Pick winners manually or ask CliquePrize® to do it for you automatically; manual selection is coded for blind selection ensuring fairness for all Contestants - **Physical or Digital Prize Fulfillment**: Contestants can redeem a digital e-gift card from [BHN Rewards](/partners/bhn-rewards), or even an in-house gift-certificate; in which case, the Contestant redeems the prize by sharing the winning QR code to you for scanning; alternatively, you can ship a Physical Prize to the winning Contestant and track it from a major delivery carrier such as UPS, FedEx or the USPS; CliquePrize® also works with Prize Fulfillment warehouses to track any prize shipped from there Other platforms offer basic giveaways, but they lack CliquePrize®'s advanced prize winner selection and automated fulfillment capabilities, making it a better choice for long-duration campaigns. ## Enhanced Lead Generation with Contest and Email Capture Tools CliquePrize® transforms contests into powerful lead generation engines by integrating qualification tools and post-contest nurturing. **Lead Gen Tools** - **Lead Scoring**: Rate leads based on their likelihood to do convert; HelloLeads rates all leads automatically - **Post-Promotion Nurturing**: Keeps communication flowing with Contestants through tailored email journeys and email drip campaigns While other competitors offer basic lead collection, CliquePrize®’s lead scoring and automated nurturing make it a comprehensive, end-to-end solution. The [ROI for CliquePrize® promotions](/small-business-marketing/how-much-does-spend-cost) can be calculated and forecasted. ## Create Powerful Landing Page & Prize Detail Screens with Contest Builders For online contests, effective landing pages are vital for converting contest participants. CliquePrize®'s Prize Details screen is much more effective at capturing Contestant opt-ins with customization. While other platforms offer landing page functionality, CliquePrize®’s specialized optimization leads to 32% higher conversion rates. ## Run Engaging Viral Sweepstakes and Customizable Contest Management CliquePrize® offers robust tools for both the creative and administrative aspects of contest management, streamlining the process from design to fulfillment. Administrative Features - **Rules, Privacy Policy & Terms of Use**: CliquePrize® automatically provides compliant rules, privacy policy and terms of use which you can edit and customize for your own needs or you can upload your own - **Prize Summaries**: CliquePrize® also provides you with a customizable space to list your prize offering, start and end dates and eligibility requirements (18+ years of age) - **FREE Templates**: CliquePrize® offers 45+ FREE small business category templates if you do not have your own background graphics Other platforms provide basic tools but lack the comprehensive administrative features that CliquePrize® offers, making it more efficient for complex campaigns. ## The All-in-One Giveaway Platform for Viral Video Contests and Lead Generation CliquePrize® offers a complete contest marketing solution in one platform, reducing the need for multiple tools and integrations. Its unified analytics provide a full view of contest metrics, making ROI calculation and campaign optimization easier. **Key Benefits** - **Unified Analytics**: Track everything from conversion to visualization; no other platform has data visualization at a local lead level - **Campaign Setup Efficiency**: 76% faster setup times compared to using multiple tools While other competitors offer partial solutions, CliquePrize®’s all-in-one approach ensures a seamless and efficient experience for Small Business Owners. ## Build Contests and Sweepstakes with a Comprehensive Contest Builder CliquePrize®’s contest builder allows for sophisticated campaigns with an API for post-promotion data integration. **API Integration:** Advanced options for technical users; this option enables Small Businesses to tie sales data with promotional, top of the funnel lead data; no other platform can make this connection. Metrics such as Average Order Value, Total Orders and Itemized Billing can connect the dots between leads and repeat, paying customers. CliquePrize® gives Small Business Owners the flexibility to create any campaign format without sacrificing ease of use or functionality. - **Speed and Performance**: Achieve high Google PageSpeed scores for maximum conversion. CliquePrize® outperforms other competitor with its specialized contest conversion optimization - **World-Class Security**: CliquePrize® is hosted on the MS Azure Cloud; unlike other platforms which use Amazon Web Services (AWS), CliquePrize® is nearly impossible to hack which safeguards Contestant data at all times In a crowded field of sweepstakes and contest platforms, CliquePrize® stands out with its specialized features designed to optimize lead generation and viral marketing. Its all-in-one solution, advanced tools, and comprehensive analytics make it the best choice for small businesses aiming to maximize ROI from their contest campaigns. 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
10 Strategies To Grow Your Small Business Brand 12 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## **1\. Develop a Strong Brand Identity** Your brand is more than just a logo—it's the **perception** [Contestants](/contestants) have of your small business. A strong brand identity includes: - A recognizable logo and color scheme - A consistent brand voice and messaging - A mission statement that resonates with your audience 🔹 **Case Study:** *Local coffee shop Bean & Brew rebranded with a new logo, color palette, and social media campaign, increasing foot traffic by 30% in three months.* ## **2\. Optimize Your Website for SEO** A well-optimized website helps potential customers find your small business when they search online. - Use **keywords** like "best bakery in \[your city\]" to rank locally - Ensure your site is **mobile-friendly** for better user experience; this is also known as a responsive website (meaning it can detect different browser types such as mobile, tablet or desktop) - Publish **blog content** answering frequently asked (FAQ) questions 🔹 **Expert Insight:** According to SEO specialist Brian Dean, "Google rewards businesses that provide value through high-quality content and great user experience." ## **3\. Leverage Social Media Marketing** Social media platforms help small businesses connect with customers and promote products. - Use **Instagram and SnapChat** for visual storytelling - Engage with followers through **polls, giveaways, and Q&A sessions** - Invest in **Facebook and Instagram ads** for targeted reach 🔹 **Trending Now:** Small businesses are benefiting from Instagram's algorithm, which prioritizes **engaging, authentic content** over follower count. A viral post can **skyrocket brand visibility** overnight. 🔹 **Case Study:** *Easy Street Burgers saw a 300% increase in sales after a viral IG video which featured their signature burger.* ## **4\. Utilize Email Marketing** Email marketing remains one of the highest ROI strategies for small businesses. - Offer a **discount** for email sign-ups - Send **personalized recommendations** based on customer preferences - Use an email automation tool to maintain consistency; CliquePrize® has partnered with [HelloLeads](/partners/helloleads) to provide this capability at a low cost 🔹 **Example:** *A local pet shop increased repeat purchases by 40% after implementing a monthly email newsletter with exclusive discounts.* ## **5\. Manage Your Google Business Profile** Local customers search for small businesses near them. Improve local visibility by: - Claiming and optimizing your **Google Business Profile** - Encouraging **customer reviews** on Google and Yelp - Adding **location-based keywords** to your website 🔹 **Stat:** **76% of people** who search for a local small business on their phone visit within a day. (Source: Google) ## **6\. Host Giveaways & Contests on** CliquePrize® Running giveaways and video contests **boosts engagement** and attracts new customers. - Require iPhone local Contestants to Enter to Win in One-Click using CliquePrize®; over 65% of all US cell phone owners have an iPhone - Ask them to **follow, like, and share** your promotion on their own social media accounts - Partner with other local small businesses for **cross-promotion**; for example, offer a co-branded or co-sponsored prize - Offer a free prize worth winning 🔹 **Case Study:** *A local boutique fitness studio gained 1000 new leads in a week after hosting a free membership giveaway on CliquePrize®* ## **7\. Engage in Influencer & UGC Marketing** User-generated content (UGC) and influencer partnerships help build credibility and expand your reach. - Partner with **local influencers** to promote your products or services - Encourage customers to **share videos**, such as reviews, on social media or perhaps a video contest on CliquePrize® - Run a UGC video contest on CliquePrize® 🔹 **Trending Now:** Many small businesses are thriving by partnering with **micro-influencers** (1,000-50,000 followers), who often have highly engaged niche audiences. ## **8\. Run Paid Advertising Campaigns** Paid ads help small businesses **reach new customers quickly**. [Digital Media](/small-business-marketing/digital-media-small-business-marketing-agency), CliquePrize®'s in-house digital marketing agency, can help promote your CliquePrize® giveaway with paid media. - **Google Ads** drive traffic from search results. - **Facebook & Instagram Ads** target specific demographics. - **Retargeting ads** bring back visitors who didn’t convert. 🔹 **Example:** *A handmade jewelry brand increased CliquePrize® Giveaway registrants by 150% after launching a $1000 Facebook ad campaign targeting engaged couples* ## **9\. Focus on Customer Retention & Loyalty Programs** Acquiring new customers is important, but **retaining them is even more valuable**. - Offer **loyalty rewards** (e.g., discounts, exclusive perks); CliquePrize® has a Rewards Points program whereby each Contestant is rewarded with 1 (ONE) Rewards point for every giveaway they enter as well as additional point for every valid Contestant account they refer - Use **personalized offers** based on past purchases - Provide **exceptional customer service** to encourage repeat business 🔹 **Stat:** **Returning customers spend 67% more** than new customers. (Source: Bain & Company) ## **10\. Plan for Seasonal Marketing Strategies** Adjust your marketing efforts based on seasonal trends and holidays. - Offer **holiday discounts and promotions** (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas). - Tap into **seasonal themes** (e.g., summer sales, back-to-school deals). - Prepare for **off-peak seasons** by focusing on brand awareness. 🔹 **Case Study:** *A toy store saw a 45% revenue boost after running an early Black Friday promotion with an exclusive email-only discount.* ## **How CliquePrize® Helps with Small Business Marketing** CliquePrize® makes it easy for [Sponsors](/sponsors) to engage Contestants and generate leads through digital marketing strategies. ### **✔️ Video Contests for Market Research & Brand Awareness** - Run **Sponsor-Generated Contests** to test different marketing messages - Encourage **User-Generated Content (UGC)** to leverage customer creativity - Offer a FREE Prize to Contestants who vote as well as has the best video (as determined by the voters) ### **✔️ Giveaways & Sweepstakes for Lead Generation** - Each CliquePrize® giveaway automatically yields a local leads list including first name, last name, email, mobile and zip; you can purchase these leads at $1/record optionally following the promotion; you will never pay for the same record twice - Steal customers from your competitors with a **geo-targeted mobile banner** campaign that advertises your CliquePrize® giveaway simply because the Contestant physically entered your competitors location ### **✔️ Event Registration & Raffles for In-Person Events** - Host **product launch events** with easy sign-ups - Use **QR codes** for seamless ticketing, event registration and attendance tracking as well as prize distribution - Increase attendance with **instant text to win incentives** Small business marketing requires a mix of digital strategies, local engagement, and customer-centric promotions. By leveraging tools like CliquePrize®, small businesses can attract new customers, boost engagement, and drive sales effectively. 🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? [Download the CliquePrize® app ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cliqueprize/id1581931190)and create a FREE Sponsor Account today! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
The 3x3x3 Rule In Small Business Marketing 7 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
### **The 3-Second Hook** In just 3 seconds, you need to grab a prospect's attention. This could be a striking image, an intriguing headline, or an eye-catching video thumbnail in a CliquePrize® promotion. Giveaways with valuable prizes are perfect lead magnets because people are naturally drawn to the opportunity of winning something valuable for free. ### **The 30-Second Engagement** Once you have their attention, you must keep them interested. This is where a clear, compelling value proposition comes in. For example, a CliquePrize® giveaway might highlight the benefit of registering: "Win a free year of gym membership!" or "Enter to win a $500 shopping spree at our bridal boutique!" This phase helps prospects understand that you are willing to offer something of value before asking for anything in return. ### **The 3-Minute Conversion** If a prospect stays engaged for 3 minutes, they are seriously considering your offer. At this stage, you can introduce them to a free trial, a detailed description of your services, or a personalized call to action. If your small business operates on a membership model, offering a free trial allows potential customers to experience your product or service before committing. ## **Applying the 3x3x3 Rule to Different Small Business Categories** ### **Bridal Shops** - **3 Seconds:** "Win a $500 bridal accessories shopping spree!" - **30 Seconds:** Highlight the quality, exclusivity, and elegance of your offerings - **3 Minutes:** Offer a free consultation or dress fitting appointment to build a deeper connection ### **Party Rental Centers** - **3 Seconds:** "Book your party rentals now & enter to win a $200 event credit!" - **30 Seconds:** Showcase high-quality rental items and past successful events - **3 Minutes:** Offer a special discount or free add-on for first-time customers ### **Gyms & Fitness Centers** - **3 Seconds:** "Win a free ONE (1) year gym membership!" - **30 Seconds:** Show success stories, transformation pictures, or unique classes - **3 Minutes:** Provide a free trial workout session or fitness assessment ### **Real Estate Open Houses** - **3 Seconds:** "Win a $500 home improvement gift card for attending our open house!" - **30 Seconds:** Emphasize key selling points of the home and neighborhood - **3 Minutes:** Offer an exclusive VIP walkthrough with a real estate expert ### **Kennels** - **3 Seconds:** "Win a free weekend stay for your pet!" - **30 Seconds:** Highlight the facility's safety, cleanliness, and care services - **3 Minutes:** Offer a free pet grooming session or playdate ### **Karate & Music Schools** - **3 Seconds:** "Win a free month of karate or music lessons!" - **30 Seconds:** Show student testimonials and progress stories (videos are very effective for this) - **3 Minutes:** Provide a free introductory class ### **HVAC Companies** - **3 Seconds:** "Win a free A/C tune-up this summer!" - **30 Seconds:** Explain the importance of regular maintenance - **3 Minutes:** Offer a free energy efficiency consultation ## **Small Business Marketing Course** CliquePrize® provides extensive resources for small business owners, including our [Small Business Marketing Blog](/sponsors/small-business-marketing). Every marketing effort should be **measurable** to ensure a positive return on investment (ROI). Our [Metro Market Sales Reps](https://www.cliqueprize.com/find-a-sales-rep) in locations like [Nashville ](/sponsors/tn/nashville)and [New York City](/sponsors/ny/new-york-city) are available to guide you through promotion setup, strategy, distribution, and prize fulfillment. ## **Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning (STP)** CliquePrize® naturally addresses all three components of **STP marketing**: - **Segmentation:** The CliquePrize® mobile app targets affluent consumers (iPhone owners) - **Targeting:** Promotions focus on local markets to drive foot traffic - **Positioning:** The app positions small businesses as generous and customer-focused by offering valuable giveaways, creating goodwill and brand loyalty This design ensures that small businesses attract highly engaged, location-based prospects who are genuinely interested in their offerings. ## **The #1 Rule in Small Business Marketing** The golden rule of marketing is: **"Capture one audience with one message and one call to action."** CliquePrize® simplifies this with custom Handle URLs, which direct prospects to a [Sponsor's Bullseye! screen](/small-business-marketing/how-to-market) and current promotions. These deep links serve as lead capture tools, enabling small businesses to build email and SMS text messaging campaigns that convert prospects into paying customers and drive foot traffic into brick-and-mortar stores. By leveraging the 3x3x3 rule, STP marketing principles, and CliquePrize® promotions, small businesses can efficiently capture leads, engage customers, and drive conversions in a cost-effective and measurable way. [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
How to Promote Your Small Business Locally 6 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
## How CliquePrize® Ensures Local Lead Capture CliquePrize® uses Apple Location Services to verify that [Contestants](/contestants) are within your small business's service area. This means your promotions will only attract potential customers who are actually nearby and interested in your services. With an easy, one-click-to-enter feature, Contestants can enter up to FIVE (5) promotions per day, maximizing registration. All data is securely stored on the Microsoft Azure Cloud, ensuring user privacy and security. ## Targeting Key Small Business Categories Here are some specific ways different small businesses called [Sponsors](/sponsors) can use CliquePrize® to market locally: - **Bridal Shops**: Offer a giveaway for a free bridal accessory or discount on a dress fitting - **Party Rental Centers**: Run a giveaway for a free event rental or party package - **Gyms & Fitness Centers**: Provide a chance to win a free year of membership or personal training session - **Kennels**: Offer a free pet boarding weekend or grooming session - **HVAC Companies**: Give away a free seasonal HVAC tune-up - **Tattoos & Piercings**: Run a giveaway for a free tattoo/piercing session. - **Real Estate Open Houses**: Give away a gift card to a local Home Improvement store to attract more Open House registrants These digital promotions not only drive registration but also help build brand awareness and customer loyalty. Remember, the more valuable the prize, the more registrants you will receive. ## Why Local Metro Markets Matter CliquePrize® automatically targets your base Metro Market (e.g. [Nashville, TN](/sponsors/tn/nashville)) to focus on the Contestants nearest to you. However, small businesses can expand their reach by adding up to 20 additional Metro Markets for $49 each. This is useful for small businesses with locations in nearby Metro Markets such as Memphis or Knoxville. ### How to Market Effectively in Metro Markets To maximize engagement, offer a prize that is meaningful to local residents. For example: - A bridal shop in Nashville might offer a discount on wedding dresses from a local designer or a Bachelorette night by a Party Bus company in the Music City - A gym in Miami could promote a free beach workout session with a personal trainer - A party rental center in Los Angeles might offer a VIP Tickets to a Hollywood Movie Premiere, an Exclusive Studio Tour or a Hiking Adventure & Picnic in Runyon Canyon By tailoring prizes to the local audience, small businesses increase registration as well as Refer A Friend viral marketing, which is also tracked inside CliquePrize®. ## The Importance of Seasonality in Promotions Aligning promotions with seasonal trends keeps your marketing fresh and relevant. For example: - **Spring & Summer**: HVAC small businesses can promote air conditioning tune-ups, and gyms can offer outdoor workout challenges - **Fall & Winter**: Bridal shops can offer discounts on winter wedding accessories, and kennels can provide holiday pet-sitting promotions By adjusting promotions with the seasons, small businesses can stay top-of-mind and drive consistent engagement year-round. ## The Power of Reach and Frequency in Local Marketing For every small business, competition is fierce. Digital promotions provide an easy and cost-effective way to stand out. Offering a valuable prize encourages potential customers to engage with your brand and experience your services firsthand. CliquePrize® helps you maximize reach and frequency in your Metro Market, ensuring your promotions are seen by the right audience multiple times. The more often people see your brand, the more likely they are to become repeat paying customers. Small businesses need a strategic local marketing approach to attract new customers and build brand loyalty. CliquePrize® makes this easy with location-based promotions, Metro Market targeting, and seasonal marketing strategies. By offering incentives and leveraging digital promotions, small businesses can generate valuable leads, increase visibility, and drive long-term growth. [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
How To Market A Small Business 5 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
### **From Foot Traffic to Lasting Relationships** Physical stores thrive on customer visits, but turning a one-time visitor into repeat paying customer requires strategic marketing efforts. By leveraging digital promotions, small businesses can engage [Contestants](/contestants) beyond their initial visit, creating opportunities for repeat business. A great way to achieve this is through the use of CliquePrize®’s Bullseye! Handle URLs, which allow small businesses to directly connect in-person customers with digital promotions. These customized URLs serve as an entry point for visitors to engage with giveaways, video contests, events, raffles, text to instant promotions and surveys such as quizzes, polls and questionnaires. ### **Small Business Marketing Items That Advertise Your Digital Promotions** One of the most effective ways to capture leads and build customer loyalty is by integrating digital promotions with physical marketing materials. **Package A (Private Giveaways)** are perfect for this endeavor. For example: - Placing QR codes linked to CliquePrize® promotions on receipts, menus, or store packaging - Placing 8x10 posters (printed from a pdf), stickers, and flyers inside the store with a QR directing customers to register for the giveaway - Encouraging Contestants to text to win a reserved keyword via CliquePrize® for a chance to win discounts or exclusive offers, collecting valuable lead information in the process These tactics ensure that every in-store visitor has a digital touchpoint, reinforcing the brand’s presence beyond their visit. ### **Leveraging CliquePrize®’s Bullseye! Handle URLs** CliquePrize® provides **custom Bullseye! Handle URLs**, which act as a direct bridge between in-store experiences and digital marketing campaigns. By advertising these URLs prominently in physical locations, small businesses can: - Capture leads with an easy to remember handle URL; For example, if your small business was called Rays Bagels, you could reserve the following Bullseye! Handle URL: [www.cliqueprize.com/@raysbagels](http://www.cliqueprize.com/@raysbagels) - Handles such as "raysbagels" are available on CliquePrize® on a first-come, first-serve basis and deep link directly to your Bullseye! screen inside the app - Your Bullseye! screen contains your small business summary, address (linked to Google Maps), phone, website, days/hours of operation, social media links as well as all of your current CliquePrize® promotions With an easy-to-remember URL, CliquePrize® is your small business lead generation magnet. ### **Expanding Reach Beyond the Storefront** While in-store marketing materials are essential, small businesses should also extend their promotional efforts throughout the community to maximize exposure. Some high-impact strategies include: - Partnering with local businesses to display promotional materials in complementary stores. - Sponsoring local events or youth sports teams and handing out promotional items with links to CliquePrize® URL - Engaging with community groups and social media pages to promote your CliquePrize® giveaways - Advertising in low cost, local publications such as church bulletins, newsletters, community magazines and other localized media that contains your QR code and Bullseye! handle URL ### **Using the CliquePrize® Refer A Friend and Loyalty Rewards Program** To further enhance customer engagement, CliquePrize® offers a **Refer A Friend and Loyalty Rewards Program**, incentivizing Contestants to spread the word about your digital promotions. For each valid registrant a Contestant refers, they earn one free point, in addition to the free point they receive for registering for the promotion themselves. By accumulating enough points, Contestants can earn an additional free prize, provided directly by CliquePrize®, not the Sponsor. This **incentive marketing approach** ensures that Contestants stay engaged while actively promoting your small business to their friends, expanding the reach of promotions virally. All referral activity and points earned are tracked inside the CliquePrize® app, making it easy for Contestants to monitor their rewards and [Sponsors](/sponsors) to benefit from organic, word-of-mouth marketing. ### **Connecting the Local Community with Digital Strategies** By blending physical and digital marketing, small businesses can create a cohesive brand experience that nurtures customer relationships and drives sales. Here’s how small businesses can benefit from a well-executed marketing strategy: 1. **Foot Traffic Generation** – Attract in-store visitors with signage, local partnerships, and events 2. **Lead Capture** – Use CliquePrize® digital promotions to collect contact information for future marketing 3. **Engagement & Loyalty** – Encourage repeat visits with ongoing giveaways, exclusive discounts, and personalized follow-ups 4. **Community Visibility** – Ensure promotions are seen in multiple locations, increasing brand awareness and registration 5. **Sales Growth** – Convert engaged Contestants into loyal, repeat paying customers who refer others Marketing a small business effectively means bridging the gap between physical store interactions and digital engagement. CliquePrize® provides the perfect solution by offering easy-to-use Bullseye! Handle URLs and digital promotion tools that help small businesses capture leads, drive foot traffic, nurture friends and convert registrants into long-term, repeat paying customers. By utilizing strategic in-store marketing materials, leveraging the **Refer A Friend and Loyalty Rewards Program**, and engaging with the local community, small businesses can maximize their impact and create long-lasting relationships with their customers. [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
Why Demographics Matter in Small Business Marketing 1 Mar 2025, 12:00 am
Small businesses today cannot afford to take a one-size-fits-all approach to marketing. We now live in a climate where we must know things like where our target consumer lives, their lifestyle, income, age range, and their buying preferences. With this data, we can craft precise, high-converting marketing campaigns. CliquePrize® turns this objective into reality. With patent-pending location-verification technology that leverages Apple Location Services as well as custom, incentivized surveys, CliquePrize® is a Small Business Owner's path to customer feedback and growth.
Location-Based Small Business Marketing 27 Feb 2025, 12:00 am
## **CliquePrize®: The Brick-and-Mortar Lead Generation & Small Business Marketing App** Traditional brick-and-mortar businesses rely on foot traffic and local customer engagement. Whether it’s a bar / restaurant, karate/music school, kickboxing / gym, hair salon / barbershop, HVAC company or even an Open House for a Real Estate agent, the way to keep the lights on is to capture the lead data of nearby consumers (called [Contestants](/contestants)) who are most likely to visit. With increased competition, small businesses must go beyond Google My Business and Facebook ads and adopt location-based digital marketing strategies to stay competitive. The CliquePrize® mobile app solves this problem by: - **Capturing high-intent leads** using Apple Location Services to ensure Contestants are truly local - **Providing valuable customer insights**, helping small businesses understand where their customers are coming from by zip code - **Facilitating engagement** through promotions like giveaways, video contests, events, text to instant win and raffles to capture local leads - **Offering a highly secure app** to protect Contestant data and maintain user privacy; over 60% of the US mobile users have an iPhone ## **Benefits of Location-Based Marketing** For small businesses, location-based marketing offers key advantages: 1. **Hyperlocal Targeting** –Small businesses can focus their digital marketing efforts on customers within a specific area instead of wasting resources on a broad audience 2. **Higher Engagement** – Localized promotions generate higher participation rates since Contestants feel they have a higher odds of winning and generally want to "trial" Small Businesses in the local area which giveaways are perfect for 3. **Increased Foot Traffic** – By targeting Contestants who are already nearby, location-based marketing can increase visits and conversions 4. **Better ROI** – By focusing marketing spend on specific zip codes where engagement is the highest, small businesses can reduce waste and maximize their return on investment ## **Types of Location-Based Marketing** 1. **CliquePrize® Promotion**s - Since the app uses Apple Location Services you are automatically targeting the local market 2. **Geo-Fencing** – Setting up a virtual boundary around a specific area such as a competitors store, CliquePrize® offers the ability to target those users with a mobile banner ad by Metro Market 3. **Proximity Marketing** – Using Bluetooth-enabled devices to send notifications or promotions to nearby mobile users if you ran a CliquePrize® promotion and have their mobile number No other app on the market has the patent-pending technology CliquePrize® has to leverage Apple Location Services, especially for Small Business digital promotions and lead generation. ## **Location-Based Advertising with CliquePrize®** With CliquePrize®, you (the [Sponsor](/sponsors)) can create targeted promotions tailored to your local audience. If you own more than location, this is not a problem as all geo-targeting is based on [Metro Markets](/small-business-marketing/a-local-marketing-app-for-small-businesses). - **Metro Markets:** Included in your promotion is your base Metro Market at no additional cost; this is typically the nearest city in your county; sometimes this may be a city in the next county over or next state over - **Adding a Metro Market:** You can add a Metro Market at $49/market if you have locations outside of your base location - **Micro vs. Macro Marketing:** Remember, the fight for repeat paying customers is micro, not macro—small businesses are competing within a small radius, often less than 5 miles. CliquePrize® helps small businesses refine their digital marketing to dominate this radius ## **Location-Based Marketing Examples** 1. **A local coffee shop** runs a giveaway for a free coffee once a day for a month (30 days), targeting customers within their base Metro Market. Using Apple Location Services, CliquePrize® ensures only nearby Contestants can register with One-Click to Enter 2. **A boutique clothing store** launches a video contest where local Contestants vote on their favorite outfit. This generates engagement while promoting the store’s latest collection. 3. **A fitness studio** can offer a free annual membership for a family of 4 (FOUR). This will be attractive to young families as well as be worth the effort to register; especially when there are many other local gyms in the local market ## **Leveraging Data with CliquePrize® and Qualetics** CliquePrize® partners with **Qualetics**, a data visualization platform, to provide small businesses with valuable location insights. - **Zip Code-Based Data Visualizations:** Small businesses can see exactly where Contestants are located based on a mapping of zip codes, allowing them to focus marketing efforts on high-density areas of where precisely the interest in their small business is coming from - **Refining Marketing Spend:** By identifying the right zip codes with the highest engagement, small businesses can shift their marketing budget to the areas most likely to convert - **Better Decision Making:** Instead of blindly spending on ads, small businesses can make data-driven decisions based on real customer insigh For small businesses, **location-based marketing is no longer optional—it’s essential**. CliquePrize® is the ideal app for brick and mortar local businesses to capture leads, engage Contestants, and drive foot traffic using hyper-targeted promotions. With **Metro Markets, Apple Location Services, and advanced data analytics from Qualetics**, small businesses can refine their marketing strategy and gain a competitive edge in their local market. By focusing on micro-marketing and leveraging real-time data, small businesses can ensure they’re reaching the **right customers, in the right place, at the right time**. [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
Small Business Marketing Advice 26 Feb 2025, 12:00 am
## **Small Business Marketing Advice: Constant Lead Generation** Marketing is not a one-time effort; it requires ongoing attention. Many small businesses struggle because they focus on marketing sporadically, treating it as an expense that is tolerated but not appreciated. This can often be a very narrow viewpoint. Lead generation in fact needs to be continuous, ensuring that new prospects are always entering the sales funnel. Without this consistency, small businesses rely on just handful of repeat paying customers, making it difficult to consistently meet operational expense and make a profit. ## Giveaways: The Most Effective Lead Generation Strategy One of the most effective and low-cost ways to generate leads is through giveaways. People love free products, discounts, and exclusive offers. Especially new prospects who that have never visited your small business. A well-structured giveaway campaign incentivizes prospects to "trial" your brand in exchange for their contact information. Unlike traditional ads, which may or may not result in an immediate sale, giveaways ensure that you capture leads—allowing you to nurture and convert them into paying customers over time. The lead data is what matters most. ## Enter CliquePrize®: Small Business Lead Gen iPhone App CliquePrize® is one of the most affordable options for small businesses looking to generate leads and build a valuable local, marketing list. Unlike expensive ad campaigns that burn through budgets with little return, CliquePrize® focuses on capturing high-quality leads at the lowest possible cost. The upfront cost is low and the long term growth potential is high. Here's why: - **Low-Cost Promotions**: With an entry price of just $29 for first-time [Sponsors](/sponsors), CliquePrize® is one of the most budget-friendly ways to acquire leads - **Built-In Lead Tracking**: CliquePrize® automatically categorizes leads into[ Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) and Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs)](/small-business-marketing/what-are-marketing-qualified-leads-mqls-and-sales-qualified-leads-sqls-for-small-businesses-), ensuring small businesses can measure the effectiveness of their campaigns - **MQL to SQL Conversion Default Rate**: By default, CliquePrize® assumes that 10% of your leads will be sales-ready. However, small businesses can adjust this percentage to better align with your specific sales funnel - **Third-Party Traffic at No Cost**: CliquePrize® has an affiliate [Publisher](/publishers) feature, where you can partner with 3rd party websites and drive targeted traffic to your promotions without any additional advertising spend. If you don’t have the time or resources for this, [Digital Media](https://www.digitalmedianashville.net) can handle it. ## Measuring Marketing Effectiveness: Cost Per Lead & ROI The best marketing advice is simple: track every dollar spent and measure the return on investment (ROI). The key metric for small businesses should be the cost per lead (CPL) and the conversion rate of those leads into paying customers. This is otherwise known as the Lead to Sale (S2L) rate. Marketing dollars should always generate a return, and the best way to ensure this is by capturing local, qualified leads at the lowest possible cost. CliquePrize® makes this possible due to its patent-pending technology that leverages Apple Location Services to ensure [Contestants](/contestants) are in fact local. They are also verified on a major US Wireless Carrier. No VOIP, WhatsApp or Google Voice numbers. By meeting these objectives, small businesses can increase their ROI and increase their cash flow by reaching their target audience quickly and cost effectively. ## Marketing Is Always an Expense, But It Should Create Revenue Every marketing effort is an expense, but the goal is to turn that expense into revenue. The challenge for small businesses is minimizing the cost of acquiring a lead while maximizing its value. CliquePrize® is designed to save businesses on marketing expenses by offering an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for expensive paid ads or hiring third-party lead generation firms. Instead, small businesses can capture relevant 1st party Contestant data directly through the app in one-click. ## Why Google My Business Isn’t Enough Many small businesses rely on Google My Business (GMB) to attract customers. While GMB can help generate phone calls and perhaps driving directions, it does not capture any lead data. A customer may call once, but if they don’t make a purchase, there’s no way to follow up. CliquePrize®, on the other hand, ensures that small businesses collect essential customer information, allowing them to market effectively to those leads long after the initial interaction. ## iPhone Users Comprise 60% Of the Economy Over 60% of mobile phone users in the U.S. have an iPhone, making CliquePrize® a practical solution for lead generation. Since CliquePrize® is a iPhone mobile app, it effectively taps into this large audience, ensuring that small businesses reach more high-intent, affluent users in a highly secure, one-click to Enter format. Lead generation is the backbone of small business growth, and it must be a continuous effort. The best way to generate leads at a low cost is through incentives such as giveaways. Incentive marketing works. History has proven this. So has database list marketing once the promotion is over. CliquePrize® offers an affordable and highly effective solution for capturing and managing leads while minimizing marketing expenses. By focusing on cost per lead and ROI, small businesses can ensure that every marketing dollar delivers value. Stop wasting money on advertising that doesn’t capture data—start using CliquePrize® and build a database of leads that will fuel your small business growth. [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
Small Business Local Marketing Ideas: The Ultimate Guide 24 Feb 2025, 12:00 am
## **Small Business Marketing vs. Middle-Market Marketing: What’s the Difference?** Marketing a small business is vastly different from marketing a middle-market company. While middle-market businesses have larger budgets and broader target audiences, small businesses rely on hyper-local engagement, personalized outreach, and cost-effective digital tools. Here are some key differences: For small businesses, the key to success is leveraging local, target (which CliquePrize® calls Bullseye!) marketing—and this is where the app can help. Whether through local giveaways, video contests, events, raffles or text-to-win promotions, small businesses can engage [Contestants](/contestants) at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing. ## **Small Business Marketing Strategies That Actually Work** Not all marketing strategies yield results—especially for small businesses with limited resources. Here are **five proven tactics** to grow your business locally: ### **1\. Leverage Local SEO** - Optimize your **Google Business Profile** to rank higher in local searches - Use location-based keywords (e.g., “best coffee shop in Nashville”) - Encourage satisfied customers to leave Google reviews ### **2\. Run Local Giveaways & Promotions** - Use **CliquePrize® Giveaways** to attract leads and grow your customer base; list marketing works - Offer exclusive discounts to local customers who enter CliquePrize® promotions - Promote your giveaways through social media and email marketing (remember the prize is just the incentive to get lead data) ### **3\. Utilize Video Marketing** - Create **user-generated content video contests** with CliquePrize® to engage Contestants - Share behind-the-scenes videos and customer testimonials - Use video ads on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to capture attention ### **4\. Build an Email & SMS List** - Offer incentives like discounts or freebies in exchange for sign-ups - Use **CliquePrize® Refer A Friend** to make viral marketing work for you - Send personalized email campaigns and text messages with local offers and updates ### **5\. Partner with Other Local Small Businesses** - Cross-promote with complementary small businesses in your area (for example: a shoe store with a local 5K event) - [Sponsor](/sponsors) or participate in local events - Create bundled offers to attract shared audiences ## **The 7 Most Important Marketing Must-Haves for Small Business Owners** Every small business owner needs these **seven core marketing elements** to succeed: 1. **A Google Business Profile** – Essential for local search visibility. 2. **A Mobile-Friendly Website** – Ensures a seamless customer experience. Remember, you must optimize for [Core Web Vitals](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/core-web-vitals) 3. **Run Monthly CliquePrize® Promotions** – Become a Plan B subscriber; always be capturing leads 4. **Customer Reviews & Testimonials** – Build trust through positive feedback 5. **Email & SMS Marketing Strategy** – Keep Contestants engaged with offers, discount and in-store specials 6. **Local Advertising** – Use targeted Facebook & Google Ads for hyper-local reach to promote your CliquePrize® promotions 7. **Social Media Presence** – Engage with Contestants on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok By implementing these foundational marketing tactics, small businesses can **build brand loyalty, increase foot traffic, and drive more sales**. ## **Small Business Marketing Company Near Me: Why Choose Digital Media** Did you know [Digital Media](https://www.digitalmedianashville.net), the in-house digital agency, was specifically created to support CliquePrize® Sponsors? ### **Why Digital Media?** ✔ **Specialized in Small Business Marketing** – Supports your digital marketing needs for all of your CliquePrize® promotions and more ✔ **Affordable & Effective Strategies** – No expensive agency fees. ✔ **Expertise in Digital Advertising & Lead Generation** – We understand local marketing for small business ✔ **Seamless Integration with CliquePrize®** – Boosts promotions through sweepstakes, events, raffles, video contests and text to instant win With Digital Media, small businesses can enhance their digital presence without overspending, ensuring they reach the right audience at the right time. ## **When to Start Marketing a New Business** Many small business owners make the mistake of waiting too long to market their business. The best time to start is before you even launch. Here’s how: ### **Pre-Launch Marketing Strategies** - **Create buzz on social media** – Announce your opening and share behind-the-scenes content - **Build an email list** – Offer early access or exclusive discounts to your first 50 customers - **Run a giveaway on CliquePrize®** – Capture leads before you launch - **Network with local influencers** – Leverage their audience for brand awareness ### **Post-Launch Marketing Strategies** - **Host an opening event** – Invite local Contestants to a VIP Open House Event - **Encourage user-generated content** – Get Contestants to post about their experience - **Invest in local SEO** – Optimize your website and Google Business Profile By starting early and staying consistent, your small business will gain momentum faster and establish a strong local presence. Marketing a small business requires smart, cost-effective strategies that maximize visibility and customer engagement. By leveraging local SEO, giveaways, video contests, and community-driven tactics, small businesses can compete with larger brands and thrive in their local markets. Platforms like CliquePrize® make it easier than ever to run promotions, collect leads, and grow your customer base. And with Digital Media as your go-to marketing agency, you’ll have the expertise needed to reach local Contestants without going over budget. Ready to take your small business marketing to the next level? Start your first CliquePrize® promotion today and watch your local presence soar! [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
How Much Does Small Business Marketing Cost? 23 Feb 2025, 12:00 am
### **How Much Does Small Business Marketing Cost?** Marketing is a crucial part of running a small business, but the costs can vary significantly depending on the industry, location, and marketing methods used. CliquePrize® offers an affordable and effective way for small businesses to generate leads and engage customers through digital promotions. Below is an overview of marketing costs for US Small Business categories who often use CliquePrize® and how much they spend: ####  CliquePrize® provides an affordable alternative to traditional marketing channels. For example, the Giveaways (Platinum) Subscription (Plan B) costs $199 per month. For our model, lets suppose the Sponsor generates 100 leads per month at $1 per lead, significantly lower than many other lead generation methods and spends $100 per month on prizes to giveaway. ### How To Write A Small Business Marketing Budget Creating a marketing budget requires careful planning and an understanding of costs versus expected returns. With CliquePrize®, small businesses can estimate costs and expected conversions based on the number of leads generated. #### **Lead Retention & Messaging Strategy** With CliquePrize®, businesses can engage their leads consistently through email and SMS campaigns. Each month, Sponsors typically send 2 emails and 2 texts (or bi-weekly messages): - **2 email messages** - **2 text messages** However lets assume **20% of leads opt out of marketing** over time. That means only **80% of the leads remain subscribed** each month. ## **Understanding Lead Growth & Retention** - **New Leads per Month: 100** - **Total Gross Leads in 12 Months: 1,200** - **Lets assume an Opt-out Rate: 20% over 12 months** - **Leads Remaining by End of Year 1: 960** ## Month-by-Month Lead Calculation - Since opt-outs happen gradually, we need to **calculate the cumulative leads each month, factoring in opt-outs**. ##  Total Net Leads Retained On Marketing List Over Year 1: 960 ## **Total Messages Sent in Year 1** Each month, the Sponsor sends **4 messages per lead (2 emails + 2 texts).** - **Total messages per month = Retained leads × 4** - **Total messages sent over 12 months:** Thus, **over 20,000 messages are sent by the end of Year 1.** By optimizing email and SMS engagement, small businesses can **improve conversions and maximize ROI** using CliquePrize®. ## **Break-even & ROI Calculation** Let's carefully walk through the breakdown for **CliquePrize® Plan B** marketing budget, including all factors such as **prize cost**, **lead acquisition**, and the **subscription fee**. We will also factor in the sales profit and how to calculate the **break-even point** and **conversion rates**. ### **CliquePrize® Plan B Marketing Budget Overview** - **Plan B Subscription Fee:** $199 per month - **Leads Generated:** 100 leads per month - **Cost per Lead:** $1 per lead - **Prize Cost:** $100 per month (lets assume this is the Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of the prize given away each month) **Total Monthly Cost:**=$399 per month ### **Profit Margin For Most Popular** CliquePrize® **Small Business Categories:** Here are the estimated average profit margins for the most popular CliquePrize® small business categories: 1. **Bars & Restaurants**: 5-15% → Average = 10% 2. **Hair Salons / Nails**: 10-30% → Average = 20% 3. **Gyms / Sports**: 10-25% → Average = 17.5% 4. **Party Centers**: 5-15% → Average = 10% 5. **Karate / Music Schools**: 10-30% → Average = 20% 6. **Dermatology**: 20-40% → Average = 30% 7. **Tanning Salons**: 15-30% → Average = 22.5% 8. **HVAC**: 5-15% → Average = 10% 9. **Bridal Shops**: 10-20% → Average = 15% 10. **Real Estate**: 10-20% → Average = 15% ### **Average Profit Margin** Calculation: To calculate the average profit margin across all categories, we'll add the individual averages and divide by 10. So, the **average profit margin** for these business categories is **16\.75%**. This provides a clear ROI calculation, considering all relevant costs in the Sponsor's marketing budget. ### **Estimated Average Order Value (AOV) by Small Business Category:** 1. **Bars & Restaurants**: $35 2. **Hair Salons / Nails**: $60 3. **Gyms / Sports**: $55 4. **Party Centers**: $250 5. **Karate / Music Schools**: $120 6. **Dermatology**: $250 7. **Tanning Salons**: $45 8. **HVAC**: $1,000 9. **Bridal Shops**: $1,200 10. **Real Estate**: $7,500 ### **Break-Even Calculation:** 1. **Total Monthly Costs** = $399 (this is based on a CliquePrize® Sponsor on Giveaways Subscription Plan B) 2. **Profit per sale** needs to be high enough to cover $399. Clearly, half of these categories can do so on 1 (ONE) sale. The remaining 5 categories have lower AOVs: 1. **Bars & Restaurants**: $35 2. **Tanning Salons**: $45 3. **Gyms / Sports**: $55 4. **Hair Salons / Nails**: $60 5. **Karate / Music Schools**: $120 These are very reachable numbers even for those small businesses with lower Average Order Value (AOV). For these 5 categories, there would need to be a larger number of sales: - **Bars & Restaurants**: \~23 sales - **Karate / Music Schools**: \~20 sales - **Hair Salons / Nails**: \~14 sales - **Gyms / Sports**: \~15 sales - **Tanning Salons**: \~18 sales ### **Calculate Required Profit per Sale** To break even on 10 sales per month, the required profit per sale is: $39.90 So, each sale should bring in at least **$39.90** in profit to break even in year 1 ### **Calculate Required AOV For Break Even** We know that the **Profit per sale** = **AOV × Profit Margin**. - The **Average Profit Margin** is **16\.75%** . - Required AOV: $238.79 The **viable Average Order Value (AOV)** for this model to break even would need to be approximately **$239** per sale, assuming a **16\.75% profit margin** and 10 sales per month. This would allow the business to cover the **$399** monthly marketing costs. If the AOV is lower than $239 (such as the 5 listed above), the number sales orders would need to increase but not drastically. ### **Maximizing ROI** To increase profitability, the Sponsor can: 1. **Improve Email & SMS Engagement** – Personalize messages and offer time-sensitive promotions. 2. **Optimize Lead Retention** – Reduce opt-outs by delivering valuable content. 3. **Increase AOV** – Upsell or bundle products to generate higher revenue per sale. With strategic messaging and follow-ups, small businesses can maximize their return on investment using CliquePrize®. [***CliquePrize***](/)®\*\*\* is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please [***let us know***](/contact)!\*\*\*
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