| You've probably been aware of the word | | | | that the value created from the people they are able |
| "sweepstakes" since seeing Publisher's Clearinghouse | | | | to reach through their new email list will exceed the |
| advertisements on TV as a kid. But what exactly is a | | | | $5,000 trip to Paris they are giving away in exchange. |
| "sweepstakes"? | | | | Not all companies seek to create a mailing list through |
| A sweepstakes is a game of chance. Businesses use | | | | their sweepstakes program. Some sweepstakes are |
| these to promote a product and help sell merchandise. | | | | just to help build brand awareness. For example, a |
| Sweepstakes fall under the marketing budget of most | | | | potato chip company might hold a sweepstakes |
| companies. The company gives away something, | | | | where they give away a $2,500 American Express |
| cash, a vacation, a popular electronic device, for free in | | | | gift card. What's in it for them? Well, all of the people |
| exchange for either signing up to win or purchasing | | | | who read about the sweepstakes will remember that |
| one of their products. | | | | it was XYZ Potato Chips who gave away that huge |
| Mailing lists are quite valuable to companies so most | | | | gift card. Next time they're in the store, maybe they'll |
| sweepstakes are designed to help companies build a | | | | be more inclined to reach for XYZ chips instead of |
| mailing list. For example, an airline company might offer | | | | ABC chips. It's as simple as that. |
| a free trip to Paris valued at $5,000. In order to be | | | | There's really nothing to fear when it comes to |
| eligible to win this trip, you must sign up for the | | | | entering sweepstakes. As long as you're aware that |
| sweepstakes and provide information such as an | | | | entering sweepstakes will probably lead to receiving |
| email address and perhaps even a physical address. | | | | promotional offers in the mail, then go ahead and sign |
| The airline company can use this information to send | | | | up for that nice vacation or cash giveaway. Hey, |
| you offers through the mail that could entice you to | | | | someone's gotta win, right?! |
| become a customer. They're basically willing to bet | | | | |