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TransComm 2013 Skills Contest8 Secrets to a Successful Entry
Dara Demi, NCDOT Marketing Services Manager
Tip #1: Read the Rules
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• Submit your entry on time – Due July 12 at 5 p.m. CST
• Only 1 entry per category allowed
• Answer all questions on entry form
• Keep it to 2 pages
Tip #2: Toss the Laundry List
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Don’t just say “We sent it to…”
• Local newspapers
• Local TV stations
• Local radio stations
• Trade publications
• Local stakeholders
Offer perspective!
Show a strategic approach.
Highlight innovation.
Tip #3: Analytics. Analytics. Analytics.
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The proof is in the pudding: Measure your reach.
Facebook example:
• Posted on NCDOT page – 5,000 views, 200 likes, 45 comments
• Posted to 21 other Facebook pages – 50,000 potential viewers, 500 likes, 100 comments
Twitter example:
• Sent 5 promotional Tweets
• RT-ed 23 times, Mentioned 15 times
• Total Twitter reach – 14,255 users
Instagram example:
• 2 posts garnered 11 likes, including the official “Walking Dead” IG account
Tip #4: Show Me the Money ($aved)
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Attach value to your analytics.
Video example:
• Produced :30 PSA in-house
• Cost = staff time
• Production company’s creative cost = $21,000
• Convinced statewide cable outlet to air PSA
• Saved $71,000 in placement fees
Helps your entry stand out.
Tip #5: Check Your Links. Twice.
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Nothing is worse than a bad link.
• Judge must be able to easily view your work.
• Make sure your link functions properly and leads directly to the desired content.
• Special instructions needed? Include them!
Tip #6: Avoid Tpyos
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Before you submit your entry, ask your resident grammarian to check for:
• Misspellings
• Proper subject-verb agreement
• Punctuation errors
• Missing words
• Flow problems
Avoiding errors and ensuring your narrative is easy to understand will put your entry in the best possible position.
Tip #7: Trust Your Gut
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Before uploading your entry, put any nagging feelings to rest.
• If you think you’ve left something out, you probably have. Go back and include it.
• Are you worried something may be unclear? There’s a good chance it is. Rework the flow.
• Not so confident in your stats? Double check your numbers and do the math one more time.
The better you feel about your entry, the better your chances are of winning!
Tip #8: There are No Stupid Questions
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If you don’t know, ask!
• Meadow Bailey of Alaska DOT is the Awards Committee Chair.
• Contact her at [email protected].
Common questions include:
• How do I upload my entry?
• Can you help explain what this category entails?
• Does my project apply?
Good idea for first-time contest entrants.
Questions?
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