From Meh to Yeah! 12 Contest Prize Ideas for Adults That'll Make Your Campaign Go Viral
Picture this: It's 2008, and Dropbox is just another startup struggling to get noticed in the crowded tech space. Their advertising costs? Through the roof. Customer acquisition? Painful. Then they had this crazy idea - what if they turned their entire referral program into a contest?
They offered something simple but irresistible: extra storage space. For every friend you referred, both you and your friend got 500MB of bonus storage. The results? Their signups increased by a whopping 60% . Not just for a day or a week - permanently!
Here's the kicker - they didn't offer iPads, cash, or fancy vacations. They gave away something their users actually wanted. Mind. Blown.
Why Most Contest Prizes Make People Yawn (And How to Fix That)
Hey there! Byron from FAISCO here. After running contests for brands like Gleam, Wishpond, and now FAISCO, I've seen what makes adults actually excited about contest prizes (and what makes them scroll past faster than your aunt sharing cat videos).
Let's get real - we've all seen those "Win an iPad!" contests. yawn Sure, iPads are nice, but they're about as original as a cover band at a wedding. Your audience deserves better, and your brand can do better. Let's dive into some prize ideas that'll make your target audience actually care.
12 Contest Prize Ideas for Adults That Actually Work
1. Experience Packages That Spark Joy
Remember when COVID had us all locked up? Now people are experience-hungry! Think:
• VIP concert tickets + backstage passes • Cooking classes with a local chef • Wine tasting tours (virtual options available!) • Adventure sports packages
2. Professional Development Powerups
• Industry conference tickets • Premium LinkedIn subscriptions • Online course bundles • Professional certification programs
3. Wellness & Self-Care Bundles ♀️
• Annual gym memberships • High-end fitness tech (Peloton, anyone?) • Spa day packages • Mental health app subscriptions
4. Tech That Actually Matters
• WFH setup upgrades • Productivity software licenses • Smart home starter kits • Premium app subscriptions
The Secret Sauce: Making Your Prizes Irresistible
Here's what I've learned after running hundreds of contests: The best prizes create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) while aligning with your brand. Let me break this down:
Value Alignment: Your prize should attract your ideal customer, not just anyone who likes free stuff. Running a B2B SaaS company? Maybe that tropical vacation isn't your best bet.
Exclusivity Factor: Offer something money can't easily buy. Anyone can purchase an Amazon gift card, but how about a one-on-one mentoring session with an industry leader?
Viral Potential: Choose prizes that people naturally want to share. "I just won a year of Netflix" is nice, but "I just won a private cooking class with a Michelin-star chef" is Instagram gold.
Real Talk: What's Working Right Now
"The personalized business coaching session I won was worth way more than any gadget. It literally changed how I run my company!" - Sarah M., Winner of FAISCO's Business Growth Challenge
"Finally, a contest that gets it! The WFH setup upgrade came exactly when I needed it. Perfect timing and perfect prize!" - James L., Digital Marketing Manager
Level Up Your Contest Game with FAISCO
Ready to create contests that people actually want to enter? FAISCO makes it ridiculously easy to launch engaging contests in just 3 minutes. Our platform comes packed with:
✨ Viral-ready contest templates Interactive game mechanics Real-time analytics Social sharing boosters
The best part? You can set up multiple prize tiers, automate winner selection, and track everything in real-time. No more spreadsheet nightmares or manual entry headaches!
Your Next Move
Stop running contests that feel like they're from 2010. Your audience deserves better, and your brand needs better results. Whether you're looking to boost engagement, generate leads, or build brand loyalty, remember: the right prize can make or break your contest.
Ready to create your next winning contest? Let's make it happen!
