Secondary Prizes: What They Are and Why They Matter
When you hear the word "prize" you probably think of the big, flashy top award. But most contests, giveaways, or competitions also include secondary prizes. These are the smaller rewards that go to participants who didn’t win the grand prize but still get something for their effort. Adding them can turn a one‑off event into a habit‑forming experience.
Why Use Secondary Prizes?
First, they broaden the sweet spot of excitement. If only the top winner gets a reward, most people walk away feeling left out. A runner‑up prize, a ‘best‑in‑category’ award, or a random draw for a modest gift gives more people a reason to stay engaged. Second, secondary prizes create multiple stories you can share on social media. One post can celebrate the grand winner, another can highlight a clever entry that snagged a secondary award.
How to Choose the Right Secondary Rewards
Pick items that match the effort participants put in. If the main prize is a high‑value gadget, a secondary prize could be a smaller accessory, a gift card, or a branded tote bag. Keep costs in mind – you want the extra rewards to feel valuable without breaking the budget. Look at what your audience cares about: coffee lovers might love a free bag of beans, while gamers might prefer a downloadable skin.
Another tip is to vary the type of secondary prize. You can have a “most creative” award, a “quickest response” prize, or a “random draw” for everyone who entered. Variety makes the contest feel fair and gives participants several ways to win. It also adds a bit of surprise, which keeps the buzz alive.
Don’t forget to be clear about the rules. List the secondary categories, explain how winners are chosen, and set a deadline for claiming the reward. Clear instructions avoid confusion and reduce the chance of complaints later on.
If you run the contest online, automate the selection process where you can. Many platforms let you set up multiple prize tiers, so the system picks the winners for you. This saves time and makes the whole thing look professional.
When the winners are announced, showcase the secondary prize winners alongside the grand champion. A short Instagram story or tweet that says “Congrats to Jane for the best DIY entry – she wins a $25 gift card!” reinforces the feeling that anyone can win something.
Finally, gather feedback after the contest ends. Ask participants if the secondary prizes felt worthwhile. Their answers will help you fine‑tune future contests and keep improving the overall experience.
In short, secondary prizes are a low‑cost way to boost participation, increase sharing, and make your contests feel more inclusive. Pick rewards that match your audience, keep the rules simple, and celebrate every winner. The next time you plan a giveaway, add a few extra tiers – you’ll see the impact right away.
Powerball jackpot hits $114 million on Sept. 22 drawing – numbers and big winners revealed
Monday's Powerball draw awarded a $114 million jackpot with numbers 3, 29, 42, 46, 59 and Powerball 15. No grand‑prize winner emerged, but a Pennsylvania player took $2 million with Power Play and a Connecticut ticket won $1 million. Over 241,000 tickets won prizes, and the jackpot rolls over to the next draw on September 24.
