Annual Contests, Why and How to Start the Process

Once a month I host a 5-round contest to decide the new Fashionista O' the month, and just for fun. Why? For one thing I love entering contests myself and as I started to enter more, I began to see things that I could do in a more organized way. As I continued to ponder this fact, I came up with the system which I wrote about in How To Start Your Own Avatar Contest, Part 1 and Part 2. 

Now, some people just hold random contests whenever they feel like it, but I prefer organization and consistency. So, I decided to have a monthly contest that would at the most have 15# contestants. As I  started my first Fashionista O' the month contest (Fashionista O' July, 2013), I realized that I needed to offer a prize to the winner. I also determined to come up with a title to give them, and after some thought I concluded that the winner would receive 1 month of likes and the title of Fashionista O' the month. 

At first I did an annual contest to see if I could improve the process I was seeing all-round me, but as I continued to host contests I started to do it just for the fun of trying to stump my contestants which sometimes works and sometimes it doesn't. I also noticed that my popularity, neighbor count and the number of messages left on my wall increased during my contests, to the point I have trouble keeping up. 

So, if your boutique seems a lonely place hosting a contest might help open up new doors and be a fun thing to do. To start, pick a specific time (if you are planning on doing monthly, pick a day, if you are going to do a yearly, pic a month, etc) and then a prize and title. Then I suggest at least reading if not emulating the instructions in the following posts:

How to Start Your Own Avatar Contest, Part 1 and Part 2

Round Themes, Part 1 and Part 2

Unlike when you enter a contest, to host one you do not haft to own a lot of clothes or be a certain level. Though I will say that having more clothes for my avatar is helpful, it is not required. In addition, you do not have to get it perfect the first time. I am on my 8th contest and I am still making changes to my operating system.

Though honestly, I just enjoy the fact that other people are having fun and possibly laughing at some of the things I come up with for keywords and round themes. To boot, I get to see some of the cutest outfits in the game as well as some of the silliest outfits on the face of the earth.  :)

I hope that this has help you see the importance and fun of hosting an annual contest and how it can impact your boutique's chance of survival. Please feel free to ask questions via comments. ~ Sky's Limit

Official Petite and Sky's Limit Winter Contest Winner

Congratulations to Moynis for coming in 1st place, you will receive an award message on your wall from me and a prize of 3 weeks of daily likes from Petite. 

In 2nd place goes to Jourdyn Sparkle.

In 3rd place goes to fashionville.

Thank you all for joining our contest! ~ Sky's Limit

Round 4: Christmas Eve

Round 4: Christmas Eve! It is Christmas Eve and you are really excited about seeing your family open gifts tomorrow! But, first you haft to decide what pjs you are going to wear.

Post "Penguins" when you are done, you have 20 hours to change.

Example: choose what you think is the most relaxing pjs you have, and remember to put your hair down if your avatar has longer hair. Long sleeves and socks are optional, but no shoes or jewelry please. 

This is the final round of the Official Petite and Sky's Limit Contest, congrats on making it to the final 3: Jourdyn Sparkle, moynis and fashionville!

Round 3: Top 2 and Eliminations

Congratulations to moynis and fashionville for being the Top 2 and to Jourdyn Sparkle for surviving to the next round!

Eliminated for not turning their outfits in on time are: Fashion Store, Chica's Fashion and Seek Unique. Sorry Ladies, you have to turn your outfits in on time. Thank you for participating! 

Next and Final round will be posted soon! ~ Sky's Limit

Round 3: Christmas Shopping

Round 3: Christmas Shopping! You and a couple of your friends are going shopping for Christmas Gifts at the nearby mall! Get ready for a girls day out with your friends and to enjoy the Christmas decorations that you see everywhere this time of year!

You have 15 hours to change, post "eagle" on my Fashion Story wall when you are ready. Two Players will be eliminated, so choose wisely! ~ Sky's Limit

Round 2, Olympics: Top 2 and Eliminations

Congratulations to Seek Unique and moynis on being the Top 2 in Round 2 of my contest with Petite!

Eliminations: Happy Boutique and princess wong.Thank You for trying!

The next round will be posted soon, please be patient. ~ Sky's Limit

Round 2: Olympics

Round 2: Olympics! You are going to compete in the Olympics, pick a sport and dress like a player of that sport. Post 'Sporty' on my Fashion Story wall when you are ready, two players will be eliminated.

Round 1, Snow Day: Top 2 and Eliminations

The Top 2 contestants for Round 1 of my contest with Petite are Seek Unique and Fashion Store, congrats ladies!

Eliminated: London Boutique and Girl World, thank you for trying!

The next round will be posted as soon as we can come up with it, so please be patient. ~Sky's Limit

Round 1: Snow Day Example

Here is my example for Round 1: You are going out for a day in the snow, post "Snow Day" on my fs wall when  you are done.