Launching or Revitalizing a "Best Of" Contest: Building a Standalone Brand

In the digital age, a well-designed “Best Of” contest can elevate community engagement, strengthen brand loyalty, and create an enduring asset for businesses. However, to truly succeed, the contest must stand out as a unique brand rather than just another special section in a newspaper or magazine. A carefully crafted "Best Of" brand should embody the personality of the area it represents, reflecting the distinctive character of the community and the people who live there.

Unfortunately, many “Best Of” contests fall into a common trap: they’re released as simple newsprint sections with lists, lacking the finesse or thoughtfulness needed to make them truly memorable. These uncurated contests often become just another throwaway print piece, losing out on their potential value as a keepsake for years to come. When thoughtfully developed and curated, a “Best Of” contest can be something readers look forward to each year and cherish as a piece of local history.

Creating a Memorable Brand with the Right Name

The name of a "Best Of" contest should evoke the community it represents, making it instantly recognizable and relatable. The personality of the region should shine through, whether that’s a small-town charm, a coastal vibe, or a metropolitan sophistication. A distinctive name not only makes the contest more memorable but also enhances its credibility as a brand rather than a generic "Readers' Choice" list. When executed well, the contest becomes a point of contact in the digital space, allowing audiences to feel they are actively participating in their community’s narrative and celebrating what makes their area special.

Creative Services as the Foundation of Success

Central to the success of a "Best Of" contest is high-quality creative execution. That’s where the talented team at NERUS Strategies’ design center in Salem, Oregon, comes in. With a team dedicated to creating visually compelling content, NERUS ensures that each contest concludes with the release of a glossy, full-color magazine that is as captivating as it is informative. Unlike traditional newsprint listings, this publication captures the essence of each winner, celebrating their accomplishments in a way that readers are eager to keep and revisit.

The magazine spotlights each top winner with a paragraph and a photo, providing readers with insight into what sets these businesses apart. This personalized approach adds a human element to the contest, making it more than just a list of names. Silver and Bronze winners are also included, with details like location, contact information, and website address, giving them visibility while adding value to the publication.

This format is designed to be user-friendly and visually appealing, making it something readers are proud to display in their homes or offices. An HTML version of the winners is also available on the contest’s website, allowing for broader digital engagement and ease of access, particularly for those who prefer an online format.

Opportunities for Advertising and Enhanced Visibility

While the contest results are earned based solely on merit, NERUS also offers advertising opportunities within the magazine. Any business—whether a winner or not—can purchase advertising space, allowing them to increase visibility in a publication that already holds significant local interest. These ad placements range from small appearances to high-visibility spots, such as facing pages or full-page ads. By offering a variety of ad placements, businesses of all sizes can find an option that aligns with their budget and marketing goals.

This inclusive approach enables local businesses to connect with a highly engaged audience, positioning themselves alongside the community’s top-rated entities. For many businesses, this is a unique opportunity to reach an audience that already values local services and products, strengthening community ties.

Broad Distribution Channels and Digital Campaigns for Maximum Reach

To maximize the impact of the contest, NERUS distributes the magazine through several channels. Copies are made available at the locations of the winning businesses, ensuring that customers and clients can see the community’s top picks in action. Additionally, the magazine is often inserted into high-circulation Sunday newspaper editions, or it is mailed directly to households that meet specific demographic criteria, allowing it to reach a broad and diverse audience.

In today’s digital-first world, a print publication is only one piece of the puzzle. NERUS supplements the magazine distribution with digital campaigns that include digital display ads, takeovers, YouTube pre-rolls, and targeted digital networks. These campaigns increase the reach of the "Best Of" winners and provide valuable exposure for participating businesses. By leveraging digital media alongside print, NERUS ensures that each business gets maximum visibility and that the contest reaches audiences wherever they are most active.

Making the "Best Of" a Community Tradition

When a “Best Of” contest is done right, it becomes much more than a yearly event—it becomes a celebrated tradition. Readers look forward to the release of each issue, excited to discover what’s new and who stands out in their community. By carefully crafting each element—from the contest’s name and branding to the creative services and distribution strategy—NERUS Strategies makes sure that its "Best Of" contests resonate with audiences year after year.

This approach not only honors the winners but also enhances the community’s pride in local businesses, creating a sense of shared achievement. In doing so, NERUS transforms its contests into lasting assets that benefit businesses and engage audiences in a meaningful, memorable way. The result? A publication and digital experience that readers return to again and again, making the "Best Of" a part of their own local story.

About NERUS Strategies

NERUS Strategies has mastered the art of creating “Best Of” contests that not only showcase the best in local communities but also drive meaningful connections and engagement. With every contest, the NERUS team brings innovation, professionalism, and a genuine passion for highlighting businesses that make each community unique. By combining creative excellence, strategic distribution, and a brand-first approach, NERUS transforms each contest into a vibrant celebration of local achievements and a valuable asset for advertisers.

As we approach 2025, NERUS is excited to continue this tradition of excellence. Now is the perfect time to elevate your community with a "Best Of" contest that leaves a lasting impact. To learn how your contest can become a valuable community brand and a powerful marketing tool, contact Bill Cummings or Neal Potter today. With booking for 2025 contests already underway, don’t miss the opportunity to join the ranks of communities nationwide that are celebrating their best in partnership with NERUS Strategies. Reach out now to ensure your spot in next year's lineup!