« Return to Resources

Exhibiting Marketing Success: The 2022 G2 Overachievers Grant Contest

In 2022, Pilot Pen launched the G2 Overachievers Grant Contest, aiming to recognize and support small businesses and nonprofits making an impact in their communities. One of the most exciting aspects of the contest was the surprise announcement of the winner on the Kelly Clarkson Show. 

Applicants for the G2 Overachievers Grant were required to include a nomination story with their application. The narrative should provide a summary of the nominee’s key features and should have a word count of approximately 1,000 to 2,500. The participant was expected to explain why they believed the nominee was an overachiever—someone who overcame challenges to attain extraordinary success—and had gone above and beyond their typical responsibilities.

With the help of American Sweepstakes, this grant contest was a resounding success in several ways. Let’s delve into the marketing aspects that made this contest so remarkable.

The Grant Contest:

The G2 Overachievers Grant Contest serves as an excellent illustration of a marketing campaign that effectively blended community support, celebrity endorsement, and business promotion. Let’s examine the major marketing factors that helped it succeed, giving due credit to American Sweepstakes’ experience:

• Alignment with a Purpose: The foundation of this contest was purpose. G2 aimed to provide financial support to nonprofits and small businesses so they could continue their missions. This goal-oriented strategy not only connected with the audience but also enhanced the perception audiences had of this contest.
• Online Engagement: G2 heavily promoted the competition via its platform. The campaign received a lot of attention through its newsletters, social media pages, and website. They promoted social media buzz-building and story-sharing among participants, fostering both a sense of community and healthy competition.
• Utilizing Celebrity Endorsement: The collaboration with the Kelly Clarkson Show was exceptional. Kelly Clarkson’s show garnered a lot of credibility and attention for the competition because of its sizable and attentive audience. This collaboration served as a potent marketing tactic that drew in a large and diverse audience.
• Rewards and Acknowledgment: The appeal of the grant prize was a great motivator for companies to participate. The Kelly Clarkson Show provided an ideal platform for the entrants to gain further recognition.

The Kelly Clarkson Show Appearance:

The marketing campaign reached its peak when the G2 Overachievers Grant winner was revealed on The Kelly Clarkson Show. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to appear on a nationally syndicated talk show for the winner. The following are a few key takeaways from this portion of the campaign:

• Prime-time Exposure: The winner of the contest got prime-time exposure thanks to The Kelly Clarkson Show’s large viewership. The interview and feature on the winning company or charity raised awareness of the competition and inspired more people to enter upcoming grant contests.
• Emotional Storytelling: The winner’s narrative was presented, highlighting their diligence and commitment. The grant’s impact was amplified by the emotional connection with the audience, which allowed viewers to witness the real difference it would make in the winner’s mission.
• Reinforced Brand Values: G2’s dedication to helping those in need was reaffirmed by this contest. It demonstrated the brand’s sincerity and commitment to social responsibility, which appeals to today’s audiences.

With the help of American Sweepstakes, G2 created a marketing campaign that not only promoted their platform but also uplifted and supported small businesses and nonprofits by aligning with a purpose, engaging their online community, leveraging celebrity endorsement and offering compelling prizes. This contest highlights how companies can use purpose-driven campaigns to both promote their brand and have a positive impact on their communities, all while ensuring a flawless execution.

American Sweepstakes for Sweepstakes & Contests

Interested in launching your own contest? Let American Sweeps handle the administrative support. Our seasoned experts ensure all aspects of your contest will be taken care of. That means you can focus on running a successful campaign for your organization.