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Magazine turns typo in an ad into a contest

Texas dog and cat magazine coverHere’s a great example of how to generate publicity from an embarrassing mistake.

When the editors of Texas Dogs & Cats magazine discovered a typo in a paid ad in the April issue, they invited readers to find the typo. Everyone who emails the editor with the correct answer gets a coupon for $5 off an order of $10 or more.

Brilliant.

Deadline for entries is April 30.

It reminds me of a story I heard several  years ago about an author who discovered a missing line from her book after it had been published. She invited writers to write their own line to replace the one that was missing, and awarded a prize to the winner.

Does anyone know who the author was? What about embarrassing mistakes in your own work? Have you turned it into a contest?  If so, tell us how.

by Joan Stewart on April 5, 2010

Filed Under: Print Media Tagged With: Advertising, Marketing

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary K Parker says

    April 6, 2010 at 10:38 am

    This is a fabulous idea to drive readers to actually read advertisements! If someone does surveys on whether readers remember seeing or reading advertisements, I bet the rates would be through the roof! I love it!

    Reply

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Publicity expert Joan Stewart, a PR mentor aka The Publicity Hound, works with small business owners who need free publicity, and with PR pros who tell their clients' stories to the world. She shows you how to establish your credibility, enhance your reputation, position yourself as an expert, and sell more products and services. To receive her free DIY publicity tips twice a week, subscribe here. See all the ways you can work with Joan. Or contact her and ask a burning question about PR, self-promotion or social media.

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