Now that you know the location and date of your first Beauty Pageant it’s time to advertise for contestants. This is where you as a pageant director can start utilizing the staff you hand-picked.
Create a Pageant Flyer with this information. Hire someone with graphic skills if possible to make it look really excellent and professional.
Distribute the advertisements at Day Care Centers, Beauty Salons, Nail Shops, Dress Stores, and wherever you think potential contestants like to shop or hang out.
I found that placing ads in the small community news papers really draws well. Ads are usually cheap compared to the large news papers.
Word of Mouth is always your best referral. People trust other people they know.
A website is very important in this day and age. Go to one of my beauty pageant websites for ideas on how to construct yours.
http://www.shellyspageantexpress.com/
http://www.missplusamerica.com/Louisiana.asp
http://www.missneworleans.org/
Word of mouth is always your best referral. People trust people they know, and sometimes they trust someone they don’t know, but like their personality.
Accept entries by mail and online. So make sure you have a mailing address on the flyer. On the website you will need to include a form page that can be sent via email.
Set a deadline before the event to apply. Usually thirty days works best.
Encourage the contestants to pay the entrance fee by the deadline with the incentive of waiving the Side Optional fee.
(For instance I previously gave an example of the Supreme Award with a registration of $20.) This way the contestant saves a few bucks and gives you funds to pay the deposit on the crowns and banners.
Set a final deadline for the entry fees. Also set a deadline for turning in the Program Book ads.
You may still accept entries at the door but tack on a
$10 late fee.
Yours in Pageantry
Shelly
