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"Best of" Content Templates

These templates are meant to give you a starting place. Delete the placeholders and input your information - do not publish these in their current form! It is missing key information unique to YOUR contest.

Jenny Limb avatar
Written by Jenny Limb
Updated over 3 weeks ago

Nominations Landing Page Template

Welcome to the [CONTEST NAME]! We want to hear from you, our [readers/viewers/audience], about what is the latest and greatest in [AREA]. Whether it’s Best Restaurant, Best Doctor, or even Best Women’s Clothing Store, we want to hear what people, places, and businesses make [AREA] so unique.

[IF SPONSORED:] The [CONTEST NAME] is brought to you by our friends at [SPONSOR].

[CONTEST NAME] will be taking write-in nominations from [Nominations Open] to [Nominations Close]. After that, we’ll tally the top nominees and move into the final voting phase.

Final voting for [CONTEST NAME] will begin on [Final Voting Open]. Voters will choose their favorites from multiple-choice options before voting closes on [Final Voting Close]. We’ll tabulate the results and announce the winners on [Winners Launch Date].

The Fine Print

  1. You may vote once per category

  2. In the first round, ANY name can be written in

  3. Nominees (top vote-getters) are not revealed until the second round

  4. If you experience issues, try clearing your browser cache. Need help? Follow instructions here

  5. No ballot stuffing — votes obtained unfairly (third-party vendors, fake accounts, repeat self-voting) will result in disqualification

[Privacy Policy and Terms of Service]

Meta Text & SEO Setup

Title: [CONTEST NAME]

Meta Description: Vote now in the [CONTEST NAME]

Meta OG Description: Polls are open and we want YOUR vote in the [CONTEST NAME]

Meta OG Image: Favicon URL

Meta Twitter: Image Alt: Favicon URL

Email Opt-In Language

I agree to receive news and promotions from [PUBLICATION] via email. I may unsubscribe at any time.

[NEWSLETTER NAME] | [SEND DAY]
[5–10 words describing what the newsletter is]

Example:
​Weekend Roundup | Thursday
Our hot picks for weekend entertainment

Best Of Promotional Copy

BEST PRACTICE:
These templates are starting points. Tailor them for social media, newsletters, push notifications, and on-site promotions. Authentic, publication-specific messaging performs best. Always include a direct ballot link.

Promotional Examples

  • We want to hear from YOU about what’s best in our community! Nominate your favorite people, places, and businesses in the [CONTEST NAME] now through [NOMINATION END]! [LINK TO BALLOT]

  • Who will be named the Best of [CONTEST NAME]? Submit your nominations before [NOMINATION END]! [LINK TO BALLOT]

  • Have you cast your vote for [CATEGORY] yet? [DIRECT LINK TO CATEGORY]

  • DON’T FORGET! Voting for [CONTEST NAME] ends [VOTING END DATE]. Have you cast your ballot? [LINK TO BALLOT]

  • Procrastinators, this is your last warning — submit your [nominations/votes] now or forever hold your peace (until next year). Vote today: [LINK TO BALLOT]

Ballot Sales Email

Nominations Phase – To businesses interested in winning

Subject Line: Get ready for [CONTEST NAME]

Email Body Overview:

  • Step one: Register your business [Link to Business Registration Form]

  • Step two: Consider purchasing a category ad, profile card, or custom voting link URL to promote yourself in the categories of your choosing. Gain additional exposure and bring your name to top of mind for voters to increase your chances of winning.

You can upload your own artwork by using our Promotion available. [Link to Promotions on your ballot]

👉 Click here to view advertising options [add link to Promotions or Media Kit]
📞 Or contact your sales representative at [xxx-xxx-xxxx]

Voting Phase – Business Promotion

Subject Line: Best of voting is now open

IN IT TO WIN IT?
Purchase advertising to keep your name front of mind for voters.
👉 Click here to learn more [add link to Promotions or Media Kit]

Explainer Text (How Voting Works)

How this works:

  1. Nominate your favorite local places, people, and businesses to be recognized as the best of [AREA]

  2. Browse categories using the up/down arrows at the bottom right or the menu in the top right

  3. Before voting, you must register with a valid email address

  4. Type in the name of your nominee and click “Nominate”

  5. Your vote is automatically saved — no final “submit” button required

  6. View your votes anytime by clicking your name and selecting Vote History

  7. Vote in as many or as few categories as you’d like

Business Registration Hype Example

[CONTEST NAME] starts on [START DATE] — want to see your business listed?

Submit your free business registration so your customers and fans remember to vote for YOU!
👉 [LINK TO BUSINESS REGISTRATION]

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at support@cityspark.com.

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