The Power Behind Sweepstakes and Contests
Interview with Julie Link, Co-founder of Sync Marketing: The Power Behind Sweepstakes and Contests
Interviewer: Julie, Sync Marketing has established itself as a leader in the sweepstakes and contests space. Can you tell us a little about the agency and what sets Sync Marketing apart?
Julie Link: Absolutely! Sync Marketing is a full-service, award-winning sweepstakes and contest agency. While many of our competitors can create effective campaigns, what truly differentiates us is our dedication to one-on-one personalized service and meticulous attention to detail. We believe in creating campaigns that deliver proven results for our clients and agency partners. We don’t just want to be seen as an external vendor—we see ourselves as an extension of our clients’ teams.
Interviewer: That’s a great philosophy. Can you share more about how Sync Marketing works closely with clients to ensure their success?
Julie Link: One of the things we really pride ourselves on is our collaborative approach. From the moment a client comes to us with an idea for a sweepstakes or contest, we dive in and work hand-in-hand to craft a campaign that aligns with their goals. Whether it’s a major holiday promotion or a quick-turnaround sweepstakes, we tailor everything to meet the specific needs of our clients. Our goal is to make sure every campaign not only runs smoothly but also exceeds expectations.
Interviewer: Speaking of running campaigns, I understand Sync Marketing has deep experience with legal compliance, which is so critical in the sweepstakes industry. How do you navigate this complex landscape?
Julie Link: Legal compliance is one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of running a sweepstakes. The rules and regulations vary from state to state and even country to country, so it’s essential to have a team that understands these complexities. At Sync, we have decades of experience managing legal compliance for our campaigns. We handle everything from drafting the official rules to making sure the promotion complies with all applicable laws, including age restrictions, data privacy regulations, and prize fulfillment.
Interviewer: I noticed you have client across all categories; retail, auto, gaming, banking, and more. Today I want to focus on alcohol brands. Your clients include some big names, like Bud Light, Busch Light, and Wine.com. Can you share a bit about your work with them?
Julie Link: We’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible brands in the alcohol industry, including Bud Light, Busch Light, Archer Roose, La Tierra de Acre Mezcal, Wine.com, Sagamore Spirits, Becks, Corralejo, and more. Each campaign has been unique, but one thing they all have in common is the need for strict adherence to regulations. This is particularly important in the alcohol sector. Whether it’s ensuring age verification or complying with state-specific alcohol advertising laws, we’ve built a strong reputation for our expertise in this area.
Interviewer: That’s quite a portfolio! What advice would you give to an alcohol brand looking to run its first sweepstakes?
Julie Link: My biggest piece of advice would be to work with a team that understands the intricacies of alcohol sweepstakes. There are a lot of legal hurdles to navigate, but when done right, sweepstakes can be a powerful tool for brand engagement and loyalty. Partnering with a team like Sync Marketing ensures that all the details—both big and small—are handled, allowing the brand to focus on what they do best.
Interviewer: That’s excellent advice. Finally, what’s next for Sync Marketing? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
Julie Link: We’re always looking for new ways to innovate and help our clients succeed. We’re currently working on expanding our digital offerings, including integrating more interactive microsites and social media-driven sweepstakes. The future looks bright, and we’re excited to continue growing alongside our amazing clients.