As a startup that aims to help consumers save money, we don’t exactly have a big marketing budget. So while I will be attending SXSW Interactive next week–I will not be manning a booth and I will not have expensive SmartHippo swag to give away…

But we still want to get some buzz, and who doesn’t love a good contest? Therefore, I’m happy to  announce the Hide the Hippo Contest. This online/offline contest will take place at SXSW AND on Twitter with the hashtag  #hippoSXSW. Each day a toy hippo (pictured below) will be hiding somewhere in Austin (at a SXSW venue) and @smarthippo will tweet clues about where it is until someone finds it. You may also get bonus clues by following @georgefavvas and @krusk.

Two ways to win…

At SXSW
If you find the hippo, tweet @smarthippo right away! We will meet up and I’ll give you your fabulous prize! Don’t worry if you forget all this, the hippo has all the details too.

At home
Can’t make it to SXSW? We feel for you, and that’s why we want to give you a shot at winning too!  Every time you tweet about the contest (using the hashtag #hippoSXSW), you’ll get an entry and after SXSW we’ll randomly pick a winner. Write a blog post, and you’ll get 5 entries.Help spread the word and you can win!

What will you win?
At SXSW you’ll get your choice gift certificate for the following generous contest sponsors:

• SmartyPig.com
• Tshirtoutlet.com
• HandbagHeaven.com
• SunglassWarehouse.com

Each prize is worth at least $50. The grand prize is a $500 Certificate of Deposit! We know how tough it can be to save up in our current economy, so we’re going to give you a little boost. Don’t worry if you’re not a US resident–if you win, we’ll have an equally awesome prize for you.

I hope you’re as excited as we are! Help spread the word, and we hope you win! Don’t forget the hashtag #hippoSXSW and you can also use this URL: http://tinyurl.com/hippoSXSW

Get started now! Tweet this!

UPDATE: Want to know how many entries you’ve accumulated? Watch the Hide the Hippo Twitter leaderboard, remember each time you tweet with the hashtag #hippoSXSW you’re entered. Leaderboard is updated once daily.

And now for the small print: Contest is open to anyone; but void where prohibited. For Twitter players: One entry per tweet per day (up to five total, for the five days of SXSW) and five entries per blog post. At SXSW, prize will be awarded immediately upon returning the plush hippo, unless other arrangements are made. SmartHippo reserves the right to change or alter the rules if deemed necessary.  Grand prize draw will take place the week of March 16-20.

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