It can be a bit confusing to know where to start when it comes to entering prize giveaways.
In fact, most people will only enter a competition when they come across it naturally, maybe in their newspaper or while listening to the radio.
But if you know where to look, and how to find them, entering a whole host of competitions could mean an increased chance of winning something – and that’s the goal, right?
We’ve pulled together some top tips to get you on the road to digging out the best prize give aways.
1. Set up your social media presence
A great way to find new and exciting online giveaways is to use Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Brands and companies will often use these channels to promote competitions and giveaways, usually requiring a simple ‘like, share, tag’ system of entry. If you’re serious about serial comping, a tip would be to set up specific accounts just for competitions. This way, you can keep your personal profiles separate and avoid too much spam after entry. There are also many competition providers who have social media pages, giving you quick and easy access to the latest giveaway, straight to your instagram feed. Another top tip is to search for competitions using specific tags, this way you can better narrow down your search to specific prizes.
2. Enter the comper’s world
The term ‘comper’ is used to describe people who spend a lot of time in entering competitions, and, to put it directly, have gotten pretty good at it. Many compers have a social media presence, and by checking out their profiles and engaging with them, is a great step into their world, and ultimately finding the best competitions to enter. In fact, a lot of serious compers will be part of a wider community where they’ll chat, exchange tips and discuss the latest competitions. This is especially useful if you’re entering a competition with a specific entry requirement (like submitting a short story, for example). It’s within this community you can really pick up momentum in entering competitions, and stay ahead when it comes to the latest giveaways.
3. Browse forums and use the internet
Since the birth of the internet, forums have continuously provided a first hand glance into pretty much whatever topic we choose, and competitions and prize giveaways are no exception. By checking out competition forums, you can easily find the latest competitions to enter, from car competitions to holidays.
While you’re online, it’s also worth checking out competition websites, too. Competition Database is a great example of how you can browse and enter a number of different competitions at your leisure. Alternatively, if you’re after a particular prize, use the internet to search for competitions offering said giveaway and viola, you’ll be greeted with a whole host of online competitions awaiting your entry. Online safety is also important when hunting out prizes. Look out for T&Cs when entering a competition, and never give out your bank details when entering what should be a free competition.
4. Brand competitions
Some brands and businesses will offer prize giveaways and competitions frequently, some specialising in just that. By keeping an eye and regularly checking in with these brands, you can keep on top of the latest giveaways. Best of the Best is a great example, offering car competitions is their bread and butter, so if it’s a new vehicle you’re after, you might want to bookmark their website.
Seeking out prizes at your local supermarket shouldn’t be overlooked. Many food brands will promote a competition on their food packaging, often prompting you to then go online or scan a QR code and enter. It’s easy to forget or not even notice these competitions, so here’s a friendly reminder to keep an eye out next time you’re out for your weekly shop.
A lot of grocery stores will also advertise text competitions, where you’ll pay the standard rate to send a text to enter. These can sometimes appear on self-checkout machines, too, so keep those eyes peeled!
5. Radio stations
A true home of competitions, radio stations can be a hub of potential prize giveaways. Traditionally, you would have had to call up the radio station to enter a competition, often providing the answer to a question or by playing some trivia to win. Nowadays though, you can enter via text or social media, making radio station competitions much more accessible. An obvious way to boost your chances at winning a radio competition, is by listening to as many stations as frequently as possible (not at the same time of course!), some popular stations with top-notch giveaways include Heart, Absolute, Magic, Capital, Virgin and Kiss.
If you’re unable to listen to the radio, you can always check out their websites where they’ll have access to the competition information, including a way to enter.
Entering competitions shouldn’t be difficult or inaccessible, and with the methods above, we hope there’s something for everyone to stay ahead when it comes to finding the latest competitions and giveaways. Good luck, and happy comping!