Entering sweepstakes can be a lot of fun, but how do you begin? Here are some tips to get started on the road to winning with sweepstakes.
Plan ahead: Most sweepstakes and contests are online, so if you want to enter online sweeps, definitely setup a free email account (think Gmail or Yahoo), JUST for this purpose. This way your main email won’t get clogged up, and you can quickly scan through emails to see if you won.
Choose Wisely: Only enter sweepstakes or contests that you really want to win. You will have to claim the value of any winnings on your taxes. If the grand prize is a trip, check the dates and make sure you could go. Also, check the rules to see if there is a cash option in lieu of the prize. These kinds of sweeps are always great to enter. Who doesn’t like cash?
Read the Fine Print: Always read the rules to make sure you are eligible. If you are doing a mail-in entry make sure you have done what the rules ask (such as 3×5 postcard only, or including a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope for a free entry code). Also a contest that allows daily entries may define that as “a 24 hour period”, so make sure you are not entering too many times.
Start Small: Look for a local contest that you can just fill out a form to win. A smaller sweepstakes (whether online or paper), gives you the best odds to win. Grocery stores, malls and fairs sometimes have giveaways. Just be aware that many companies use your contact information to market to you in the future, especially if they ask for your phone number.
Look at one-entry-per-person sweepstakes: Daily entries are nice, but the contests with one entry per person actually level out the playing field. Not everyone has time to come back every day and enter, so if your time is limited, you enter once and are done!
Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest: There are now many sweepstakes offered on Social Media. Major companies do this, and usually you have to ‘like’ their page to enter. Many bloggers also have contests on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. There are usually a number of ways to enter, so take your pick. Facebook contests are an easy way to start, and the blog contests usually have fewer entrants than a traditional sweepstakes, so your chances are higher. The prizes are sometimes smaller, but if it is something you want or can use, go for it!
Look for Limited States: Some giveaways are only offered in limited states. If you are lucky enough to fit the bill, then enter these contests. Again, the better odds, the better your chances to be a winner!
Enter as many ways as possible. Bloggers often have many ways to enter. Entering via as many social media outlets as possible will help increase your chances. See if there are daily entry options as well!
Subscribe to Sweepstake Websites. There are many websites out there that list giveaways and sweepstakes.
Some of my favorite are Contest Girl, Sweepstakes Max, and Contest Queen.
Don’t be too intimidated to enter the world of sweepstakes. Just start slowly and you will be surprised how quickly you get the hang of it. Good luck!
hellu