We all love entering free competitions as they do not cost a thing! Please see below our top tips to give you more chance of winning any competitions you enter. Our aim is to help you and make sure you win as much as you can when you enter.
1. Create a Dedicated Email for Competitions
It might seem like overkill if you are only entering a few giveaways here and there, but setting up a separate email just for competitions is a smart move. Once you start signing up, your inbox will fill fast with newsletters, ads, and all kinds of clutter you didn’t ask for. Keeping it all in one place makes it way easier to spot a winning email without sifting through your main inbox. And don’t forget to check the spam folder—sometimes the good stuff ends up in there by mistake. For bonus efficiency, set up filters in your email settings to flag messages with words like “winner” or “congratulations” in the subject line. That way, your wins won’t get buried under a pile of junk.
2. Aim for the Harder Competitions
This might sound counter-intuitive, but targeting the trickier or more time-consuming competitions can actually boost your chances of winning. Think about it—those super easy “just enter your email” giveaways are appealing because they take seconds to complete. But that’s exactly the problem: everyone enters them. The low-effort barrier means you’re up against thousands, sometimes millions, of other hopefuls. On the other hand, contests that ask for a little more, like submitting a photo, writing a short entry, or answering a specific question, tend to get far fewer entries. People are often too busy or can’t be bothered. That smaller pool of competitors gives you a much better shot.
3. Never Share Your Bank Details or Pay to Enter
No one wants to get scammed while trying to win a prize, so here’s a rule you should always stick to: never hand over your bank details when entering a competition. Legitimate contests from trustworthy brands don’t ask for payment. Sure, there are some exceptions, like raffle-style draws where you buy a ticket to be in with a chance (like the ones on Whiskey Club). If the prize is something you’re really passionate about, that might be worth a one-off try. But as a general rule, stick with the free ones. That way, if you don’t win, you haven’t lost anything but a bit of your time, and you won’t end up regretting a wasted payment on a long shot.
4. Engage with the Brand
It’s easy to fall into the trap of entering every competition you see, but brands are catching on. Many now look for winners who actually care about their products, not just people who only show up when there’s a giveaway. To boost your odds, take a moment to genuinely engage with the brand. If you’re entering on social media, don’t just comment on the contest post—interact with their other content too. Like a few posts, leave thoughtful comments, or mention why you enjoy their products. For example, if it’s a skincare brand, talk about a product you’ve used or one you’re excited to try. Brands are much more likely to pick someone who looks like a real customer rather than someone who’s clearly in it just for the prize. A little authentic engagement can go a long way.
5. Get Involved in Comping Communities
Like any hobby, comping has its own dedicated fan base, and being part of that community can seriously up your game. There are tons of Facebook groups and online forums where people share the latest competitions, saving you time and helping you find contests you might’ve missed on your own. These groups are also great for swapping tips, celebrating wins, and staying motivated. Some sites do charge a fee for access to curated comp lists, and it’s up to you if you think that’s worth it. But don’t worry—there are plenty of completely free groups that are active, helpful, and full of fresh comp leads. Joining a few of these can make comping more fun, more social, and definitely more rewarding.
6. Most Importantly, Enjoy the Ride
Let’s be real; most competitions have long odds, even the smaller ones. That’s why it’s important to treat comping as a fun side activity, not a money-making scheme or a second job. It should be something you enjoy doing in your downtime, not something that stresses you out or feels like a grind. Sure, you might go through stretches without a single win, and that’s totally normal. But when you do finally hit the jackpot, be it a big prize or just a freebie, it makes all those entries and hours on the screen feel totally worth it.
