How to Write Great Competition and Sweepstake Answers!

If there’s one type of competition or sweepstake worth entering, it’s those that require a skill based answer in order for your entry to be valid.

You know the type…. to win, just answer this question “blah blah blah” in 25 words or less.

In Australia these are called “words or less” (WOL) competitions, generally they are known as “tie-breakers” or “slogan” contests in other countries such as the UK or US.

No matter which country you are entering these competitions in, the main principals for winning are the same. Sure, it takes practice, patience and sometimes hard work to produce a winning answer, but you’d be surprised what answers win sometimes. It can just be a “top of your head” few words.

Here’s my top tips for now about how to increase your chances of winning this type of competition:

Make sure you enter: As a general rule, the number of entries into these types of competitions is much lower, this in turn means you have a greater chance of winning.

Enter ANYTHING: If you can’t think of a clever, funny or stand out entry believe me when I say it REALLY doesn’t matter. Enter anything that comes to the top of your head, even if it seems silly. You have to be in it to win it, and you just really never know what the judges are looking for. Revert back to tip one in this case also, if you find it hard to enter, then chances are so does everyone else

Stand Out: OK, so this is easier said than done sometimes. There are lucky moments when witty or funny answers pop into my head, and other times I can’t seem to think of anything to write. But if you can, especially if you have skills with writing humour or wit, make your entries stand out in this way. Totally left of field way out entries can also work well.

Feature the Product or Company: It is often possible to include the product or company featuring the competition in your answer. Use one of their slogans and put a twist on it, use the product name, and make the representatives feel good about your praise of the product.

No single method is a guarantee for winning these competitions, and of course there is much  more to discuss, but for now, don’t be scared of entering words or less competitions, give it a go and you just never know when a prize might arrive on your doorstep