If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, or even TikTok, you’ve probably noticed that social media is bursting with prize draws. From influencers giving away beauty bundles to brands offering up everything from holidays to gadgets, it seems like there’s a new competition popping up in your feed every day. But with so many of these comps out there, it begs the question: Are social media prize draws actually worth entering?
Well, the short answer is – yes, but with a few caveats. Social media comps can be brilliant, but they come with their own set of quirks, challenges, and – if we’re being honest – a few pitfalls to watch out for. So, grab your cuppa, and let’s have a proper chat about whether these online giveaways are worth your time and how to make the most of them.
Table of Contents
1. Why are social media prize draws so popular?
Before we dive into the “are they worth it?” bit, it’s worth understanding why social media prize draws have become so popular in the first place. It’s no surprise that brands, influencers, and even small businesses have jumped on the competition bandwagon – it’s a brilliant marketing tool.
Here’s why businesses love them:
- Building followers and engagement: By asking people to follow, like, and share to enter, social media prize draws help brands grow their audience and boost engagement on their posts. It’s a win-win for the company running the comp.
- Cost-effective promotion: Running a prize draw is often cheaper than other forms of advertising. Plus, it’s a great way to get the word out about a new product or service.
- Encouraging user-generated content: Some comps ask people to post photos or tag friends, which generates even more buzz around a brand.
And from a comper’s perspective, these comps are super accessible. They’re often free to enter, quick to participate in, and you don’t need to fill out a long form or hand over loads of personal details.
2. The pros of entering social media prize draws
So, why should you bother entering social media comps? Here are a few reasons why they’re worth considering:
a) Quick and easy to enter
One of the biggest perks of social media prize draws is how quick and simple they are to enter. Most comps just ask you to follow a page, like a post, or leave a comment. Compared to traditional competitions, which might require filling out lengthy entry forms, social media draws can be done in seconds.
For example:
- Follow the brand on Instagram? Done.
- Like and share a Facebook post? Easy peasy.
- Tag a couple of friends in the comments? Sorted!
It’s no wonder people love these comps – you can enter without much hassle, and that means more time to enter multiple competitions.
b) They’re free
We love a freebie, right? Most social media prize draws don’t cost a penny to enter, which means you can have a go without worrying about forking out any cash. There’s no premium text service or postal entry fees, so you’re really just investing a bit of your time.
c) Loads of comps to choose from
With social media being such a big part of our lives, there’s no shortage of competitions out there. From small businesses running giveaways to big-name brands offering high-ticket prizes, you’ll find plenty of options across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and beyond.
Because there are so many comps running at any given time, you can pick and choose the ones that interest you the most – whether that’s a beauty bundle, a weekend getaway, or a fancy bit of tech.
d) You can increase your chances by tagging friends
A little trick I’ve picked up is to tag friends who are also into comping. Many comps give you extra entries if you tag more people in the comments, and if your friends return the favour, you can all boost each other’s chances. It’s a little comping community secret – and it works!
3. The downsides to social media comps
Now, while social media prize draws have a lot going for them, they’re not without their downsides. It’s important to go in with your eyes open and know what to watch out for.
a) High number of entrants
Let’s face it – everyone loves a freebie, and social media comps tend to attract a lot of entries. The ease of entering means that you’re often competing with hundreds or even thousands of other people. So, while it only takes a second to enter, your odds of winning might not be as great compared to smaller, more niche competitions.
For example, if a popular beauty brand is giving away a new skincare set, you can bet there’ll be thousands of people liking, sharing, and tagging friends in the hope of winning. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enter – but just keep in mind that the competition can be fierce!
b) Fake competitions and scams
Here’s where it gets a bit tricky – not every social media comp is legitimate. Scammers have cottoned on to the popularity of online giveaways and sometimes set up fake comps to gather personal information or get people to click on dodgy links.
Look out for these red flags:
- Asking for sensitive information: A legitimate comp should never ask for bank details, payment info, or anything that feels overly personal.
- No official brand page: If a competition is being run by a well-known brand, it should be posted on their official social media account. Be wary of competitions that come from new or unofficial-looking accounts.
- Suspicious links: If a competition asks you to click on a link that looks odd or redirects you to a non-branded website, steer clear.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to competitions run by trusted brands or accounts. If something feels off, it probably is.
c) You might get spammed
Another downside is that entering social media comps can sometimes lead to a bit of spam. Some competitions require you to give your email address, and while most brands are pretty good about only sending relevant marketing emails, others might bombard you with offers or sales promotions.
The solution? Set up a dedicated email address just for comps. That way, you can keep your personal inbox clear and still enter without worrying about the influx of marketing messages.
4. How to spot a legitimate social media prize draw
So, how can you tell if a competition is the real deal or just a dodgy scam? Here are a few tips for spotting a legitimate social media comp:
a) Check the account
If the competition is being run by a brand or influencer, make sure it’s coming from their official account. Look for the blue verification tick (on platforms like Instagram and Twitter) or check their follower count. Big brands will always post competitions on their main account, not on random offshoots.
b) Read the rules
Legitimate competitions will usually have clear rules and terms. Look out for posts that outline how to enter, what the prize is, when the winner will be chosen, and how they’ll be notified. If these details are missing or seem sketchy, proceed with caution.
c) Look at past winners
Some brands or influencers will showcase previous winners on their accounts, which can give you a good indication that the competition is genuine. If an account regularly posts about winners and is open about their prize draw process, it’s more likely to be trustworthy.
5. Maximising your chances of winning
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons, let’s talk strategy. Here’s how to maximise your chances of winning those social media prize draws:
a) Enter as soon as possible
Many social media comps run for a limited time – often just a few days. If you spot one you’re interested in, don’t wait around. Enter as soon as you see it to avoid missing the deadline.
b) Follow all the entry steps
This might seem obvious, but make sure you’re following all the steps required to enter. Some comps ask you to like the post, tag a friend, and share it to your story. If you miss one of these steps, you might not be eligible to win – and that would be a real shame!
c) Tag friends who’ll enter too
As I mentioned earlier, tagging friends who also love entering comps can give you a sneaky advantage. If they tag you back, you’ll both increase your chances of being seen by the comp organiser.
d) Engage with the brand
Sometimes it helps to engage with the brand running the comp – leave a comment, share your excitement, or ask a question. The more interaction you have with their post, the more likely it is that they’ll notice your entry.
6. Are social media prize draws worth it?
So, are social media prize draws worth your time? In my opinion, absolutely – as long as you go in with realistic expectations. They’re quick, free, and easy to enter, which makes them a great addition to your comping routine.
However, because the competition can be stiff and there are occasional scams to watch out for, it’s important to stay savvy. Stick to the trusted accounts, follow the rules, and enter with the understanding that you’re up against a lot of people – but hey, someone’s got to win, right?
At the end of the day, social media prize draws are worth entering, but it’s all about balance. They’re a fun, free way to try your luck, and because they’re so quick, you can enter plenty without much effort. Just remember to keep your expectations in check, and be mindful of potential scams. With the right approach, social media comps can add a bit of excitement to your day – and who knows, you might just bag yourself a brilliant prize!