Tips for Winning Blog Giveaways
So, as you probably know, I moderate the comments here at Laughing Lindsay. That is for two reasons: 1. Spam. I get lots of spam comments. 2. People don’t follow directions for entering the giveaways. I’ve noticed a rise in the number of people not following the directions for entering giveaways, so I thought I’d make a post giving readers some tips to increase the likelihood of winning a blog giveaway.
1) Follow the mandatory entry.
On some blogs, it’s a comment about anything. However, almost all of mine have you leave a comment about why you wish to win/try the product being given away or name something you like about the product/brand. I even include that comments such as “enter me” and “I’d like to win” won’t count. If the random generator picks a comment which just says “thanks” or something like that, then the comment will be deleted and won’t win. ALWAYS read for mandatory entry instructions and follow them.
2) Check your email.
This includes your spam box. I’ve had several winners tell me that my winning notification email was sent to their spam. I’ve also had tons of people not respond to my emails. If you’re going to enter a giveaway, then be sure to check your email and spam often since most of us give you so many hours to respond (I usually give 48 hours).
3) Do the extra entries.
I know as a fellow sweeper that it’s a lot of work to do extra entries. However, I can’t count how many people have won because of a simple extra entry, such as following me on Twitter. Plus, I give extra entries on almost every giveaway for it. Oh, and if you do an extra entry, be sure to leave the link showing it (such as the Tweet link or blog link) or it won’t count.
Also, just because I’ve had to disqualify people for it previously, don’t state you did something if you didn’t really do it. I check all entries, meaning I click through to Tweet links and blogs. If it’s been deleted when I go to look at it, it won’t count and you’ll be disqualified from the giveaway. This includes saying you subscribe to my rss feed when I can’t find your email address in my subscribers list (which I check).
Well, I think that about covers it. Do you have any other tips for entering and winning blog giveaways?
This question is embarrassing to have to ask, but I must! How do you check your RSS subscriber list? I’ve never known you could do this! I’d be so grateful for a tutorial! All I know how to do is check the GFC public follower list…
Tiffany recently posted..Peter Rabbit Organics Fruit and Veggie Pouches GIVEAWAY!!!
I’m confused. If I subscribe in Google reader (RSS feed), why would my e-mail show up on your list? Wouldn’t you only be able to see my e-mail if I subscribed by e-mail?
Thanks for the tips, Lindsay! You are awesome to care about your readers so much. those emails have gotten me a couple times, mostly because a few of them have went to the spam pile, and i get a lot of spam. Missed out on a couple of REALLY good prizes.
I have read your tips on winning and thank you for giving it.
GloriaDeal@aol.com
I too have an embarrassing question. I am new to twitter and I have figured out how to follow something on twitter, but where is the tweet link that I need to include?
Thanks for the tips. I love entering giveaways!
I didn’t realize that the email I was using to reply with had to be the same as the email linked to my GFC and Google Reader accounts. Wonder how much I have missed because of my utter cluelessness?
I enter about 10 a day on average, it’s been taking the place of my useless Facebook game playing time, and I win about one giveaway per week. I find it’s useful to enter all the giveaways you can on each blog you follow. Many offer extra entries for entering their other giveaways. – Dana
Like some other people here I have some concerns about the RSS subscription. I always wondererd why bloggers put them in extra entries because there is no way to know who has subscribed to it and yet I read comments like yours. How many entries I have lost because of bloggers that checked for my email I don’t know where and tought I hadn’t subscribed by RSS feed. I think I will stop to enter these types of entries in the future.
I always feel better when all the entries in a contest are checkable to be honest.
Very good advice! While it’s certainly not required, it’s always nice if you thank the sponsor in a blog post when you win.
Marie Anne recently posted..Italian Leather Purse and Jewelry Giveaway
great post for those who enter
Tricia recently posted..Winners Announced and an Apology to my Readers
Great tips! These are very helpful, thanks!
I have found e-mails in my spam folder that I won
Good to always check in there!
good stuff! Thanks for the tips.
Great info. thanks for the advice.
great tips thanks for taking the time to posting them
Thanks for the info! I try to follow the rules. I have noticed there is quite a variety of rules to follow! Thanks again. Rita