Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the idea of winning something for nothing? Whether it’s a shiny new gadget, a luxury holiday, or even just a big bundle of chocolate (yes, please!), entering free competitions is a fun and exciting way to try your luck. And the best part? It costs you absolutely nothing! But, as with most things, there’s a bit of a knack to it. If you want to increase your chances of winning – and not waste your time on dodgy comps – there are a few things you’ll need to know.
So, grab a cuppa and get comfy, because I’m about to take you through the ultimate guide to entering free competitions in the UK. By the time we’re done, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a savvy comper!
Table of Contents
1. Find the best free competition sites
The first thing you need to do is find the best places to enter free competitions. There are plenty of legitimate websites that list loads of competitions all in one place, so you don’t have to go searching the internet like a needle in a haystack.
Some of the top UK competition sites include:
- ThePrizeFinder: One of the most popular UK competition sites, with free-to-enter competitions updated daily.
- Loquax: This site has been around for years and is trusted by compers all over the UK. It’s packed with free competitions.
- MoneySavingExpert: They’ve got a brilliant section for free competitions, which they update regularly.
- SuperLucky: Run by a comping expert, Di Coke, this site is full of useful info and free competition listings.
Make sure you bookmark these sites, as they’ll be your go-to for regular comping sessions.
2. Set up a dedicated email address
If you’re going to start entering free competitions regularly, I highly recommend setting up a separate email address just for comping. Why? Because as fun as entering competitions is, it often means signing up for newsletters or promotional emails. And trust me, you don’t want those clogging up your personal inbox!
A dedicated email address will help keep everything organised and make it easier to keep track of any wins or important notifications. Plus, it’s a great way to manage any marketing emails that come your way without feeling overwhelmed.
Just remember to check it regularly – after all, you don’t want to miss out on a winning email!
3. Stay organised
Staying organised is key to successful comping. If you’re entering a few competitions here and there, it might be fine to keep track in your head. But if you’re planning to enter a lot (and I’m guessing you are if you’re serious about it!), you’ll need a system.
You could use a spreadsheet to keep track of the competitions you’ve entered, the closing dates, and any entry requirements. This way, you’ll know exactly where you’ve entered and can follow up if you think you might have won something.
Another thing to keep an eye on is whether competitions allow multiple entries. Some do, but most don’t. Keeping track will help you avoid being disqualified for breaking the rules – a mistake many new compers make!
4. Read the terms and conditions (yes, seriously)
I know I bang on about reading the terms and conditions in nearly every comping guide, but it really is that important! Every competition will have its own set of rules, and it’s crucial that you understand them before entering.
The T&Cs will tell you things like:
- Who is eligible to enter (UK residents only, age restrictions, etc.)
- How many entries you can submit
- When the competition closes
- How the winner will be chosen
- Any additional costs or restrictions
If a competition doesn’t have clear terms and conditions, I’d recommend giving it a miss. And be particularly cautious about any that have vague or dodgy terms. The last thing you want is to win a prize, only to discover that it comes with a hefty hidden cost!
5. Enter regularly but smartly
If you really want to increase your chances of winning, entering competitions regularly is the way to go. But that doesn’t mean entering everything under the sun – you need to be smart about it. Prioritise the competitions that offer prizes you actually want or need, and don’t waste time on comps with thousands upon thousands of entries unless the prize is truly worth it.
A good tip is to focus on smaller or local competitions. These often have fewer entries, which means your chances of winning are much higher. You might not be winning a luxury holiday, but you could score a lovely meal out or a pamper day at a nearby spa – still a win in my book!
6. Avoid competition scams
Unfortunately, not all competitions are genuine. Scammers know that people love the idea of winning big prizes, and they’ll use that to try and get your personal information or even money.
Here are a few red flags to watch out for:
- Competitions that ask for your bank details or payment info upfront (legit ones will never need this just to enter).
- Vague terms and conditions or none at all.
- A prize that seems too good to be true – like winning a £10,000 holiday for simply entering your email address.
- Websites that look poorly designed or riddled with errors.
Always stick to trusted websites, and if you have any doubts about a competition’s legitimacy, it’s probably best to avoid it.
7. Get social with your comping
Social media is a brilliant place for finding free competitions. Brands love using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even TikTok to run giveaways and increase their followers.
For Facebook, look out for like-and-share competitions. Many brands post competitions where you can enter by simply liking their page, sharing the post, or tagging a few friends in the comments.
On Instagram, competitions often involve following the brand’s account, liking their post, and tagging friends in the comments. Twitter is similar – you might need to follow the account and retweet a competition post to enter.
Social media competitions are often quick and easy to enter, but keep in mind that the more followers a brand has, the more people will enter – so your chances of winning might be lower. That said, it only takes a few seconds to enter, so why not give it a go?
8. Watch out for sneaky postal entries
Did you know that in the UK, every competition legally has to offer a free route of entry? That means even paid competitions must provide a way for you to enter for free, often through a postal entry.
While sending a letter might seem old-school, it can actually be a great way to increase your chances of winning a competition with fewer overall entries. Many people overlook postal entry methods because of the small-ish cost of a stamp or the time it takes to send it.
If you’re serious about comping, consider keeping some postcards or pre-stamped envelopes on hand so you can send off postal entries easily. It might just give you the edge over others who stick to online entries.
9. Enter skill-based competitions
If you’ve got a bit of creative flair, don’t shy away from skill-based competitions. These types of comps ask you to do a little more than just fill in your details – they might ask you to answer a tricky question, write a slogan, or even submit a photo or video.
Skill-based competitions often have far fewer entries than regular comps because not everyone wants to put in the extra effort. But if you’re up for the challenge, they can be a brilliant way to win unique prizes. Just make sure you understand the rules before entering!
10. Join a comping community
Finally, why not join a comping community? There are loads of Facebook groups, forums, and websites where compers share the latest free competitions, tips, and even success stories.
Joining a comping community can be a great way to stay motivated and up to date with the latest comps. Plus, it’s always nice to celebrate wins with others who get just as excited as you!
Wrapping it up
So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to entering free competitions in the UK. With a bit of effort, some organisation, and a lot of enthusiasm, you can increase your chances of winning and have a lot of fun in the process. Remember to stay savvy, avoid scams, and enter competitions for prizes you really want.
Whether you’re after a big holiday, a tech gadget, or just a lovely treat for yourself, free competitions can be a brilliant way to score some fantastic prizes without spending a penny. So, what are you waiting for? Time to get comping – and who knows, you could be the next big winner!