Comment to Win: Stand Out from Thousands of Entries

MJ
Matt John
18 December 2024
9 min read
Social media comments section with tagged friends for giveaway entry
Key Takeaways
  • Most comment competitions use random selection - following instructions matters more than comment quality
  • For judged competitions, invest in creative, personal, and memorable responses
  • Tag real, active friends and get their permission first
  • Ensure your account is public and you've followed the brand before commenting
  • Match your effort level to the competition type - efficiency for random draws, quality for judged

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Comment to Win: Stand Out from Thousands of Entries

Comment-to-win competitions are among the most common formats on social media. While most entries blend together in a sea of similar comments, understanding how to stand out - and when it matters - can improve your winning chances significantly.

Understanding Comment Competitions

How Winners Are Selected

Random Selection (Most Common):

  • All valid comments entered in draw
  • Random picker tool selects winner
  • Comment content doesn't matter for selection
  • Following instructions is what matters

Judged Selection:

  • Comments read and evaluated
  • Best answers or most creative win
  • Comment quality directly affects chances
  • Less common but higher effort = better odds

Hybrid Approach:

  • Basic entry through comment
  • Best comments shortlisted
  • Winner from shortlist
  • Quality matters for finalists

Entry Requirements

Typical Instructions:

  • Follow the account
  • Like the post
  • Comment (specific action)
  • Tag friends (specified number)
  • Use required hashtags

When Comment Quality Matters

For Random Draws

Quality Doesn't Affect Selection BUT:

  • Shows you followed instructions
  • Demonstrates genuine engagement
  • May be reviewed for verification
  • Builds relationship with brand

Focus On:

  • Following instructions exactly
  • Genuine, appropriate response
  • Not standing out negatively
  • Being clearly valid entry

For Judged Competitions

Quality Is Everything:

  • Creative responses win
  • Personal connections help
  • Originality valued
  • Effort rewarded

Focus On:

  • Crafting unique response
  • Showing personality
  • Connecting to brand/product
  • Being memorable

Crafting Better Comments

For Random Draw Entries

Good Practice:

  • Answer exactly what's asked
  • Include all required elements
  • Tag real, active friends
  • Be genuine (even briefly)

Examples:

  • ❌ Generic: "@friend Pick me!"
  • ✅ Better: "@friend Would love to try this! That flavour sounds amazing 🍫"

For Judged Entries

Winning Elements:

  • Unique perspective
  • Personal story connection
  • Clever wordplay
  • Emotional resonance
  • Brand alignment

Techniques:

  • Tell a micro-story
  • Create memorable phrases
  • Show specific product knowledge
  • Connect prize to your life

Tag-a-Friend Comments

Best Practice:

  • Tag real, active friends
  • Get permission first (good etiquette)
  • Tag accounts you know exist
  • Don't tag celebrities or brands

Why It Matters:

  • Some brands verify tagged accounts
  • Fake tags may disqualify
  • Friends might enter too (spreads word)
  • Builds authentic engagement

Platform-Specific Comment Strategies

Instagram Comments

Considerations:

  • Comments visible to everyone
  • Emoji use common and accepted
  • Hashtags in comments work
  • Reply to correct post version

Tips:

  • Check if commenting on main post or specific image
  • Use relevant emojis sparingly
  • Include all required tags and hashtags
  • Make sure comment posts successfully

Facebook Comments

Considerations:

  • Longer comments acceptable
  • Reactions on comments visible
  • Nested replies possible
  • Privacy settings may affect visibility

Tips:

  • Comment on correct post
  • Ensure comment is public
  • Tag friends correctly
  • Don't get lost in reply threads

Twitter/X Comments

Considerations:

  • Character limits apply
  • Replies vs quote tweets different
  • Threading can be confusing
  • Public timeline visibility

Tips:

  • Reply to correct tweet
  • Include required hashtags
  • Stay within limits
  • Don't confuse reply with retweet

Common Comment Mistakes

Entry Errors

  • Not following account before commenting
  • Wrong number of friend tags
  • Missing required hashtags
  • Commenting on wrong post
  • Entering from private account

Content Errors

  • Not answering the question asked
  • Inappropriate content
  • Copying others' comments
  • Excessive emojis obscuring message
  • Negativity or complaints

Technical Errors

  • Comment not posting successfully
  • Tagging incorrectly
  • Wrong platform conventions
  • Deleted comment before winner selection

Verification and Selection

What Brands Check

Before Selecting Winner:

  • Account is public
  • Following account (if required)
  • Comment meets requirements
  • Tagged accounts are real
  • No rule violations

Why Entries Get Skipped:

  • Private account
  • Didn't follow
  • Wrong number of tags
  • Missing required elements
  • Suspicious account activity

Improving Verification Success

Ensure:

  • Public profile
  • Verified following
  • Correct friend tags
  • All requirements met
  • Comment visible and complete

Multiple Entry Strategies

When Multiple Comments Allowed

Approach:

  • Enter on different days if daily entry
  • Tag different friends each time
  • Vary your comments
  • Don't spam identical entries

When One Comment Only

Approach:

  • Make it count
  • Follow all rules exactly
  • Best possible response
  • Don't try to sneak extras

Standing Out Strategically

For Judged Competitions

Investment Approach:

  • Research the brand
  • Understand what they value
  • Craft thoughtful response
  • Spend time on quality

For Random Draws

Efficiency Approach:

  • Meet all requirements
  • Genuine but brief
  • Don't over-invest time
  • Volume of entries matters more

Conclusion

Comment-to-win competitions require different strategies depending on selection method. For random draws, focus on perfect compliance with entry requirements. For judged competitions, invest in creativity and personal connection.

Develop the habit of reading requirements carefully, following instructions exactly, and matching your effort to the competition type. This efficient approach maximizes results across all comment-based competitions.

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