How do I know if my entry was valid?

Check that: your account is public, you followed all instructions, your entry is visible to others, and you received any confirmation. For social entries, view your profile logged out to see what others see.

Can I fix invalid entries after the fact?

Usually no - you can't retroactively make past entries valid. You can fix issues for future entries (make account public, improve technique) but missed or invalid entries for closed competitions are lost.

Why doesn't my Facebook share count?

Most commonly because it's set to Friends only instead of Public. When sharing, ensure you set visibility to Public. Check by viewing your timeline logged out - if you can't see the share, neither can the brand.

I entered but wasn't eligible - what happens?

Your entry is typically disqualified during winner verification. If selected, the brand will identify the eligibility issue and move to an alternative winner. There's no penalty beyond losing that entry.

How often should I audit my entry technique?

Review monthly if actively comping. Check account settings, verify recent entries are visible, and ensure you're following current requirements. Audit immediately if you're entering but not winning anything.

Why Your Competition Entries Might Be Invalid

You could be entering dozens of competitions that never have a chance to win because of invalid entries. Understanding what makes entries invalid helps ensure your comping efforts actually count toward winning.

Categories of Invalid Entries

Eligibility Issues

You Can't Win If:

Outside geographic area
Wrong age group
Employee/family restrictions apply
Previous winner restrictions
Entry limit exceeded

How to Avoid:

Read eligibility requirements first
Check geographic restrictions
Note age requirements
Look for repeat winner rules
Track entries to avoid exceeding limits

Account Problems

Private Accounts:

Brands can't verify entry
Comment/share not visible
Tagged content hidden
Automatically skipped in selection

Incomplete Profiles:

No profile picture (looks fake)
Empty bio (suspicious)
New account (often excluded)
Competition-only activity

Entry Method Errors

Wrong Actions:

Quote tweet instead of retweet
Comment instead of share
Sharing to wrong place
Missing required actions

Incomplete Entries:

Didn't follow account
Missed hashtag
Wrong number of friend tags
Skipped required steps

Technical Failures

Submission Issues:

Form didn't process
Connection error during submit
No confirmation received
Entry lost in system

Format Problems:

Wrong file type
Exceeded size limits
Incorrect dimensions
Corrupted uploads

Platform-Specific Invalid Entry Causes

Instagram

Invalid When:

Account is private
Not following (if required)
Comment didn't post
Story share expired
Tagged wrong account
Missing hashtags

Check:

Account public setting
Following status confirmed
Comment visible on post
Story still active (or in highlights)

Facebook

Invalid When:

Share set to Friends only
Not a page follower
Shared in comments not timeline
Share deleted before draw
Privacy settings blocking

Check:

Share visibility is Public
Page like/follow confirmed
Share on correct timeline
Share still exists

Twitter

Invalid When:

Used quote tweet when RT required
Account protected
Didn't follow account
Deleted retweet
Missing hashtags

Check:

Correct retweet type
Public account status
Following confirmed
Retweet still exists

Website Forms

Invalid When:

Required fields missing
Invalid email format
Form error on submission
Terms not accepted
Captcha failed
Duplicate entry (if not allowed)

Check:

All fields completed
Valid email entered
Confirmation received
Terms box ticked

Hidden Reasons Entries Fail

Timing Issues

Problems:

Entry after closing date
Timezone miscalculation
Server time vs local time
Entry during maintenance

Prevention:

Note exact closing date/time
Consider timezone explicitly
Enter with buffer time
Don't leave to last minute

Follow Status

Issues:

Thought you followed but didn't click
Instagram glitch unfollowed
Followed wrong account
Unfollowed after entry

Prevention:

Verify follow after each entry
Check follow list periodically
Don't unfollow until results
Screenshot important entries

System Glitches

Can Happen:

Platform errors
Entry not registered
Database issues
Technical problems

Protection:

Save confirmations
Screenshot entries
Note reference numbers
Check entry registered

Self-Audit Process

Check Your Accounts

Verify:

All social accounts public
Profile pictures present
Bios completed
Some genuine activity visible
No restrictions/blocks active

Check Your Entry Method

Verify:

Reading requirements carefully
Following all instructions
Using correct platform features
Completing all steps
Verifying entry completion

Check Your Entries Count

Verify:

Getting confirmations
Entries visible to others
Not duplicating where prohibited
Within entry limits
Meeting eligibility requirements

Ensuring Valid Entries

Before Entering

Read all rules and requirements
Check eligibility
Understand entry method
Note deadline accurately

During Entry

Complete every required step
Follow instructions exactly
Don't rush or skip
Verify as you go

After Entry

Check entry completed
Save confirmation
Verify visibility
Track in records

What to Do About Invalid Entries

If You Discover Issues

Can Fix:

Make account public (future entries)
Re-enter if allowed
Correct profile issues
Improve entry method

Can't Fix:

Past entries with private account
Missed deadlines
Exceeded entry limits
Eligibility disqualifications

Learning and Improving

From Invalid Entries:

Identify what went wrong
Prevent future occurrences
Update your process
Audit regularly

Conclusion

Invalid entries are wasted effort. By understanding common invalidation causes and implementing checks, you ensure every entry has a legitimate chance to win.

Audit your current setup, fix any issues found, and develop habits that prevent future invalid entries. The goal is simple: every entry you make should count.

Track valid competition entries on Sweepzy!

Why Your Competition Entries Might Be Invalid