Getting Started with Comping

What is Comping?

Comping is the UK term for systematically entering competitions and prize draws as a hobby. It's more than just occasional entries - it's a strategic approach to maximising your chances of winning prizes ranging from vouchers and gadgets to holidays and cars.

Thousands of UK residents win prizes worth over £10,000 annually through consistent comping. The key isn't luck alone - it's knowledge, organisation, and persistence.

Why Start Comping?

Before diving into the how, let's address the why:

• It's completely free - Legitimate competitions never charge entry fees
• Flexible hobby - Spend 10 minutes or 2 hours, it's up to you
• Real prizes - From everyday vouchers to life-changing wins
• Community aspect - Connect with thousands of fellow compers
• Develops skills - Creativity, organisation, and persistence

Step 1: Set Up Your Comping Infrastructure

Create a Dedicated Email Address

This is non-negotiable. You'll receive hundreds of emails from competition entries, promotional newsletters, and winner announcements. Using your personal email is a recipe for chaos.

Best practices:

• Use Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo (free and reliable)
• Choose a simple, easy-to-type address
• Avoid numbers and special characters if possible
• Example format: yourname.comps@gmail.com

Pro tip: Set up email filters immediately. Create folders for "Competition Confirmations," "Winner Announcements," and "Newsletters." This saves hours of searching later.

Optimise Your Social Media Presence

Most competitions today run on Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, and TikTok. You'll need accounts on each platform.

Username strategy:

• Use the SAME username across all platforms
• Keep it simple and memorable
• Avoid underscores, dots, and numbers if possible
• Don't use "competition," "wins," or "prizes" in your name (brands may skip you)

Profile tips:

• Add a profile photo (real or avatar - just not empty)
• Write a brief, friendly bio
• Keep accounts public (private accounts can't win most competitions)
• Follow some genuine accounts, not just competition pages

Essential Tools and Apps

You don't need expensive software, but these free tools help:

Step 2: Find Your First Competitions

Where to Look

Competitions are everywhere once you know where to look:

Online sources:

• Competition aggregator sites (including Sweepzy's listings)
• Brand social media accounts
• Product websites
• Email newsletters
• Apps and loyalty programmes

Offline sources:

• Supermarket receipts and packaging
• Magazine and newspaper competitions
• In-store displays and promotions
• Radio phone-ins and text competitions

Start with High-Probability Competitions

As a beginner, focus on competitions with better odds:

1. Local competitions - Regional businesses get fewer entries
2. Effort-based competitions - Requiring a photo or answer filters out lazy entrants
3. Newer accounts/small brands - Less established = less competition
4. Weekday-ending competitions - Most people enter on weekends
5. Short-window competitions - Less time = fewer entries

Step 3: Make Your First Entries

Web Form Competitions

These are the most common type. Best practices:

• Read terms and conditions EVERY time
• Answer honestly and completely
• Don't spam the same answer multiple times (unless allowed)
• Save confirmation emails as proof of entry
• Note the end date and check back for winners

Social Media Competitions

Each platform has its nuances:

Instagram:

• Follow the account first
• Like the post
• Tag real friends (not fake accounts)
• Comment as required
• Share to stories if requested

Twitter/X:

• Follow and retweet as required
• Include all requested hashtags
• @mention friends if required
• Don't delete retweets until the competition ends

Facebook:

• Check if you need to follow the page
• Comment as instructed
• Share if requested (check your privacy settings)

Step 4: Build Sustainable Habits

The 15-Minute Daily Routine

Consistency beats intensity. Here's a sustainable daily approach:

Morning (5 minutes):

• Check emails for winner announcements
• Quick scan of Sweepzy for new competitions
• Enter 2-3 quick competitions

Evening (10 minutes):

• Dedicated competition entry time
• Focus on competitions ending soon
• Log entries if using a tracking system

Weekly Tasks

Set aside 30 minutes weekly for:

• Reviewing and organising emails
• Checking for unclaimed prizes
• Finding new competition sources
• Planning entries for effort-based competitions

Step 5: Stay Safe from Day One

Red Flags to Watch For

Legitimate competitions NEVER:

• Ask for payment to enter or claim prizes
• Request bank details upfront
• Pressure you to act immediately
• Lack terms and conditions
• Come from accounts with no post history

Data Protection

• Only enter competitions from trusted sources
• Check privacy policies before submitting personal data
• Use your competition email, not personal email
• Decline optional marketing opt-ins unless genuinely interested

Your First Month: Realistic Expectations

What to Expect

Week 1-2:

• Setting up accounts and tools
• Learning different entry methods
• Entering 5-10 competitions daily
• Building social media presence

Week 3-4:

• More efficient entry process
• Recognising good opportunities
• Potentially 20+ entries daily
• Maybe your first win!

Managing Expectations

Be realistic: most compers don't win in their first week or even first month. The average is roughly 1 win per 100-200 entries for beginners. This improves significantly with experience and strategy.

The compers who win consistently enter consistently. Treat it as a long-term hobby, not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Entering everything - Quality over quantity matters
2. Ignoring terms and conditions - Disqualification is real
3. Using multiple accounts - Against rules and detectable
4. Skipping effort competitions - These have the best odds
5. Not tracking entries - You'll miss prize claims
6. Giving up too soon - Persistence pays off

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics, continue your comping education:

1. Learn all entry methods - Read our Entry Methods Explained guide
2. Stay safe - Study our Avoiding Scams guide
3. Get organised - Set up tracking with our Organisation Guide
4. Start entering - Browse competitions on Sweepzy and make your first entries today!

Remember: every successful comper started exactly where you are now. The difference between those who win and those who don't? They kept entering.

Welcome to the comping community! 🎉