- 1. Write Attention-Grabbing Headlines<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Sell Your Giveaway Prize Descriptions<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Tailor Your Copy for Different Platforms<\/a>
- <\/ul><\/li>
- 4. Create a Real Sense of Urgency<\/a>
- <\/ul><\/li>
- 5. Make Your Calls-to-Action (CTA) Concise<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Keep Your Language Simple and Engaging<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Disclose Terms and Conditions Clearly<\/a><\/li>
- 8. A\/B Test Your Giveaway Copy<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Always Proofread Before Publishing<\/a><\/li>
- FAQs About Giveaway Copywriting<\/a>
- <\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
- Analyze your data:<\/strong> Check your website analytics<\/a>, social media insights, and customer database. Who’s engaging with your brand? What are their interests?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create audience personas:<\/strong> Build profiles of your ideal participants. Give them names and backstories. This helps you write as if you’re talking to a real person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Run surveys:<\/strong> Ask your followers what giveaways they like. You might be surprised by what you learn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Study competitors:<\/strong> Look at giveaways from similar brands. What’s working for them? What language do they use?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use social listening:<\/strong> Monitor online conversations about your brand or industry. What are people talking about? What problems can your giveaway solve?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/understanding-giveaway-audience.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe goal is to understand what motivates your audience. Do they want exclusive experiences, to try new products first, or just to win big?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, Smash Balloon used RafflePress<\/a> for a giveaway aimed at WordPress users interested in social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"smash](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/smash-balloon-rafflepress-black-friday-giveaway.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBy tailoring their approach, they grew their email list by over 3,000 subscribers<\/strong> in just two weeks. This shows the power of knowing your audience and designing your giveaway to match their interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Write Copy for a Giveaway That Sells<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that you know your audience, it’s time to write copy that gets them excited. Let’s start with the first thing they’ll see: your headline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Write Attention-Grabbing Headlines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your headline is prime real estate. It’s your one shot to make a strong first impression and entice people to enter your giveaway. A powerful headline can be the difference between a flood of entries and a trickle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interestingly, research shows that even slightly negative or unexpected language can pique readers’ interest. A study of over 105,000 Upworthy headlines<\/a> found that each additional negative word increased the click-through rate by 2.3%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Upworthy](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/upworthy_analysis.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile you don’t want to be overly negative, don’t shy away from using words that create urgency or highlight what people might miss out on if they don’t enter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how to craft headlines that hook your audience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Use Clarity:<\/strong> Tell people exactly what they can win. Instead of “Enter our giveaway,” try “Win a Brand-New iPhone!”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inspire Action:<\/strong> Use words like “limited time,” “ending soon,” or “don’t miss out” to create FOMO (fear of missing out).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Show Value:<\/strong> If your prize is awesome, shout it from the rooftops! “Win $1000 Cash” or “Trip to Hawaii Up for Grabs” is sure to turn heads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Build Excitement:<\/strong> Use words like “free,” “win,” “exclusive,” and others that resonate with your target audience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep it Short:<\/strong> Aim for 6-12 words. Brevity is key when people are scrolling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Speak Their Language:<\/strong> Use words and ideas that resonate with your specific audience. For example, a giveaway for pet lovers needs a different headline than one for foodies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Remember, your goal is to make people think, “Wow, I need<\/em> to enter this!”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Sell Your Giveaway Prize Descriptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The way you describe your prize also impacts your giveaway’s success. Ever seen a “meh” prize get tons of entries? That’s the power of great copy. On the flip side, even amazing prizes can fall flat if the description is boring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don’t just tell people about the prize \u2013 make them experience it through your words. For example, research published in The Journal of Consumer Research<\/a> found that when advertising used vivid, multisensory language, people rated the taste of food and drinks as more appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apply this same principle to your giveaway descriptions to make them stand out. Ditch the dry lists of features and paint a picture that excites all the senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s how to make people excited to win:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don’t be boring:<\/strong> Tell people how awesome their life will be with the prize. For example, instead of saying, “Win a digital camera,” say, “Capture incredible memories with this easy-to-use digital camera!”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Paint a picture:<\/strong> Use words that help people imagine seeing, feeling, and experiencing the prize.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make it exclusive:<\/strong> If it’s rare or limited-edition, say so. People love feeling like they’re getting something special.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Show the value:<\/strong> Don’t be afraid to mention how much the prize is worth (especially if it’s a lot).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Break it down:<\/strong> If it’s a prize package, list everything included so people realize how much they could win.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Namedrop if you can:<\/strong> If the prize won awards or is from a famous brand, mention that to build trust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make it emotional:<\/strong> Connect with people’s feelings. How will winning this prize make their lives better or happier?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Here’s an example of how one influencer used emotive language to make her giveaway stand out. Note how she uses “Pinch Me” to grab attention, then phrases like “gorgeous”, “30 seconds to enter”, and “we check” to instill emotion, urgency, and personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Engaging](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/cash-giveaway.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnd if you’re struggling to find a good prize, these giveaway prize ideas<\/a> are sure to help, along with inexpensive giveaway ideas<\/a> that pair well with persuasive copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Tailor Your Copy for Different Platforms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Each social media platform attracts a slightly different audience. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your language for each platform you use to promote your giveaway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a tweet should be short and emoji-rich, while your website or landing page can discuss the prize’s value in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Twitter](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/retweet-follow-contest.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere’s a quick look at what to focus on for each platform:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social Media<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Think short, attention-grabbing phrases. People are scrolling, so hook them fast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add some fun and visual appeal with emojis to help your post stand out in a crowded feed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tell people exactly<\/em> how to enter with a call to action \u2013 the easier, the better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increase your giveaway’s reach and make it discoverable with the top giveaway hashtags<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Example:<\/strong>
\u2728 Want to win a $500 Amazon shopping spree? \u2728 It’s easy! 1\ufe0f\u20e3 Follow us 2\ufe0f\u20e3 Like this post 3\ufe0f\u20e3 Tag a friend! Ends Friday. #GiveawayAlert #AmazonGiveaway<\/p>\n\n\n\nWebsite & Landing Pages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Here, you have more room to share details and persuade people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Your giveaway page headline should instantly convey how awesome your prize is.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use subheadings to break up text and make it easier to read.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Describe the prize’s benefits in detail. Make people crave<\/em> it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Feature testimonials or past winners as social proof<\/a> to build trust and excitement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your entry form should be front and center \u2013 don’t make people hunt for it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
My favorite way to create a giveaway landing page<\/a> is using RafflePress. The giveaway widget displays everything you need to encourage users to enter, including a headline, description, image, entry options, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"giveaway](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/amazon-giveaway-landing-page.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSo all you need to do is select the landing page option and click publish. This saves you from building a landing page<\/a> from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Email Marketing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Email gives you a direct line to your audience’s inbox. Make the most of it with these tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Your subject line determines whether people even open<\/em> your email. Make it enticing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- “Hi [Name],” feels more genuine than a generic greeting, so personalize your emails where you can.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clearly explain why users should enter your<\/em> giveaway.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use limited-time offers to encourage quicker action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make your call to action button clear and clickable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Example:<\/strong>
Subject:<\/strong> [Name], You Deserve a Relaxing Spa Day!
Body:<\/strong> Hi [Name],
Ready to unwind? Enter for your chance to win a luxurious spa day at [Spa Name] \u2013 a $500 value!
You’ll enjoy:
A 60-minute massage
A rejuvenating facial
A pampering mani-pedi
And a delicious, healthy lunch!
But hurry, this offer ends in 48 hours! [Button: ENTER TO WIN]<\/p>\n\n\n\nNo matter where you promote your giveaway<\/a>, remember to focus on your audience and what matters to them<\/em>. Make it irresistible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Create a Real Sense of Urgency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of your most powerful tools in giveaway copywriting is urgency. When done right, it can significantly boost your entry rates. Here’s how to create genuine urgency that motivates people to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Time-Limited Language<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Words and phrases that emphasize limited time, especially power words like “free,” “new,” and “instant,” can spur quick action and increase conversion rates by up to 12.7%<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some urgency phrases you can use in your giveaway copy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- “Ending soon”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- “Last chance”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- “Only 24 hours left”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- “Don’t miss out”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In this example, the giveaway duration of “one week” is clear to see, emphasizing the urgency of entering before the time runs out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Limited](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/brand-partnership-giveaway.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nShow a Countdown Timer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Giveaway](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/giveaway-countdown-timer.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVisual cues are super effective in driving action. In fact, a Sharethrough study<\/a> found that banner ads with countdown timers increased awareness of a promotion’s end date by a whopping 106%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your platform allows it, add a countdown timer<\/a> to your giveaway. This creates a tangible sense of time passing and can increase last-minute entries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlight Limited Entries<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you’re capping the number of entries, make this clear in your copy. For instance, if you only have 100 spots left for a VIP concert experience giveaway, you need to communicate this in your giveaway post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similarly, if you’re running a referral contest<\/a> that limits the number of people you refer, you also need to make this clear. Luckily, RafflePress has this feature built-in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the giveaway builder, you can limit referrals to a set number:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Limit](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/limit-refer-a-friend-entries.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis information is then displayed clearly on the widget before completing the action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Max](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/max-giveaway-referrals.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUse FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Tap into people’s natural desire to be included and fear of missing opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Show how many people have already entered. Example: “Join over 5,000 entries for a chance to win…”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Position the giveaway as a special opportunity. Example: “Don’t miss this exclusive chance to win…”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Frame the message around what participants stand to lose. For example, “Don’t miss your chance to win a luxury spa day! Thousands have already entered\u2014don’t be left out.” <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use a FOMO plugin<\/a> to display real-time entry notifications. This adds social proof and reinforces the giveaway’s limited-time nature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Test different urgency tactics to see what resonates best with your audience. What works for one giveaway might not work for another, so always be ready to adjust your approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Make Your Calls-to-Action (CTA) Concise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In giveaway copywriting, your Call-to-Action (CTA) guides your audience from interest to action. A well-crafted CTA can make the difference between someone entering your giveaway or scrolling past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your CTA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Tells people what to do:<\/strong> Instead of just reading about your giveaway, your CTA tells them exactly how to enter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Creates urgency:<\/strong> A good CTA makes people feel like they need to enter right now<\/em> before they miss out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reminds them of the prize:<\/strong> It reinforces how awesome the prize is and why they should enter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To make your CTA really work, it must be impossible to ignore. Make it big and bold, and use colors that pop. Put it somewhere so people can easily see it without having to scroll around. The goal is to make it super easy and tempting for people to enter your giveaway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I love how in this example, Thrive Themes put their CTA right in the header with the words “I’m Feeling Lucky”. It’s direct, actionable, and impossible to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Thrive](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/thrive-giveaway-page-header.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are some effective CTA examples to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Creates urgency:<\/strong> A good CTA makes people feel like they need to enter right now<\/em> before they miss out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tells people what to do:<\/strong> Instead of just reading about your giveaway, your CTA tells them exactly how to enter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Feature testimonials or past winners as social proof<\/a> to build trust and excitement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increase your giveaway’s reach and make it discoverable with the top giveaway hashtags<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Paint a picture:<\/strong> Use words that help people imagine seeing, feeling, and experiencing the prize.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inspire Action:<\/strong> Use words like “limited time,” “ending soon,” or “don’t miss out” to create FOMO (fear of missing out).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create audience personas:<\/strong> Build profiles of your ideal participants. Give them names and backstories. This helps you write as if you’re talking to a real person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Let’s start with the foundation of any successful campaign: knowing your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding Your Giveaway Audience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Knowing your audience is key to writing great giveaway<\/a> copy. It’s like telling a joke – if you don’t know your audience, it’ll likely fall flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I started running giveaways, I thought one message would work for everyone. That was a big mistake. I quickly learned that understanding was the only way to create messages that truly connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some tips to help you get to know your giveaway<\/a> audience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 6. Keep Your Language Simple and Engaging<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Make Your Calls-to-Action (CTA) Concise<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Sell Your Giveaway Prize Descriptions<\/a><\/li>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/tst-giveaway-widget.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/facebook-photo-contest-rules.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"giveaway](\"https:\/\/rafflepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/giveaway-rules-terms.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n