How to Run a Successful Blog Contest or Giveaway: 8 Tips (2026)

A blog contest or giveaway is one of the quickest ways to get attention for a new blog, grow your email list and get readers talking. Guest author Brent McCoy shared six tips in 2011 from running contests on his online business blog. They still work, but in 2026 you also need clear rules, privacy-friendly entry methods and to follow platform and legal requirements. Here is the updated guide.

Quick answer: Pick a theme that fits your niche, offer a prize your readers really want, make entry simple (a comment, email signup or short form), publish clear official rules with dates and eligibility, promote it by email and social media, keep entrants updated, then pick the winner fairly, deliver the prize quickly and write a wrap-up post.

8 tips to run a successful blog contest

1. Set a clear goal

Decide what you want: more email subscribers, comments, social followers or user-generated content. Your goal shapes the entry method and the prize.

2. Choose a theme that fits your niche

Brent’s first contest asked readers how Twitter should make money. It was on-topic but open enough for everyone to have a go. Good themes invite opinions, tips, photos or stories from your audience.

3. Offer a prize your readers want

A relevant prize attracts real readers, not prize hunters. Your own e-book, course or service costs little and promotes your work. Brands in your niche may sponsor a prize too. Avoid generic prizes like gift cards if you want targeted entrants.

4. Keep entry simple

A blog comment or a short form gets the most entries. Contest tools such as Gleam, RafflePress (WordPress) or KingSumo handle entries, bonus actions and random winner selection.

5. Publish official rules

• Start and end dates, time zone and who can enter (age, countries).
• How the winner is chosen and notified, and the prize value.
• Many countries ban contests that require a purchase or payment; “no purchase necessary” is standard for giveaways. Check local laws.
• Follow platform rules. For example, Meta’s Pages, Groups and Events policies include rules for promotions, and tagging friends to enter isn’t allowed on Facebook.
• Explain how you will use entrants’ email addresses and get consent for your newsletter.

6. Promote your contest

Tell your email subscribers and social followers, and remind them before it closes. Partner bloggers or sponsors can share it too. Make sure your post has a good share image; see how to connect your website to social media.

7. Keep people updated

Share interesting entries during the contest and reply to entrants. It shows the contest is active and encourages last-minute entries.

8. Wrap up well

Pick the winner fairly, announce them publicly (with permission) and deliver the prize promptly. A wrap-up post featuring the winner and the best entries gives you great content with little extra writing.

Common blog contest mistakes

• Requiring too many steps to enter.
• Running contests so often that readers only visit for prizes.
• Forgetting to deliver the prize or announce the winner.
• Collecting emails without clear consent.

For more ideas, see website contests for brand marketing and easy ways to promote your blog.

FAQ

Are blog giveaways legal?

Generally yes, if entry is free and the rules are clear. Laws vary by country and state, so check local rules for prize draws and contests.

How long should a blog contest run?

One to four weeks is common. Long enough to spread, short enough to keep urgency.

How do I pick a random winner?

Use a contest tool’s built-in random picker or a random number generator, and keep a record of how you chose.

Originally written by guest author Brent McCoy, known as “the ideas man”, who wrote about life and online business. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.