Some of your contest publications have already determined the best sweeps for you to enter. They use several factors to determine this and you should become familiar with the parameters of a win-a-ble sweepstakes. Below are some guidelines for you to use.

If a contest is run nationwide and running for 4-6 months with 20 prizes, it would be considered a so-so contest.
If a contest is run in only a few states for 2 months with 50 prizes, it would be considered a great contest.
If a contest is run locally in your area for 1 month with 10 prizes, it would also be considered a great contest.
If a contest is run on the Internet for 3 months with 20 prizes, it would be considered a bad contest.
If a contest is run in your state for 2 months with 30 prizes, it would be considered a good contest.

The above contest scenarios are only speculative, but they all contain different variables that come into play when deciding which sweeps to enter.

Let’s take a look at the first one, nationwide. That means the exposure is going to go out all over the nation, it is running for 4-6 months, which is a pretty long time and there are only 20 prizes.

The next one is a few states. This limits your sweeps exposure, so naturally your odds are going to be better. It’s only running for 2 months and there are 50 prizes. This is a good contest to enter.

Local contests are always a good bet. Most of your local contests have a very short running span, which is good and not many people enter these. Think about it. How many sweepstakers do you know? There will be some people who will fill in the entry forms, but most people you speak with usually say, “Oh I’ve never won anything in my life.” Because of this attitude, they do not actively pursue prizes, like those of us who enjoy this wonderful hobby called sweepstaking.

Internet contests have tremendous exposure and are usually harder to win because of all the entries submitted. It is not to say that you can’t win these, because many people do. It really comes down to a matter of choice and time. I am on a computer all day long at work, so the last thing I want to do is sit in front of my computer at home waiting for web sites to load. If you have the time though, it can be very rewarding. Also, if you do not have the financial ability to enter many sweeps via the postal service, then this is a viable alternative for you. It involves no costs, but your time, to enter online.
Sweeps that are limited to your state, naturally cut out a lot of the competition. If there are ample prizes and the time span is short, then go for it. I have been very successful entering and winning contests limited to my state. Again, you need to weigh all the factors and decide where you want to invest your time and money.
Now you can put some focus and direction to your sweepstaking!

I want to hear from you. Do you have some creative ideas for sweeping? Share your thoughts on the Contests and Sweepstakes forum.
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To find out more about Editor and Author Sandy Lovern, please visit www.engaged-devotional.com!