Want more entries and higher-quality ones? Here are 5 proven tips to make your contest stand out:

1. Make the Prize Clear & Valuable

Participants need to know what’s in it for them. Highlight the prize; cash, mentorship, visibility, or exclusive access everywhere: your contest page, posts, and promotions.

2. Share Across the Right Channels

Promote your contest more than once, across:

• Social media (IG, X, LinkedIn)
• Email lists and newsletters
• Community groups (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack)
• Partner channels

Bonus: Contestify promotes your contests too so you’re not alone in spreading the word.

3. Use a Strong Call to Action

Be clear and direct. Instead of “Check this out”, say: “Submit your pitch by Friday for a chance to win ₦100,000 + mentorship with top founders.”

4. Keep the Momentum Alive

Don’t let your contest go quiet midway. Share:

• Behind-the-scenes updates
• Standout entries
• Deadline reminders
• Q&As from the community

This keeps participants engaged and drives late signups.

5. Manage Your Community Actively

If your contest runs in a community space (Slack, Discord, Telegram):

• Assign a moderator to answer questions quickly.
• Welcome new participants.
• Spotlight early submissions.
• Share helpful tips.
  

Extra Tip: Set Submission Guidelines Early
Define what a “good entry” looks like. Share examples, do’s & don’ts, and even past winners to guide participants and avoid low-quality submissions.