Tips to win competitions that are skills based (25 Words Or Less etc.)

Skills competitions are generally thought of as "25 Words Or Less", which does just about sum up the majority. People searching for online competitions, particularly in Australia, either love or hate Words Or Less competitions. However if you genuinely want to win online competitions, we suggest that entering skills competitions is something that you should invest some time in.

As mentioned, Skills competitions are not always Words Or Less. Increasingly, there are competitions in the market that ask for a high level of detail or creativity. If you don't have a creative flair you may be right in avoiding these types (particularly if photography, or a high level of design is involved) however standard Words Or Less competitions are nothing to be afraid of.

There are a number of reasons why a promoter would opt for a Skills competition. Often the reason is to avoid the need for permits, which can be true. No state or territory require a permit for a skills competition, however if judged correctly the promoter would be much better served paying the cost of permits.

When it comes to Words Or Less questions, we generally see two types:

1. Questions that are largely creative (what would make you happiest on winters day?, for example), or
2. Questions that ask for a genuine opinion (how would you improve on our website?)

The first question is very much a "throwaway", and asked for little if any reason. The second question is looking for a genuine answer.

We cover this topic in much great detail in "Competitions - The Book" , however some quick tips we can offer are:

- Ask yourself "why is the promoter asking this?"
- Answer the question honestly (within reason of course)
- Don't be overly creative or rhyme unless you're asked to
- Count your words carefully.
- Use commas and apostrophes to replace words
- Check your spelling, and do not write in CAPS
- Get your entries in early.

What every method you choose, we suggest that you keep trying new and different things. Far less people enter skills competitions therefore your chances of a win will always be greater.

*Want to know more about how to win online competitions? - You can buy "Competitions - The Book" online here for only $13.95 including delivery. Click here to order

©Craig Bradley Market Engineering Pty Ltd. 2009. All articles are original content and opinions of the author Craig Seitam. Copying of all or part of any content without the expressed permission of the author is prohibited.