You see a prize. You enter a sweepstakes. Maybe you win. But behind that simple experience is a question that many sweepers eventually ask:
Why do companies give this stuff away?
The answer? It’s not just generosity—it’s marketing. Brands run giveaways to get something in return: attention, engagement, and connection with people like you. And that’s not a bad thing. In fact, when you understand what brands want from their sweepstakes, you can start entering more strategically—and winning more often.
At OMG Sweeps, we’re here to help you do just that. Let’s look at why companies host giveaways, what they gain from it, and how you can use that knowledge to win smarter.
Giveaways Get Brands Noticed
The #1 reason brands host sweepstakes is simple: visibility. A giveaway can generate thousands of social shares, likes, and clicks—much more than a typical ad.
They’re trying to reach more people, build buzz, and make sure you remember their name. Your entry helps them do that—and because of that, they’re often happy to offer great prizes in exchange.
How this helps you: Companies are willing to offer bigger and better prizes when it helps their brand grow. That means more opportunities for sweepers—especially those who keep an eye on new product launches, seasonal promotions, and up-and-coming brands.
They Want Your Engagement—And You Want the Prize
You’ve probably seen contests asking you to like, follow, tag friends, or sign up for a newsletter. That’s not random—it’s exactly what the brand is hoping for.
These actions build their audience. And the more active you are with brands you genuinely like, the more chances you’ll have to win prizes from companies who reward consistent, respectful interaction.
Pro tip: Create a separate sweepstakes email so you can manage entries and win notifications easily—without cluttering your personal inbox.
They’re Collecting Useful Feedback (Without You Noticing)
Some contests include a survey or ask you to share opinions or stories. Others just track what types of prizes people go for or what content gets shared the most.
That’s market research—and it helps brands figure out what works, what people want, and how to shape future promotions.
How that helps you: When companies learn what their audiences care about, they tailor future giveaways to match. And that means more relevant prizes, better entry experiences, and smarter contests all around.
They Want Content—and You Can Deliver It
Giveaways that ask you to submit a photo, video, or comment do double-duty. They create excitement and generate content the brand can use in future campaigns. That content is often more relatable and authentic than traditional ads.
For sweepers, this is golden: Creative-entry giveaways usually get fewer total entries. If you’re willing to write a few words, take a picture, or tell a quick story, your odds of winning go up—sometimes a lot.
Plus, brands often notice thoughtful, creative entries and remember the names behind them.
Loyal Entrants Get More Opportunities
Brands don’t just want clicks—they want loyalty. That’s why they often favor sweepers who engage respectfully and consistently. Some even run private contests just for subscribers, fans, or past winners who’ve made a good impression.
What to do: Focus on brands you actually like. Follow them, engage with their posts, and support their contests authentically. You’ll enjoy it more—and position yourself as someone brands want to reward.
Final Thought
Giveaways work because they’re a win-win: the brand gets attention and engagement, and you get a shot at an awesome prize.
Understanding the business side of sweepstakes doesn’t take away the fun—it gives you an edge. The more you know about why companies run these promotions, the better you can align your strategy to benefit from them.
At OMG Sweeps, we’ll keep surfacing the contests that matter. Your job? Keep entering with intention—and turn brand goals into personal wins. Because now that you know what they’re after, you’re already playing smarter.