Top push ad networks

Sweepstakes Vertical

Anna Mardas
11 April 2024

In this post, we’ll dive into the world of sweepstakes and explore why it’s a great option even for those who are just starting as affiliate marketers. You will be familiar with not only the ins and outs of the vertical but also the best channels for its promotion. 

What is Sweepstakes Vertical in Affiliate Marketing

Sweepstakes is an all-encompassing term that includes offers that let users win stuff. As a prize, anything goes: traveling tours, cash gifts, cosmetics baskets, gadgets, cosmetics, and the rest. 

Raffles usually revolve around product-related goods or services that businesses promote. But there are exceptions when companies chase the hype engaging users with gadgets, namely the latest iPhone. 

Despite the ongoing buzz around Apple gadgets, the iPhone giveaway trend fade away, being almost passed over in favor of more versatile prizes: tickets, coupons, certificates, or just cash. 

To participate in raffles, users must leave their personal information, email or payment details. The data set can vary based on the payout model an affiliate uses. 

Advantages of Sweepstakes for Earning Money

Users consistently respond positively to sweepstakes offers due to the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) effect. This phenomenon, driven by the innate human desire to be part of something exciting and exclusive, makes sweepstakes an effective magnet for engagement. With a staggering 620 million search results related to giveaways on Google, it’s evident that these promotions hold significant allure.

The allure of sweepstakes is further enhanced by its inclusivity. This vertical boasts a low barrier to entry, making it exceptionally well-suited for newcomers.

Beyond the FOMO effect and accessibility, there are additional compelling advantages to embracing sweepstakes as an affiliate marketing strategy:

  1. Effective data collection. As participants willingly provide their information during entry, affiliates can build a robust database for future targeted marketing campaigns;
  2. Enhanced brand visibility. By promoting sweepstakes, affiliates can forge partnerships with brands, increasing their exposure to a wider audience;
  3. Flexible promotional avenues. Sweepstakes can be promoted through various channels, including social media, email campaigns, blog posts, and more. This flexibility allows affiliates to tailor their strategies to their strengths;
  4. Leveraging trends and seasons. It’s possible to align sweepstakes with trends, seasons, or specific events, thus capitalizing on heightened consumer interest during those periods. 

As the allure of winning continues to captivate audiences, affiliates stand poised to tap into an evergreen niche that promises lucrative rewards and sustained growth.

Payout Models for Sweepstakes

The most prevalent payout models in the sweepstakes niche are SOI (Single Opt-In), DOI (Double Opt-In), CC Submits (Credit Card Submissions) and Mobile Subscriptions. Each model offers distinct pros and cons.

  1. SOI (Single Opt-In)

In the SOI model, users provide their basic information for participation in the sweepstakes with a single opt-in process. This streamlined approach makes it easy for users to enter, resulting in higher conversion rates. Affiliates benefit from quick user engagement and data collection, while brands can swiftly build a database for future marketing efforts.

2. DOI (Double Opt-In)

The DOI model requires users to confirm their entry by taking an additional step after the initial submission. This extra verification enhances data accuracy and lead quality. While it might result in slightly lower conversion rates compared to SOI, affiliates often see better long-term engagement.

3. CC Submits (Credit Card Submissions)

CC Submits involve users submitting their credit card information for a trial offer or a low-cost product. This model yields higher payouts but demands a higher level of trust from users. Affiliates must focus on building credibility and trust to maximize conversions.

4. Mobile Subscriptions

Mobile subscription offers involve users opting into paid mobile services, often via SMS. This model taps into the prevalence of mobile usage but necessitates clear communication about costs to avoid user dissatisfaction.


While SOI and DOI focus on quick engagement and data collection, CC Submits and Mobile Subscriptions offer the potential for higher payouts and recurring revenue. 

How to Promote Sweepstakes Vertical: Top Traffic Sources

To effectively advertise sweepstakes offers, utilize a range of channels to optimize outreach and engagement:

  • Email Marketing

Email marketing stays a potent channel. Craft compelling subject messages that resonate with subscribers. Emphasize the prize value and benefits of participation. Segment your list to target relevant recipients.

  • Social Networks

Sweepstakes and social media might seem like a natural fit, but the reality is more nuanced. While these platforms offer vast audiences, advertising sweepstakes can be challenging due to the sensitive nature of the personal data required for participation. Major social media platforms like Facebook often place stringent restrictions on sweepstakes advertising to protect users from potential scams and misuse of their information.

  • Advertising Networks

Advertising networks, on the other hand, offer a more conducive environment for sweepstakes promotions. These networks often automatically block bot or fraudulent traffic. This provides a higher level of security for affiliates and brands alike. Furthermore, the diverse range of ad formats available in these networks allows for tailored campaigns that can reach a wider audience.

The following formats are highly effective in ad networks:

  1. Pop ads. These display in a new browser window, ensuring high visibility and capturing user attention effectively;
  2. Native ads. Seamlessly integrated into the content of a webpage, these ads are less intrusive and more likely to entice users;
  3. Push ads. These deliver push notifications to users’ devices, making them a direct and attention-grabbing method to promote sweepstakes;
  4. In-page push. A non-intrusive format that appears on the user’s screen as they browse, offering a balance between visibility and user experience.

Top GEOs for Sweepstakes Vertical

When it comes to the Sweepstakes vertical, almost all GEOs can deliver good results upon the specific offer. Due to this, selecting the right GEO can be guided by its competitiveness.

Tier 1

While sweepstakes offers tend to be budget-friendly, it’s essential to note that Tier 1 GEOs, marked by their high competition, may pose difficulties. The oversaturation of these geos is a potential barrier.

Top GEOs: USA, United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy.

Tier 2

For a balanced approach, Tier 2 countries offer a middle ground. They usually feature a blend of user engagement, less intense competition compared to Tier 1, and potentially favorable conversions.

Top GEOs: Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Eastern European countries

Tier 3

These GEOs have less saturation and competition, they can offer good conversion opportunities. Additionally, African and Asian regions boast substantial mobile traffic, which is beneficial for promoting subscription offers.

Top GEOs: India, Thailand, Philippines, South Africa, LATAM.

Despite the USA and the UK promising the highest payouts, it’s worthwhile to test tier 3 countries perform best for Sweepstakes. Anyway, find out what country is the most beneficial for your offer.

Best Practices for Making Creatives in Sweepstakes Vertical

Free items are inherently valuable for affiliates, so making sweepstakes creatives is supposed to be easy. Look at some actual samples of crafting creatives.

Imitate unread messages

Simulating an unread message acts as a trigger, prompting users to click on the ad. Icons depicting missed calls work in the same way.

Show gift boxes

Gift boxes instantly create associations with contests or opportunities to get something at no cost. In addition, the mystery of what’s inside keeps users hooked. The approach is old but gold.

Use a “spin-to-win” approach

If you’re employing a pre-landing page with a fortune wheel, you can simplify matters and show off something similar in the creative. By doing this, users will be able to foresee what awaits them on the target page, and the creative will appear vibrant and attractive.

Be straightforward

One of the best routes to promoting sweepstakes is to be straightforward. Add an enticing CTA and demonstrate the offer in a favorable light.

Mix tactics up

Techniques for making top-notch creatives don’t contradict each other, so affiliates can combine them without fear of overdoing it.

Pre-landing pages for Sweepstakes Vertical

Adopt playable mechanics and questionnaires to appeal to users but keep your sale funnel simple. Let’s elaborate on some win-win approaches.

Playable mechanics 

Gift boxes:

Fortunate wheel:

Feedback in the form of comments and likes encourages users to respond to the offer.

Linktree 

Linktree pre-landing pages offer a one-stop solution that is frequently encountered within social networks, but their adaptability extends naturally to desktop platforms as well.

The essence lies in their ability to house multiple links, allowing users to select the option that resonates with them. This attribute renders the approach highly flexible, enabling a broader reach across the intended audience.

Questionnaires

You can ask about the user’s country, the type of device they are using, and their gender. Make the questions simple so that the user can navigate through the funnel effortlessly.

Related Articles:

Anna Mardas
Anna Mardas brought together her background as a copywriter in digital marketing. Now, she's got a solid grasp on affiliate marketing, especially when it comes to understanding the following niches: Gambling, Adult, Dating, Sweepstakes and Crypto. Anna stands out for her thorough research and insightful reviews of ad networks, offering her readers valuable knowledge.

In this post, we’ll dive into the world of sweepstakes and explore why it’s a great option even for those who are just starting as affiliate marketers. You will be familiar with not only the ins and outs of the vertical but also the best channels for its promotion. 

What is Sweepstakes Vertical in Affiliate Marketing

Sweepstakes is an all-encompassing term that includes offers that let users win stuff. As a prize, anything goes: traveling tours, cash gifts, cosmetics baskets, gadgets, cosmetics, and the rest. 

Raffles usually revolve around product-related goods or services that businesses promote. But there are exceptions when companies chase the hype engaging users with gadgets, namely the latest iPhone. 

Despite the ongoing buzz around Apple gadgets, the iPhone giveaway trend fade away, being almost passed over in favor of more versatile prizes: tickets, coupons, certificates, or just cash. 

To participate in raffles, users must leave their personal information, email or payment details. The data set can vary based on the payout model an affiliate uses. 

Advantages of Sweepstakes for Earning Money

Users consistently respond positively to sweepstakes offers due to the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) effect. This phenomenon, driven by the innate human desire to be part of something exciting and exclusive, makes sweepstakes an effective magnet for engagement. With a staggering 620 million search results related to giveaways on Google, it’s evident that these promotions hold significant allure.

The allure of sweepstakes is further enhanced by its inclusivity. This vertical boasts a low barrier to entry, making it exceptionally well-suited for newcomers.

Beyond the FOMO effect and accessibility, there are additional compelling advantages to embracing sweepstakes as an affiliate marketing strategy:

  1. Effective data collection. As participants willingly provide their information during entry, affiliates can build a robust database for future targeted marketing campaigns;
  2. Enhanced brand visibility. By promoting sweepstakes, affiliates can forge partnerships with brands, increasing their exposure to a wider audience;
  3. Flexible promotional avenues. Sweepstakes can be promoted through various channels, including social media, email campaigns, blog posts, and more. This flexibility allows affiliates to tailor their strategies to their strengths;
  4. Leveraging trends and seasons. It’s possible to align sweepstakes with trends, seasons, or specific events, thus capitalizing on heightened consumer interest during those periods. 

As the allure of winning continues to captivate audiences, affiliates stand poised to tap into an evergreen niche that promises lucrative rewards and sustained growth.

Payout Models for Sweepstakes

The most prevalent payout models in the sweepstakes niche are SOI (Single Opt-In), DOI (Double Opt-In), CC Submits (Credit Card Submissions) and Mobile Subscriptions. Each model offers distinct pros and cons.

  1. SOI (Single Opt-In)

In the SOI model, users provide their basic information for participation in the sweepstakes with a single opt-in process. This streamlined approach makes it easy for users to enter, resulting in higher conversion rates. Affiliates benefit from quick user engagement and data collection, while brands can swiftly build a database for future marketing efforts.

2. DOI (Double Opt-In)

The DOI model requires users to confirm their entry by taking an additional step after the initial submission. This extra verification enhances data accuracy and lead quality. While it might result in slightly lower conversion rates compared to SOI, affiliates often see better long-term engagement.

3. CC Submits (Credit Card Submissions)

CC Submits involve users submitting their credit card information for a trial offer or a low-cost product. This model yields higher payouts but demands a higher level of trust from users. Affiliates must focus on building credibility and trust to maximize conversions.

4. Mobile Subscriptions

Mobile subscription offers involve users opting into paid mobile services, often via SMS. This model taps into the prevalence of mobile usage but necessitates clear communication about costs to avoid user dissatisfaction.


While SOI and DOI focus on quick engagement and data collection, CC Submits and Mobile Subscriptions offer the potential for higher payouts and recurring revenue. 

How to Promote Sweepstakes Vertical: Top Traffic Sources

To effectively advertise sweepstakes offers, utilize a range of channels to optimize outreach and engagement:

  • Email Marketing

Email marketing stays a potent channel. Craft compelling subject messages that resonate with subscribers. Emphasize the prize value and benefits of participation. Segment your list to target relevant recipients.

  • Social Networks

Sweepstakes and social media might seem like a natural fit, but the reality is more nuanced. While these platforms offer vast audiences, advertising sweepstakes can be challenging due to the sensitive nature of the personal data required for participation. Major social media platforms like Facebook often place stringent restrictions on sweepstakes advertising to protect users from potential scams and misuse of their information.

  • Advertising Networks

Advertising networks, on the other hand, offer a more conducive environment for sweepstakes promotions. These networks often automatically block bot or fraudulent traffic. This provides a higher level of security for affiliates and brands alike. Furthermore, the diverse range of ad formats available in these networks allows for tailored campaigns that can reach a wider audience.

The following formats are highly effective in ad networks:

  1. Pop ads. These display in a new browser window, ensuring high visibility and capturing user attention effectively;
  2. Native ads. Seamlessly integrated into the content of a webpage, these ads are less intrusive and more likely to entice users;
  3. Push ads. These deliver push notifications to users’ devices, making them a direct and attention-grabbing method to promote sweepstakes;
  4. In-page push. A non-intrusive format that appears on the user’s screen as they browse, offering a balance between visibility and user experience.

Top GEOs for Sweepstakes Vertical

When it comes to the Sweepstakes vertical, almost all GEOs can deliver good results upon the specific offer. Due to this, selecting the right GEO can be guided by its competitiveness.

Tier 1

While sweepstakes offers tend to be budget-friendly, it’s essential to note that Tier 1 GEOs, marked by their high competition, may pose difficulties. The oversaturation of these geos is a potential barrier.

Top GEOs: USA, United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy.

Tier 2

For a balanced approach, Tier 2 countries offer a middle ground. They usually feature a blend of user engagement, less intense competition compared to Tier 1, and potentially favorable conversions.

Top GEOs: Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Eastern European countries

Tier 3

These GEOs have less saturation and competition, they can offer good conversion opportunities. Additionally, African and Asian regions boast substantial mobile traffic, which is beneficial for promoting subscription offers.

Top GEOs: India, Thailand, Philippines, South Africa, LATAM.

Despite the USA and the UK promising the highest payouts, it’s worthwhile to test tier 3 countries perform best for Sweepstakes. Anyway, find out what country is the most beneficial for your offer.

Best Practices for Making Creatives in Sweepstakes Vertical

Free items are inherently valuable for affiliates, so making sweepstakes creatives is supposed to be easy. Look at some actual samples of crafting creatives.

Imitate unread messages

Simulating an unread message acts as a trigger, prompting users to click on the ad. Icons depicting missed calls work in the same way.

Show gift boxes

Gift boxes instantly create associations with contests or opportunities to get something at no cost. In addition, the mystery of what’s inside keeps users hooked. The approach is old but gold.

Use a “spin-to-win” approach

If you’re employing a pre-landing page with a fortune wheel, you can simplify matters and show off something similar in the creative. By doing this, users will be able to foresee what awaits them on the target page, and the creative will appear vibrant and attractive.

Be straightforward

One of the best routes to promoting sweepstakes is to be straightforward. Add an enticing CTA and demonstrate the offer in a favorable light.

Mix tactics up

Techniques for making top-notch creatives don’t contradict each other, so affiliates can combine them without fear of overdoing it.

Pre-landing pages for Sweepstakes Vertical

Adopt playable mechanics and questionnaires to appeal to users but keep your sale funnel simple. Let’s elaborate on some win-win approaches.

Playable mechanics 

Gift boxes:

Fortunate wheel:

Feedback in the form of comments and likes encourages users to respond to the offer.

Linktree 

Linktree pre-landing pages offer a one-stop solution that is frequently encountered within social networks, but their adaptability extends naturally to desktop platforms as well.

The essence lies in their ability to house multiple links, allowing users to select the option that resonates with them. This attribute renders the approach highly flexible, enabling a broader reach across the intended audience.

Questionnaires

You can ask about the user’s country, the type of device they are using, and their gender. Make the questions simple so that the user can navigate through the funnel effortlessly.

Related Articles:

Anna Mardas
Anna Mardas brought together her background as a copywriter in digital marketing. Now, she's got a solid grasp on affiliate marketing, especially when it comes to understanding the following niches: Gambling, Adult, Dating, Sweepstakes and Crypto. Anna stands out for her thorough research and insightful reviews of ad networks, offering her readers valuable knowledge.