As an effective marketing technique, sweepstakes have long been utilized by brands across industries to engage their target audiences, grow their CRM, expand social followings, and generate trials. In today’s economic environment where consumers are more selective about where and how they spend; brands face real pressure to stay relevant and drive sales. Sweepstakes are a proven strategy that continues to deliver results. These promotions don’t just offer the chance to win flashy prizes; they create a sense of excitement, reward loyalty, and collect valuable first-party data, all while encouraging purchase.
From increasing consumer engagement to building brand affinity in a competitive market, sweepstakes remain a smart, cost-effective tool for brands looking to stand out and deliver measurable impact. No surprise then that 62% of businesses use sweepstakes to boost brand awareness, and brands running sweepstakes on Instagram grow 70% faster than those who don’t.
Ready to dive into some winning sweepstakes? Here are 12 powerful real-world examples of brand sweepstakes campaigns that nailed engagement, drove sales, and made brands unforgettable.
These sweepstakes require consumers to buy specific products to enter. They’re a proven way to drive sales, increase basket size, and gather purchase insights while rewarding new and returning shoppers for choosing the brand.
To support its Jurassic World product line, Mattel launched a purchase-based sweepstakes. Consumers who bought qualifying products could upload their receipts for a chance to win one of four trips to Universal Studios, with additional secondary prizes offered to keep participants engaged.
Customers across nine MENAT countries could enter by purchasing qualifying Pringles products and submitting their receipts online. The sweepstakes campaign offered prizes like a mega screen TV or equivalent cash, with entry available in both English and Arabic to ensure accessibility across regions.
Consumers registered for a chance to win daily prizes and a grand prize trip to Spain, earning extra entries by sharing photos or stories about how they power their day with protein or celebrate Real Madrid. Prizes included protein shakes, jerseys, headphones, and a $10,000 check.
Sun Auto ran a daily instant win sweepstakes rewarding customers who submitted service receipts. Higher spending unlocked extra entries, while referrals, surveys, and social engagement offered bonus chances - keeping customers coming back and connected.
Nestlé Purina launched a daily-entry sweepstakes with an instant win twist to support its “Best in the Bowl” campaign. Participants could register each day, upload receipts for bonus entries, and earn extras through social activity and referrals. Prizes ranged from daily rewards to $5,000 cash and a year’s supply of Friskies.
Tilda’s summer sweepstakes gave UK shoppers a chance to win one of 50 £100 ASDA vouchers by submitting receipts from qualifying purchases. The simple online entry made it easy for customers to participate and boosted sales during the promotion.
Barilla ran a national sweepstakes in Italy to incentivize purchases across their pasta portfolio. Shoppers who bought 2 packs from eligible Barilla ranges could enter online or by phone for a chance to instantly win a Tucano travel set. All valid entries were also entered into a final prize draw for a €2,000 flight voucher.
These sweepstakes remove the purchase requirement, lowering the barrier to entry and simplifying the user experience while increasing engagement. Ideal for boosting brand affinity, and attracting new customers and energizing a loyalty program’s member base.
House of Suntory invited loyalty members to enter a no-purchase-necessary sweepstakes for a chance to win an exclusive Hibiki tasting experience at Carnegie Hall. Hosted on a gated microsite, the program reinforced the brand’s premium positioning while rewarding its most engaged fans.
Kellogg’s launched a playful UGC-driven sweepstakes to support the release of Nutri-Grain POWER-FULLS. Consumers entered by sharing why they deserved the title of “Head of Hanger Management,” with the option to submit a short video alongside their written entry. One standout winner scored $20,000 and a year’s supply of Nutri-Grain.
Duracell ran a no-purchase-necessary sweepstakes designed to energize its gaming audience. The program offered a shot at a $30,000 Gaming Den makeover in exchange for a quick registration, helping the brand boost engagement and build its first-party data pool.
Dreame, high-end cleaning appliances ran a “Family Day Giveaway” program across Instagram and Facebook, encouraging Dutch residents to follow and comment on campaign posts for a chance to win. Six posts were shared, each offering one entry. Prizes included the Dreame L10s Ultra, D10 Plus, and Hair Glory.
To celebrate its partnership with the Boston Red Sox, Hornitos ran a no-purchase-necessary sweepstakes offering fans the chance to win a VIP game day experience. Registrants from select states entered via a gated microsite, with one lucky winner scoring tickets for four games - and the honor of throwing the first pitch at Fenway Park.
These sweepstakes marketing examples reinforce that sweepstakes remain one of the most versatile and effective promotional tools for brands today. For brands navigating heightened competition and rising consumer expectations, a strategically designed and executed sweepstakescampaign with the right mix of prizes, timing, and targeting, can boost brand awareness, increase engagement, accelerate customer acquisition and influence purchase behavior while generating valuable consumer data and insights
Connect with us to learn how Snipp can help you create and manage winning sweepstakes campaigns that deliver real results.