25
Words Maximum
Sometimes 50 or less
Better
Odds Than Draws
Fewer people enter
5
Winning Techniques
Proven strategies
Skill
Not Luck
You control the outcome
What Are 25 Words or Less Competitions?
25 Words or Less (often called "WOL" by experienced compers) competitions require you to write a creative response to a prompt in a limited number of words. Unlike random draws where luck determines the winner, WOL competitions reward skill, creativity, and clever wordplay.
Typical WOL Prompts
- "Tell us in 25 words or less why you deserve to win..."
- "Complete this sentence: I love [Brand] because..."
- "Share your favourite [product] moment in 25 words or less"
- "Why should you win this holiday to [destination]?"
Why WOL Competitions Exist
In Australia, competitions based purely on chance (like random draws) require permits or must comply with strict gambling regulations. By requiring an "element of skill" - like writing a creative answer - promoters can run competitions without these legal hurdles.
This is good news for you! Since most people can't be bothered writing an entry, WOL competitions typically have far fewer entries than random draws, giving you much better odds.
Why You Should Enter WOL Competitions
Fewer Entries
Most people skip WOL comps because they seem "too hard." A random draw might get 50,000 entries; a WOL comp might get 500. That's 100x better odds!
Skill Beats Luck
Your creativity directly influences whether you win. A well-crafted entry beats thousands of mediocre ones every time.
Reusable Entries
A great entry about "why I love coffee" can be adapted for multiple coffee brand competitions. Build a library of winning phrases!
Big Prizes
WOL competitions often have major prizes - holidays, cars, electronics - because brands know the creative requirement filters out casual entrants.
The 3 Golden Rules of WOL Competitions
ALWAYS Mention the Brand or Product
This is the single most important rule. Judges are looking for entries they can use in marketing - and that means brand mentions.
Bad: "I love coffee because it wakes me up every morning and makes me happy."
Good: "Nescafé kickstarts my mornings with rich, aromatic bliss that transforms groggy zombies into productive humans!"
Make It Memorable
Judges read hundreds (sometimes thousands) of entries. Yours needs to stand out. Use wordplay, humour, emotion, or clever imagery.
Forgettable: "I want to win this holiday because I work hard and deserve a break."
Memorable: "My passport's gathering dust, my suitcase is sulking - a Fiji escape would cure their travel-deprived blues!"
Answer the Actual Question
Sounds obvious, but many entries miss the mark. If they ask "why do you love X?" - answer why. If they ask for your "best memory" - tell a story.
Prompt: "Tell us your favourite Tim Tam moment"
Wrong: "Tim Tams are delicious chocolate biscuits that taste amazing."
Right: "Midnight Tim Tam Slam with my best friend - dunking, slurping, giggling 'til crumbs covered the kitchen floor!"
5 Winning Techniques
1Rhyme
Rhyming entries are memorable and fun to read. They don't need to be perfect poetry - even simple end rhymes work well.
"Vegemite on toast each day, keeps the hunger blues at bay. Aussie spread on golden bread - it's how legends are fed!"
2Alliteration
Using words that start with the same sound creates rhythm and makes your entry catchy and easy to remember.
"Cadbury's creamy chocolate creates cosy comfort - the perfect pick-me-up for peaceful pampering!"
3Puns & Wordplay
Clever puns make judges smile. Think about double meanings, brand name plays, or twisting common phrases.
"Life's un-BEAR-ably tough without my morning Bundaberg - it's the BREW-tal truth that keeps me going!"
4Emotion & Storytelling
Tug at heartstrings with genuine emotion. Personal stories, family moments, or nostalgic memories resonate with judges.
"Mum's Milo-making ritual connected us through teenage storms. Now I make it for my daughter - passing love, one chocolatey cup at a time."
5Acrostic (Spell It Out)
Create an entry where the first letter of each word (or line) spells out the brand name. Shows extra effort and creativity.
"Quality Always Nourishes Tastebuds Amazingly - Superior flavour that families cherish daily!"
(First letters spell QANTAS)
Word Count Tips & Tricks
Understanding how words are counted can give you a competitive edge. Here's what typically counts as one word:
Counts as ONE Word
- Contractions: don't, can't, I'm, you're
- Hyphenated words: mouth-watering, sun-kissed
- Numbers: 100, 2025, $50
- Abbreviations: TV, BBQ, DIY
- Brand names: Coca-Cola, Kit-Kat
Watch Out For
- Different counters: Online forms may count differently
- The &: Usually counts as a word
- Brand names: "Kit Kat" vs "Kit-Kat" (2 vs 1)
- T&Cs: Check how the promoter counts
Pro Tip: Use contractions to save words! "I would have" (3 words) becomes "I'd've" (1 word). "Do not" becomes "don't." This can free up 2-3 words for more creative content.
Step-by-Step: Writing Your Entry
Brainstorm First
Write down everything that comes to mind about the product/brand. Keywords, feelings, memories, puns. Don't edit yet - just dump ideas.
Write Long First
Draft your answer in 50-60 words. Get your message down without worrying about the limit. It's easier to cut than to expand.
Cut Ruthlessly
Remove filler words (very, really, just), combine sentences, use contractions, find stronger single words to replace phrases.
Add Creativity
Now look for opportunities to add rhyme, alliteration, puns, or emotion. Can you make it catchy? Memorable? Funny?
Triple-Check
Spell check! Count words again. Read it aloud. Does it flow? Does it answer the question? Does it mention the brand? Submit!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Spelling Mistakes
One typo can disqualify you or make judges skip your entry. Always spell check!
Exceeding the Word Limit
Even one word over = automatic disqualification. Count manually, don't trust auto-counters.
Forgetting the Brand
Your entry could be about any product if you don't mention the brand. Always include it!
Being Generic
"It's delicious and I love it" could apply to anything. Be specific, be unique, be YOU.
Submitting Your First Draft
Your first idea is everyone's first idea. Revise, refine, make it stand out from the crowd.
Not Answering the Question
If they ask "why" - answer why. If they ask for a "moment" - tell a story. Read carefully!
Quick Reference: WOL Winning Checklist
Always mention the brand/product
Answer the actual question asked
Use creative techniques (rhyme, puns)
Use contractions to save words
Write long, then edit down
Be unique - avoid generic answers
Triple-check spelling & word count
Save good entries for reuse