Seasoned compers will look for the chance to take part in a competition wherever they can - not just when they're having a dedicated comping session!
You might be enjoying a meal in a favourite restaurant for example, and suddenly notice that they're running a raffle for charity. If you're a keen comper, the chances are you won't be leaving before you've tried your luck!
After all, without putting in the time to buy a ticket, you'll have no chance of a prize at all!
And on a wider level, it's always good to keep an eye out for this sort of local comp, not least because, when there's an opportunity to try your luck with only fellow locals as competition - rather than a wider pool of entrants - you may have improved odds of getting a top prize.
There could be the chance to win goodies from vouchers, to hampers, to cash on your doorstep - so don't ignore the local area when you're looking for possible prizes...
What kind of local competitions are there?
There are a huge number of different types of local comp out there - just as there are lots of different country-wide comps!
Some of them might involve visiting a particular local location, as in the raffle example we've just mentioned. Local businesses could be doing their bit for charity by holding a competition, or using one as a way to promote themselves, for example.
Remember that there are local media outlets that will sometimes be home to comps, too.
You'll likely be aware of what the local radio stations are where you live - and these stations may well advertise their comps both on-air and via their online presence.
Local newspapers have also long been a source of comps to enter, so always remember to look out for these prize-chances when you're getting the latest news. These days such publications will no doubt have an online presence which could also be a source source of comping opportunities.
One thing that you often see on display in bars and cafes in any city or town in the UK is local magazines. Some cities are home to several titles of this sort.
Often a mix of features about events, adverts for local businesses and advertorial pieces, they advertise comps that the organisers are hoping will promote their products - just as with the comps you find in magazines with a national circulation.
It could be time well-spent to take a look at one of these when you happen across them in town, and save the mag for later if you spot comps you want to enter inside.
These mags are also likely to have an online presence which could also be useful to comp hunters. And remember that some local publications are now exclusively online, and that these might also be home to comps, too.
Street promoters - people who are offering free samples of a new branded product on your local high street - are often a welcome sight to compers, and not only because they're clutching complimentary goodies (a prize for nothing)! You could find that part of the promotion also involves the chance to enter a competition - and though this may be a national comp, rather than a local one, you will have spotted it in your local area because of the promotional activity.
And no comper is likely to miss it if there's a comp being run in their own office or workplace - such as a charity raffle. These are often among the easiest comps to enter, because you don't have to look for them at all!
Comps and raffles at local community centres, schools or other places you may be associated with are also a great way to potentially win prizes, even if these are unlikely to be as big and shiny as those offered in some of the massive, national comps.
Social Media
Just as with competitions aimed at a wider audience, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest could well alert you to comps locally. Liking or following local organisations or shops is one way to keep up to date with their news, which might include comps. Choose organisations you know and like and there's a good chance that if comps come up, you'll be eager to enter them!
