7 Tips to Increase Winning Chance in 99designs

In the dynamic world of 99designs, where creativity knows no boundaries, designers are now being recognized and valued based on their skills and abilities. The introduction of the three-tier system – entry, mid, and top-level – highlights 99designs’ commitment to fostering excellence among its designers.

While the initial level, entry, grants newcomers access to 15 contests per month, it becomes imperative to make the most of these opportunities to avoid unnecessary waiting periods. Moving up to the mid-level requires a solid grasp of design principles, a professional attitude, and a robust portfolio, setting a higher standard for those who wish to excel.

Finally, the top level, the pinnacle of achievement, is reserved for designers whose work transcends expectations, showcasing exceptional professionalism and trustworthiness. This elite group has the privilege of participating in exclusive top-level contests with prizes exceeding $1000.

However, what truly matters on 99designs is not one’s real-world background, but the quality of their design work. Whether you come from humble beginnings as a driver, a beggar, or are currently a student, everyone has an equal chance to seize the coveted prize.

Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the CH or Contest Holder. Even if a design may appear less refined, if it resonates with the CH, it stands a genuine chance of being chosen. Therefore, as designers, we must embrace the reality that success hinges upon our ability to adapt and deliver our best work tailored to the preferences of the CH.

Having had experience in the world of 99designs contests, now I’ll share some effective tricks to win a contest, which you must try if you have been repeatedly disappointed by CH who gave false hope.

Some of these tips are based on the article from masvian.com you can check it here.

7 Tips to Increase Winning Chance

Join guaranteed contests

Guaranteed contests mean that the Contest Holder will select one of the designs and the prize will not be refunded or canceled. If the CH doesn’t choose any design in a guaranteed contest, the contest will be locked, and the prize will be divided among the participants within 60 days. It’s not a big amount though, but it’s still a nice little bonus, depending on the number of participants.

Especially if it’s the final round and the CH disappears, the amount of money received will be even higher because it will only be divided among the participants in the final round, usually a maximum of 6 people. Based on my experience, I once received $100 from a contest where the owner disappeared until it was locked, and since no design was chosen, the prize was divided among 4 people who made it to the final.

With a total prize of $400 divided by 4, each person received $100, including me, (hehehe). There’s really no loss in joining guaranteed contests.

Align with your design style

Before participating in a contest, take the time to read the brief, especially the style and reference section, to see if the desired design matches our design style or not. For example, if you are skilled in retro, simple, or luxury design, join contests that suit your style. Professional designers usually don’t be too selective and can master various styles. But for beginner designers, it’s good to consider this so that we can get closer to what the CH wants as well as our mood.

If you don’t have any specific style, just ignore this second trick. The important thing is to read the brief and search for references on Google. You could say it’s participating in a contest while learning.

Create a unique design

A unique design can attract the attention of the CH who sees it. But make sure the design still contains the elements mentioned in the brief. This approach is suitable for contests that are only a day old, with various entries and no 5-star designs yet.

This way, you will also please the CH because they have more variations to look at. If your design is not chosen, simply withdraw it or include it in your portfolio if you think it’s good.

Submit more than one entry

If you have multiple ideas, don’t hesitate to submit all of them to the contest. Perhaps an idea that you think is not good will receive positive feedback from the CH for further development. Make sure the ideas are different and not too many to avoid being seen as spam.

This trick may require more hard work and is suitable for accounts that involve teamwork. My advice is to provide the raw design, as long as the concept is clear. Only after the CH shows interest and provides feedback should you develop the design further.

Pay attention to the right timing

Timing refers to the right time to enter a contest. If the contest has just started and the designs are still between 0-5, it’s better to submit your design right away. It is said that some CH value early entries more than those submitted in the last minutes.

However, there are also times when you should enter a contest that is about to end, especially if all the entries have been rated but none have received a 5-star rating. In this situation, the CH is still undecided because they haven’t found a design that they consider good enough.

During the last minutes, it’s time to unleash your secret weapon by creating a design based on the highest-rated design but with improvisation and a trendier touch. However, be careful not to completely copy the design as it may lead to being reported. Then present your design in a mockup to make it look professional and more appealing to the CH. You can find many free mockups available for download on the internet, usually in PSD file format.

Focus on One Contest in a Row

Participating in numerous contests simultaneously can lead to a rushed workflow, ultimately compromising the quality of your designs. When your attention is divided among multiple projects, it becomes more challenging to dedicate the necessary time and effort to each individual contest. This can result in a decline in the overall quality of your submissions and decrease your chances of winning.

It’s crucial to take the time to thoroughly comprehend the brief, evaluate the CH’s feedback, and make the necessary adjustments to your designs accordingly. By focusing on one contest at a time, you can develop a stronger sense of connection with the CH and gain a deeper understanding of their requirements through ratings and feedback.

Another advantage of concentrating on a single contest is the ability to save your precious contest slots for future opportunities. Rather than dispersing your efforts across various contests, channeling your energy into one competition allows you to make the most of your limited resources and increase your chances of creating a standout design.

For entry-level designers, who are restricted to participating in 15 contests per month, this tactic proves to be the most advantageous.

Try and keep trying

Pay attention to the ethics of a scientist who continues to experiment to discover their inventions. Let’s take a common example, Thomas Alva Edison, who failed thousands of times but eventually invented the light bulb. Or other scientists who let their theories fail and be replaced by new ones.

Success requires perseverance and struggle. It’s better not to chase after capital gains at first, but rather focus on learning and developing your skills. Who knows, one day you may reach the top level because someone on the staff discovers your amazing portfolio.

Conclusion

So, these are some tips and tricks to increase your chances of winning a 99designs contest. Remember to join guaranteed contests, align your design style with the brief, create unique designs, submit multiple entries, consider the right timing, focus on one contest, and keep trying. Winning a contest is not guaranteed, but with dedication, creativity, and a bit of luck, you can increase your chances of success. Good luck and happy designing!