When a contest project is not right for promotion

What if the contest rules restrict promotion?

If the contest rules prohibit outside promotion, we decline promotion of that entry. A different channel or creative does not make a prohibited activity acceptable.

Send the complete rules page or document, plus any updates from the organizer. We look for language about advertising, solicitation, campaigning, sharing entry links and asking supporters to vote. The relevant wording matters more than what other entrants appear to be doing.

We sort the wording into practical cases:

• Outside promotion is prohibited: we stop and explain the clause that rules it out.
• Paid promotion is restricted, but sharing is allowed: we can assess whether a consent-based, unpaid outreach plan fits the remaining rules.
• The wording is unclear: we identify the question to put to the organizer and wait for a written answer before planning around it.

That written clarification can change what options are available; an assumption cannot. For a closer read of the rules and campaign risks, see our contest rules and risk consulting. The rules and risk check is a useful first step when you want to know which clause needs attention.

Why do political, lottery and gambling projects get declined?

We decline political campaigns, lotteries and gambling projects because their purpose or entry mechanics fall outside the contest promotion work we provide. A contest label alone does not make a project suitable for our service.

For a political project, we consider whether the activity supports a campaign, party, candidate or ballot measure. If it does, we do not take it on. For a lottery or gambling project, we check whether participation depends on chance, a stake or gambling-related promotion. When the structure is uncertain, we ask for the official description and rules rather than guessing from a short pitch.

This boundary helps you avoid spending time preparing a campaign that we will not run. If a project combines multiple activities, describe each one separately and share the relevant terms. We can then tell you whether there is a distinct contest entry that fits our work, without trying to repackage a declined activity.

For the kinds of entries we do support, start with the contest marketing overview. If your main need is a review of the rules or campaign structure, the contest consulting service explains that work.

What changes when an entry involves minors or vote requests?

A project involving a minor needs parental or guardian consent before we can consider promotion. We also check that the proposed materials and channels follow the relevant platform's age and privacy rules.

Before discussing creative or outreach, be ready to confirm who has authority to consent, which images or clips may be used, and whether the contest organizer permits promotion by the family. If that consent is missing, we decline; if it is provided, we can assess the rest of the project on its own terms. See our guidance on youth, school and family contests.

Our approach to voting is equally clear: we do not sell votes, followers or engagement, and we do not use bots, scripts, fake accounts or click farms. We decline requests for automated or purchased votes rather than trying to disguise them as promotion. We can discuss permitted advertising, creative, creator outreach or community communication when the contest rules allow those methods.

The no-bots policy describes this boundary in more detail. When you contact us, state plainly whether anyone has asked for vote automation or paid voting; that saves time and gives us the right context for the review.

What will we tell you if we cannot take the project?

A decline should leave you with a clear reason, not a vague rejection. We identify the relevant rule or project feature, explain which part of the request is outside our scope, and tell you whether a change or organizer clarification could make a fresh review worthwhile.

We do not promise a contest win, a vote total, a ranking or a particular result. Platform ad review, organizer decisions, voting rules and contest outcomes remain outside our control; we commit to the agreed work and clear reporting, not to an outcome. Our methods are white-hat and must remain in line with platform rules and contest rules.

To make the first review useful, send:

• The contest page and complete rules, including recent updates.
• Your entry link and a short description of the campaign purpose.
• The planned deadline and channels you are considering.
• Confirmation of parental or guardian consent when a minor is involved.
• Any organizer response about promotion restrictions.

If your project appears suitable, we can discuss a practical plan; if not, you will know why before campaign work starts. Send these materials through the free contest analysis, and we will review the rules and tell you the next step.