Every year we test the query writing skills of social intelligence professionals globally in the Social Listening Query Writing Competition.

See the 2024 winners or register for future competitions.

code image

Why do we care about query writing?

Query writing is one of the most important skills a social listening professional can have. It sets the quality and relevancy of the project and can greatly affect its outcome. Currently though, there is little education or community support beyond each technology platform for those looking to learn this critical skill.

BUT we know there are a lot of talented query writers out there who can share their skills. That’s why we challenge you to enter the social listening query writing competition. 

Show off your boolean prowess and be in with a chance of winning $500.

Competition Rules

The Social Listening Query Writing competition is open to individuals who work as freelancers, and those who work in brands, organisations, and agencies. We do not accept entries from individuals working with or affiliated with technology vendors. During the application process, applicants who do not fit the criteria will be eliminated from the competition.

Everyone meeting the competition criteria will be invited to participate. All entrants will initially be reviewed to ensure they meet the competition terms and conditions. Your place in the competition is not guaranteed until we confirm you meet the competition criteria. All entrants will receive an email on April 29th to confirm their participation.

Entrants will compete in two categories - Brand and Agency. The winner of each category will win $500.

Meet the winners

Claire Harter
Director of Strategy & Insights
Carbon Made
Jen O'Driscoll
Senior Data Analyst
Social Element
query screen

What are the judging criteria?

Entries will be judged according to relevancy and breadth.

  • Relevancy rate: the percentage of comments stemming from your query that matches the criteria set out in the research question.
  • Breadth: the total number of comments, calculated as the total number of comments returned from the query over the last month x the relevancy rate.
  • Structure of your query: how well the query has been structured to answer the question set in the brief.
  • Logic behind your structure: you'll be required to submit a written log of why you've approached the query the way you have.

Scores will be awarded for each category.

If more than one competitor achieves the same score a winner from this group will be chosen at random.