No matter the sector you work in, there will undoubtedly be an array of industry awards your business can enter. But the question remains: are they worth the time and budget required? The short answer is yes.
Why enter industry awards?
From boosting team morale and building employer brand to enhancing your business’s reputation, industry awards can have a significant positive impact. Ultimately, the goal is to win, but it’s often said that just being part of the process can be valuable in itself.
More often than not, shortlists are announced on social media, the organiser’s website, or even in the press, meaning that even before the final results, your business is already showcased as a high performer in the sector. This visibility can be invaluable.
Drafting an award entry is also a great opportunity to reflect on your business’s successes. This process often leads to a better understanding of your company’s performance and provides a morale boost for the team.
In terms of employer branding, many awards feature categories such as ‘Large Agency of the Year’ or ‘Young Professional of the Year,’ which help improve the business’s reputation within the sector. Winning or being shortlisted can significantly enhance brand awareness among competitors and potential hires.
Don’t forget, industry award ceremonies are also excellent networking opportunities. With hundreds of people in attendance, these events are a chance to connect with others in your sector, as well as sponsors and industry experts.
What do you need to consider before entering awards?
Like any marketing activity, award entries should align with your business strategy, and there needs to be a clear plan in place to ensure you’re entering the right industry awards and categories at the right time.
Before drafting your entry, consider the end goal. Awards can help with brand awareness and strengthening your employer brand, but without a clear objective, it can be difficult to decide which awards are right for you.
For example, if you’re a construction firm operating primarily in the North West and are looking to increase your employer brand in that region, entering a national award might not be the best fit. Instead, consider regional industry awards that can help boost your presence in the area.
Once you’ve identified the awards you’d like to enter, it’s time to consider which categories align with your business and what your budget allows. Top tip: When planning your marketing budget, be sure to allocate funds for award entries in the upcoming year.
When selecting categories, reflect on your recent successes. Have you launched a high-performing product? Is there a team member excelling in their role? Did a recent project deliver outstanding results? Choose categories that highlight these strengths.
How to make an award entry stand out
Now that you’ve identified the right industry awards and categories, it’s time to craft your entry. Keep in mind that judges often receive hundreds of entries for each category, so making yours stand out is crucial. Here are some PR industry award tips to help:
- Ensure your entry highlights unique achievements and specific results.
- Present your data and case studies in a way that clearly demonstrates your impact on the industry.
- Stick to the guidelines provided in the entry pack, but don’t be afraid to get creative within those parameters.
If you’re planning to integrate awards into your marketing strategy, Refresh has a wealth of experience in drafting winning entries. If you’d like advice on crafting an entry worthy of winning, get in touch.