Why awards should be part of your marketing strategy

At I am Emily Design & Marketing, we know that awards can be a powerful tool in your marketing strategy. A client recently asked whether it was worth entering awards to mark their 20th year in business, and my answer was a resounding yes! Here’s why awards matter and how to make the most of them.

The benefits of entering awards

Brand Credibility & Trust

Being recognised as a finalist or winner instantly boosts your credibility. It reassures potential clients that you are an industry leader and sets you apart from competitors. Awards act as a third-party endorsement of your business’s success and expertise.

Increased Visibility & PR Opportunities

Awards give you a reason to shout about your business. From social media to press releases, they provide excellent content that can generate media coverage, increasing your reach and brand awareness. Even making the finalist list is newsworthy!

Motivation & Team Morale

Recognising the hard work of your team by putting them forward for awards can be a great morale booster. It reinforces the value of their contributions and fosters a sense of pride in your business.

Competitive Advantage

Potential customers are more likely to choose an award-winning business over one that isn’t. Awards can act as a deciding factor for clients comparing services, positioning your business as a top choice.

Networking & Business Growth

Attending award ceremonies allows you to network with industry leaders, potential clients, and partners. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build relationships and open new doors for collaborations.

Choosing the right awards to enter

Not all awards are created equal. Be selective about which ones you go for. Here’s what to look out for:

Avoid ‘Pay to Win’ Awards

Some awards will contact you to say you’ve won – but only if you pay for a certificate, trophy, and promotional package. These hold little value and are often seen as cash grabs.

Steer Clear of Public Voting-Only Awards

While engagement is great, awards solely based on public voting can become popularity contests rather than genuine industry recognition.

Look for Credible Awards

Industry-specific awards are often the most valuable as they carry more weight with your audience. Also, consider local business awards, which can help raise your profile within your community.

Budget for Entry Fees

While many awards are free, some charge an entry fee. Reasonable fees range from £35 to £150, but for highly prestigious industry awards, paying £350 upwards can be worth it. Be mindful of high-cost entries that don’t offer a strong return on investment.

Crafting a winning entry

A strong award entry takes time and effort. Here are some key tips:

Start Early – Give yourself plenty of time to gather testimonials, case studies, and supporting documents.

Be Clear & Concise – Answer questions directly and highlight key achievements.

Include Evidence – Back up your claims with stats, client feedback, and tangible results.

Make it Engaging – A well-written, compelling story can make your entry stand out.

Get a Second Opinion – Have someone else proofread and give feedback to ensure clarity.

Maximising your award recognition

Winning or even being a finalist is an opportunity to promote your business. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Press & PR

Write a press release and send it to local media. Journalists may not always pick it up, but if it’s a slow news week, you might get featured.

Website & Social Media

Showcase your award wins and nominations on your website. Add logos to your homepage, and create engaging social media posts tagging relevant organisations and industry bodies.

Email Signatures & Marketing Materials

Add award badges to your email signature, brochures, and presentations to reinforce your credibility.

Celebrate with Your Team & Clients

Recognise your team’s contributions and thank your clients for their support – awards are a reflection of collective effort.

Where to start

If you’re considering awards, start by looking at industry-specific ones, followed by local and national business awards. If you do community work, consider entering awards that recognise social impact.

We’ve integrated awards into our own marketing strategy and have been fortunate to win and be finalists in several. You can check out our awards here.

Need help with your award entry? We can guide you through the process to give you the best chance of success. Get in touch with us today!