Drafting awards nominations isn’t just a science… it’s a winning public relations strategy. Businesses and nonprofits with trophy shelves full of awards command credibility, respect and prestige.
Many organizations, though, don’t know where to start. Which awards should they pursue? Who should draft the awards nominations? What details should be included in the submission?
Certain companies and nonprofits always seem to be in contention for awards. That’s because they include awards nominations in their public relations and marketing campaigns. They win awards not only because they have strong results to showcase, but also because they are successful, skilled storytellers.
Awards nominations are one of many public relations services that can help brands achieve their goals.
Public relations services
Business executives and nonprofit leaders are familiar with the variety of services offered under the public relations umbrella. Copywriting is probably the most recognizable service. This includes drafting and distributing news releases, guest opinions and contributed articles, as well as blogs and speeches. Drafting awards submissions also falls within copywriting.
Additional PR services include:
- Story pitching
- Media training
- Media relations
- Crisis communications
- Speaking engagements
- Community relations
- News conferences
- Groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting events
- Reputation management
- Internal and external communications
- Organic social media marketing
- Podcasts
- Video
SEE MORE: Public Relations Services
Reasons for pursuing awards nominations
Everyone loves a winner. People either want to be the winner or work with a winner.
Priority Marketing stresses to its client partners that awards are an important strategy in a successful public relations program. The firm has a strong track record of helping clients earn all types of awards. Examples of Southwest Florida awards opportunities include:
- Lee County’s Industry Appreciation Awards
- 40 Under 40: Gulfshore Business and Business Observer
- Chamber Awards: Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
- INCredible Awards: SWFL Inc.
- ENPY Awards: The Community Foundation
- Florida Small Business Development Center: Distinguished Entrepreneur
- Alumni of Distinction: Florida Gulf Coast University
Winning a prestigious award can boost an organization’s credibility and visibility while raising awareness of services, culture and philanthropic endeavors. Awards submissions can highlight notable achievements and expertise within the industry to continue building a positive reputation.
Four steps to win awards
Businesses and nonprofits that integrate awards opportunities into their strategic public relations plans should follow these four steps:
Research awards opportunities
There are an endless number of awards programs locally, regionally, statewide, nationally and even internationally. It’s important to vet those opportunities. Some awards are very prestigious, while others might be based on advertising dollars or other factors, and not considered true awards.
- Tip: Identify several respectable industry peers and community leaders to see which awards they pursue.
Create an awards calendar
An awards calendar helps manage deadlines for submissions and dates of awards celebrations. The latter is important because some organizations require that honorees be present at a gala to win. Mapping out a calendar also gives the nominator enough time to prepare the entry and seek required approvals before submitting the nomination.
- Tip: Start early. Awards deadlines creep up fast. Awards programs often have early bird discounts. Additionally, it’s common for organizations to disqualify submissions that arrive after the posted deadline.
Understand the criteria
Many awards are highly competitive. Carefully review the awards criteria and submission requirements. Some awards require just a few biographical pieces of information and a short nomination paragraph. Others may contain five or more questions and require short essays or audited financial data. Consider both business success and community involvement when evaluating awards.
- Tip: Take a look at past winners and finalists to see how a nominee stacks up against potential competition.
Craft the nomination
Awards nominations should be persuasive. The writer is trying to convince a judge or judges that one nominee is the most deserving. Compelling writing can help a submission stand out. Stack nominations with the most important, relevant information at the top. Include pertinent statistics, achievements and measurable results. Judges want to know about the person or organization – qualitative measures – but quantitative results can emphasize success. Proof awards submissions for typos, flow, clarity and accuracy. Include supporting materials if requested or required.
- Tip: Support materials should include organizational data, impactful numbers, testimonials, media coverage, photos, videos and even social media posts.
WATCH: Winning tips for winning awards
Want to win awards?
An experienced public relations agency like Priority Marketing can help organizations identify and manage awards opportunities while creating submissions that win awards and attract attention.
Interested in adding awards to your trophy shelf? Please give us a call today at 239-267-2638 or send an email to LetsTalk@PriorityMarketing.com.
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