Industry awards can be a powerful tool for boosting your brand, generating leads, and motivating your team. But with countless applications vying for recognition, how do you ensure yours stands out from the crowd and lands the coveted trophy? Here’s the key: crafting a winning entry that captures the judges’ attention and ticks all the right boxes.
Over the years, I’ve written dozens of winning applications for my clients. Here are my tips for writing awards entries that will have your trophy cabinet heaving:
What’s your ‘why?’ Before diving in, ask yourself why you are entering this award. Are you launching an innovative product? Did you overcome a significant challenge? Aligning your entry with the award’s specific goals and criteria is crucial to ensure relevance and impact. Defining your why will also help you to eliminate unnecessary ‘filler’ from your application.
Storytelling over stats: Judges are bombarded with numbers and facts. Don’t just list your achievements; weave them into a compelling narrative that showcases your journey. Highlight the challenges you faced, the creative solutions you implemented, and the real-world impact of your work. Let your passion and dedication shine through!
Data: Friend, not foe: While storytelling wins hearts, data empowers your narrative. Include quantifiable results that demonstrate the tangible impact of your efforts. Increased sales, enhanced brand awareness, or improved customer satisfaction – showcase the numbers that tell your success story.
Keywords are king: Do your research! Check the awards website for guidance and read the question wording carefully. This will help you to identify the keywords and phrases that the judges will be looking for. Strategically (and subtly!) incorporate them into your entry to increase the chances of your application getting noticed and properly evaluated.
Readability reigns: Keep your writing clear, concise, and error-free. Judges have limited time – respect it by delivering information efficiently. Proofread ruthlessly and ensure your message is easy to understand and appreciate.
Partner with a pro: Consider enlisting the help of a skilled copywriter. They can translate your achievements into powerful narratives, fine-tune your message for impact, and ensure your entry shines amidst the competition.
To give your next awards entry the best possible chance of success, just get in touch.