The 2024 Pensions Age Awards took place last week and 38 lucky winners were crowned. Coming up we also have the UK Professional Pensions UK Awards in June where yet more great contenders will triumph. A lot of blood, sweat and tears (and we include KBPR’s in that) goes into these awards but what happens afterwards? Do they sit in a reception area gathering dust? Do the mid-week hangovers keep the memories alive for a few more days and then business as usual?
We hope not!
Winning an award is an exhilarating achievement that deserves to be celebrated and leveraged to its full potential. Whether it be shouting about it on social media – or re-sharing your achievements in a blog or eblast, here are some steps you can take to maximise the spotlight after winning an award:
1. Announce the win on social media
Share the exciting news of your award win across all your social media channels. Craft engaging posts highlighting the award, accompanied by visuals such as photos or videos from the awards ceremony. Use relevant industry hashtags and hashtags from the event to increase visibility and encourage engagement from your followers.
2. Send an eblast
Draft a compelling email announcing your award win and distribute it to relevant databases; think clients, connections, and prospects. Highlight the significance of the award, your achievements, and the impact it has on your organisation or certain individuals’ careers. Emails are a fantastic way to maintain a buzz after winning and you can capture the attention of those who may not be on social media.
3. Update your website
Display your award win prominently on your website’s homepage. This could include creating a dedicated section or implementing a banner highlighting the award logo, along with a brief description of the achievement and its significance – keep it brief and use any assets provided to you.
4. Share testimonials
Request testimonials or endorsements from judges, industry peers, or satisfied clients praising your award-winning work. Share these testimonials on your website, social media, and marketing materials to add credibility and reinforce the value of your achievements.
5. Update your signatures
If winning this award category is a huge achievement for your brand, and noteworthy to peers and employees, then integrate the ‘winner’ award logo into your email signatures. This is a terrific addition to show you are proud of the win and will help with building a culture of excellence amongst your team.
6. Feature the award in marketing materials
Incorporate the award logo, accolades, and quotes into your marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, presentations, and email newsletters. Highlighting your award win adds credibility and differentiates your brand from competitors long after the awards have finished.
7. Network and collaborate
Leverage your award win to forge new connections and partnerships within your industry. Attend networking events, conferences, and industry gatherings to highlight your award and engage with potential collaborators, clients, or investors.
8. Apply for additional awards
Use your award win as a springboard to apply for additional awards and recognition programs within your industry or profession. Winning multiple awards reinforces your credibility and establishes you as a leader or innovator in your field.
9. Share success stories
Develop case studies or success stories highlighting the project, campaign, or initiative that led to your award win. Share these stories on your website, blog, or social media to provide deeper insights into your achievements and demonstrate your expertise.
And if you didn’t win?
Even if you didn’t win the category you entered, by implementing these strategies in your own way, you can effectively maximise the spotlight after entering an award and attending the event. Congratulate the competition; use their win to your advantage and stay proud of what you have achieved.
Now is the perfect time to amplify your achievements and solidify your reputation as a leader in your industry or profession; don’t forget you were still on the shortlist, so you want to stay at the forefront of industry minds!
If you have any questions about how to make the most of your award win or entries, then get in touch! We are experts in elevating brands and keeping names in the spotlight.
