The inside scoop on award submissions

Applying for (and ideally receiving) awards in your industry is a critical marcomms activity that can heighten awareness and reinforce credibility with your core audiences – but it isn’t as simple as it might sound. 

At Plum & Parcel, we’ve helped clients like Sevenly amplify their unique stories through a strong key messaging strategy and award submissions that shine. Today, we’re revealing our tips for creating stand-out award submissions that can amplify your business and products – take a look. 

1. Plan ahead (like way ahead)  

First things first: confirm the submission deadline for the award(s) you are applying for and create a workback calendar with key milestones, like review cycles, to keep you on track.

Make it stand out

Allow the judges to connect with your brand and products through storytelling, rather than a laundry list of accomplishments.

Dig deep and focus on the impact your actions had on your community, your customers, or your employees - and don’t be afraid to include quotes, too!

The submission requirements for each award are different and some may take more time than others, depending on the number of prompts and supplementary materials you may be asked to provide. Carefully consider how much time you’ll need to outline your responses and gather supporting materials, as well as who will need to review your submission before you send it in. Also keep in mind your current bandwidth (award submissions take time!) and aim to carve out a few hours per week over a longer period of time, rather than waiting until the deadline. 

2. Outline your narrative…before you do anything else

After you’ve established your timeline, the next critical step is to align on the core narrative you’d like to reinforce throughout the submission. Not sure where to start? This is when it can be helpful to reference your key messaging framework. Leverage this all-important resource to narrow in on the messages that can help you tell your impact story and reinforce examples that can make your submission stand out from others.  

3. Be a storyteller

Once you’ve determined your narrative, it’s time to build your story. Allow the judges to connect with your brand and products through storytelling, rather than a laundry list of accomplishments. Dig deep and focus on the impact your actions had on your community, your customers, or your employees - and don’t be afraid to include quotes, too! Bonus tip: tying your story back to your mission is critical to bringing your awards submission to life.

4. Sweat the small stuff 

Award submissions take a ton of time and effort…and the last thing you want to happen is to be disqualified due to a simple oversight, like word count limits. Spend time reading over the instructions upfront and, again, just before you turn in your submission.

5. Quality over quantity

Your time is precious – and so is your team’s. Take time to research which awards (national and regional) are most likely to move the needle for you in categories that fit best with your business. Focusing on a select few awards per quarter will allow adequate time to develop a strong story that is more likely to catch a judge’s attention. 

Ready to take your award submission game to the next level? We’re here to help. Contact us and let’s work together to enhance your brand’s reputation → plumandparcel.com/contact.