If you have won an award for your business congratulations! But the award is a trophy, not a finish line, so we explain how to keep the momentum going.
At award writing agency Osborn Communications, we do not just share our clients’ news with an array of audiences, we help them make the news by submitting winning entries for business awards.
Between September 2021 and November 2024, our track record stood at 35 wins and 143 finalist placings. One of those wins was even for our business.
We understand that for businesses which want to stand out, awards are not just about recognition.
An award finalist placing and if things go your way a win can demonstrate the commitment and high standards of your business and be testament to your brand’s excellence.
If your hard work and dedication have been recognised with a prestigious industry award, taking home the trophy is a testament to your team’s talent and your success. But once the party is over, the next phase of work starts.
In showbusiness, an Oscar win can add millions to a film’s box office and unlock new opportunities for actors, directors and the production talent.
For the rest of us winning an award is an incredible achievement, but to truly capitalise on this success you need a strategy to leverage this momentum.
Here is our guide to keeping your award win fresh and impactful:
Amplify your victory, far and wide
- Share your win across all channels: Make the most of every opportunity by sharing the news on social media, your website, press releases, email newsletters and traditional media outlets. Do not be shy in letting everyone know you are winners and revisit it with planned “look back” reminders in the months ahead.
- Showcase client testimonials: Tag in your clients and celebrate their involvement so they in turn sing your praises. If it was for a specific work or project, share quotes from satisfied customers in your news updates and marketing materials.
- Create engaging content: Expand on the reasons for your success by developing blog posts, case studies and videos that tell the story of your award-winning work in as many ways as possible.
- Consider a “behind-the-scenes” look: If there is a wider story as to how you were named winners, explain it in ways that will engage your target audience by giving a glimpse into the hard work that led to success.
Add the award win to your business development
- Make it as a credibility booster: When approaching new clients, highlight your award win as external proof of your expertise and success.
- Include it in your proposals: Showcase your award-winning work and the recognition it received as an example of the exceptional results you can deliver.
- Network strategically: Attend industry events or winner events to connect with potential clients and partners.
Maintain internal feelgood mood
- Celebrate with your team, especially if only a handful attended the awards ceremony: Recognise the contributions of everyone who played a role in your success in your internal communications.
- Use the win as motivation: Encourage your colleagues to continue striving for excellence and pushing creative boundaries by showing how they achieved the previously unthinkable with the win.
Measure the impact
- Study your analytics: Monitor your post-win website traffic and social media engagement. Track how your award win is impacting your online presence.
- Track leads and conversions: Monitor how many new leads and sales can be attributed to your award win, especially those who cite your success as a factor.
Look ahead
- Set new goals: Not everyone can align sport and business but a winning mentality and competitive mindset can go a long way as winners go again. Use your award win as a springboard for even greater achievements.
- Stay innovative: Continuously explore new ideas and approaches to stay ahead of the curve.
Winning an industry award is a significant accomplishment so enjoy the moment. By implementing a strategic plan to leverage your victory, you can ensure that its impact extends far beyond the initial celebration.
As an award-winning PR agency who knows the media inside out, Osborn Comms can help you understand and explore the PR tactics that will help you achieve your goals. From our base in the West Midlands, we’ve developed exceptional relationships with the media covering this thriving region, and we have tools to help you build your reputation where it matters most. Drop us a line to book in a chat.