How to write sparkling award entries

1. Start today The closing date might be weeks away, but start your entry as soon as you can. Don’t put yourself under last minute pressure when the deadline looms. Allow time to step back, think about why you deserve to win, and gather all the essential information. 

Build in time for revisions, corrections and improvements too. The judges will soon spot the tell-tale signs of a rushed entry!

2. What makes you different? How do you excel? What makes your business different? And how do you stand out from the competition? Be honest, concise, positive, and don’t be modest. Shout loud and proud about your success.  Describe your company’s achievements, ambitions and future goals with zest and enthusiasm. Make your entry shine out from the rest.

3. Prove it It’s not good enough to simply say how brilliant you are. You have to prove it. Use facts and evidence to back up your entry. So how can you strengthen your case? Testimonials, customer quotes, customer satisfaction rates, facts and figures will help to back up your claims. 4. Think like a judge More than likely, the judges will have hundreds of entries to read through. So put yourself in their shoes. If you were judging the category, what would impress you the most? Focus your entry on your strongest points. Always check the entry criteria carefully. If judges have asked for specific evidence or examples, you must include it. Or you could rule yourself out of the running altogether.

5. Make it jargon-free  Use plain, simple English to make your entry as easy to read as possible. Don’t assume the judge is an expert in your sector by using jargon, abbreviations or complicated technical language. If you were talking to a friend in the pub, how would convince them you should win? Or ask a friend who knows nothing about your business to read through your award entry. If they get why you should win, chances are the judges will too.6. Be professional. But with personality  Of course, you’re in it to win it. But don’t take yourself too seriously. While facts and evidence are crucial, it’s also important to communicate your brand personality. Use real stories to bring your entry to life. Can you include quotes, case studies or anecdotes from those who have been involved in the project you’re writing about? These will show how your company is making a real difference to the people connected with your business – staff, the local community or customers. The judges want to get to know the people behind the entry. So inject some personality, warmth and character, and enjoy reflecting on your team’s success.7. Check, check & check again It’s essential to give your final entry a thorough proof-read. And go back over the judging criteria. Please don’t skim-read now! You’ve invested all that time. It would be a real shame to let one missing detail cost you the win.Good luck!