Promoting Business Awards Greenwell noted that winning an award sets a company apart from its competition. “Business professionals don’t always use awards to their advantage because they feel it is bragging or being boastful. The truth of the matter is, however, if you don’t toot your own horn, no one else will. And, no one can do it like you. So be proud of your award and make sure everyone knows about it.” Greenwell offered a list of easy action items: • Display them proudly in your office • Put the award information on your business card -- the back of your business card is usually blank and is a great place to profile awards • An award is great content for email blasts, direct mail campaigns and newsletters • Submit your award to The Courier Journal and “People on the Move” section in Business First • Submit awards to HBAL for the “Members News” section in Louisville Builder • Include the information in your HBAL Member profile on www.hbal.com • Write a press release or hire a PR professional to write one and submit it to news outlets. Follow up is crucial with PR; you must make sure they receive it and ask for the coverage
• Include an awards page on your website • Frame the print news coverage you receive and display it in an area where clients will see it • Add the award to the bottom of your email signature, “Proud Winner of the SMC Logo Design of the Year, 2013,” etc ... Don’t over load your signature with a list of awards. Add one or two and link it to the award page of your website where the consumer can see more of your accolades. “If you apply these strategies to your marketing efforts, you can receive leverage on the awards that you win and stand out from the competition,” Greenwell emphasized. Mattingly also suggested including the award information on all advertising and marketing materials. “You want to make sure that if you’re advertising in print, TV, on the radio or simply printing flyers, the award information is included. It should be a part of anything you’re doing to promote your business. It can be a simple phrase, such as ‘proud winner of ... award.’ Another good idea is to promote the award at any events where you might have a booth on display, such as the Home, Garden & Remodeling Show, or if you have product displayed at Homearama or the Tour of Remodeled Homes.”
• Add it to Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, LinkedIn and other social networks that display business information
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