The OpenWater Blog

How to Create a Successful Awards Program in 4 Easy Steps

An awards program is a great way to honor and give recognition to the people in your respective field or business. It increases motivation and honors individuals who are deserving. Building a program that is successful and fun, though, is not a simple task. The following four steps seek to simplify the process of creating a successful program.

1. Build a Website

A website dedicated to your program is essential when first starting out. You need a place where people will be able to find you and learn about your awards program. Make sure to include any information needed to explain what the program entails, and how people can participate by submitting.

2. Market Your Awards Program

If you are looking for people outside your business to make submissions, then you are going to have to market your program. Social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter are great in reaching a large amount of people. Make sure to provide updates regularly about your awards program, including important dates about when to submit.

3. Use Award Software to Keep Track of Submissions

Investing in award software to keep submissions in order is crucial in staying organized and ensuring each submission is looked at. Many businesses try to be like MacGyver, attempting to perform a balancing act of keeping track of email submissions as well as traditional mail, both of which can easily be lost in the mix. Award software makes the process of reviewing submissions clean and easy.

4. Make Your Award Ceremony Fun!

Nobody wants to go to an award banquet that is dull and boring. Make your ceremony something that people will not want to miss and encourage more people to attend the next year. First, set a time limit for speeches to avoid a stagnant environment in the room. Additionally, play upbeat music between awards to keep the mood light and happy. Finally, hire a professional photographer to take pictures of the night to remember afterwards.

Following these steps will ensure a successful program from the beginning. If you are able to attract people, ensure they have a good time and buzz about your awards program will only grow.

Photo: Julie Rybarczyk via Flickr

Timothy Spell

Timothy Spell co-founded OpenWater in 2007 with the goal of helping organizations tackle and better manage the oftentimes overlooked awards and contests industry. As an author and speaker in the awards industry, Timothy provides unique insight on how to use awards to boost membership, social media followers and search engine traffic.

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