The OpenWater Blog

Why Member Engagement Matters for Your Awards Program

Engagement is a big buzzword among organizations and their awards programs. It’s something that they’re always trying to increase, measure, and successfully accomplish.

However, even though this is such an important topic of discussion, sometimes it’s not entirely clear what the goal actually is and outreach efforts can become muddled.

So let’s all get back on track by taking some time to understand the reasoning behind the importance of engagement, why you need to engage members, and how to actually do it. By doing so, you can take your awards program to new heights with what matters the most: your members and customers.

So, What is Engagement?

According to Dictionary.com, engagement can best be understood as “to occupy, attract, or involve (someone’s interest or attention).” Now, I know what you’re thinking: you already knew that.

But what about member engagement? The definition of member (or customer) engagement is just slightly different. It means that members or customers are active within your organization. This can mean that they’re doing anything and everything from opening emails, reading and commenting on your blog, or being an active participant in the events that you organize.

Ok Great! Now, Why is Engagement Important?

If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, engagement is important because without it, you wouldn’t have much of an organization at all. Every action you take is about your customers, and if they’re engaging with your content and your events, it’s likely that your organization’s success will reflect that fact.

Bottom line: engagement is important because it’s what keeps your organization going.

But, How Am I Supposed to Continuously Engage Members?

As you probably know, there are quite a few ways you can engage both existing and potential members of your organization.

One of the best ways? Through your awards program! As a matter of fact, awards are one of the simplest, most effective ways to encourage members to step up and engage with your organization on an entirely new level. That’s because they won’t just be passively reading your blog or opening your emails, but interacting with your organization in an active, meaningful way.

An awards program will deliver the recognition and praise so many of your members desire within your industry. Of course, delivering a fun, energetic program will also encourage membership retention regardless of the outcome of your awards program.

No program is complete without the ability to reinforce your organization’s goals and mission either. By doing so, you can make sure members know exactly what you stand for and reinforce this messaging through your awards program.

It might go without saying, but there are also countless other benefits you stand to gain through your awards program. The tricky part? Actually engaging members to the point where they want to apply to your program.

Luckily, this part doesn’t have to be difficult either. Download our guide to learn how to engage members and get them to apply for your awards program the right way.

What tactics have you used in the past to engage your audience members? Let us know in the comments!

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Miriam Hancock

Miriam Hancock
Miriam is the Marketing Coordinator for OpenWater. When she isn't writing and designing content she paints and cooks for her own personal blog.

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