The OpenWater Blog

Why Entrants Aren’t Finishing Your Awards Program’s Application

Have you ever had applications that have been started and then fall by the wayside during your awards program’s call for entry?

It can be frustrating. Where did these applications go? Why didn’t these applicants finish the form? Did they change their mind? Get confused or maybe just burned out? Did they decide the award just isn’t worth it?

Don’t worry, it mostly likely doesn’t have anything to do with your awards program itself. One big reason applications go unfinished is because the application process is too long, complicated, or just plain difficult for those applying.

The good news is that by simplifying the process as much as possible, you can maximize engagement and attain the successful outcome you’re looking for.

Most Application Processes are Longer and More Complicated Than They Have to Be

Are you requiring entries to be submitted partially online, partially in paper through the mail, and asking entrants to email a handful of different people too? If you are, there are some changes you can make to keep your entrants motivated.

Think about the application process from an entrant’s perspective: would you want to fill out a lengthy PDF form, email it to multiple individuals, and then run to the post office to send out any required supplementary materials? Probably not. And your entrants don’t want to either; they simply won’t maintain the motivation needed to finish the application.

But, you don’t have to let this common barrier to entry stop entrants in their tracks.

Take Steps to Reduce Your Application’s Barrier to Entry

Streamlining your application process is one of the easiest ways to remove barriers to entry and encourage entrants to apply. Now this doesn’t mean that you can’t have a long application (we understand by necessity, some applications are lengthy). Simply try to reduce common difficulties that deter entrants, like the ones mentioned above.

One way to do this is to find an online system, like awards software, that will consolidate and streamline the awards process. In fact, proper awards management software can do everything from allowing entrants to sign in and work on their entry, pay submission fees, submit their application, and upload all supplementary materials all from one, central system. This removes the headache of multiple processes and organizes your application process into an easy-to-follow system.

Engagement is important for your program. If you’re curious as to how you can engage members beyond the submission process itself, download The Five Golden Rules of Engaging Members & Customers Through Awards for more information and advice.

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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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