How to Get More Entries for Your Awards: Go Beyond Email Marketing
Let’s face it: email marketing is one of the most inexpensive, successful methods of marketing, particularly for awards programs in need of simple communication strategies. But, is this the end-all be-all when it comes to marketing your awards program?
Of course not! In fact, breaking beyond the restraints of relying on just one type of marketing can help you not only get more entries, but get more high-quality entries as well. And, in combination with the breadth of your existing marketing knowledge, applying new strategies is a simple way to enhance your program and take it to the next level.
Issue Press Releases
While some believe the press release is dead, it certainly isn’t. In fact, it’s alive and well, delivering a simple way for associations to issue formal, professional announcements of noteworthy events going on within their program and establish an air of legitimacy that other marketing materials simply can’t.
Of course, this isn’t to say that you have to be formal within your press release itself. As a matter of fact, there are countless ways to craft exceptional press releases while still remaining true to the essence and branding of your organization.
And, when done properly, your press release will be something that you’ll want to share across other platforms to spread your organization’s news. This helps attract new entrants that you want in your program, making the press release well worth the effort.
Turn to Traditional and Social Media Advertising
Your awards marketing needs to reflect the key values and mission of your organization to be effective, and what better way to do so than through hype-worthy traditional and social media advertising efforts? As a matter of fact, advertising is one of the easiest ways to increase awareness for individuals who might otherwise not know about your program.
One route that you can choose to go down is traditional advertising. Think of the iconic advertising imagery that you see in banners, commercials, and other methods including mail, industry publications, and more! By placing your ads in relevant publications, you can ensure that you’re hitting your target audience and generating the kind of attention you want.
Of course, you might also want to pursue social media advertising to generate the kind of awareness you want your program to have. This can mean turning to different platforms like Facebook and Twitter to “promote” pieces of content you want your target audience to see.
Social Media Matters
As a place once thought suitable for only millennials, social media is now a bustling environment perfect for business as well. In all likelihood, your organization is active on at least one popular social media platform. This means that you can reach out in more than one way to ensure that you reach the right followers and potential new entrants through strategies like:
- Advertisements – As we discussed above, social media advertisements are a great way to promote your content and get as many eyes on it as possible.
- Suggested Social Sharing – Want free advertising? Suggested social sharing makes it simple for excited entrants to spread the word. All you have to do is include buttons so that people can share information on Facebook, Twitter, and beyond.
- Continual Communication – Want to keep your audience in the loop? You should, as this is one of the easiest ways to keep interest piqued throughout the entire program! By posting simple updates during crucial times, like deadlines and your call for entry, your chances of generating more interest and entries is almost guaranteed!
Command Central, AKA Your Website
In all seriousness, if there was a command central for your awards marketing and your entire program, your website would be it. In fact, it’s the place where your entrants will continuously go for updates, important information, and other resources about your program.
The best part? When you set-up an effective website and keep it maintained throughout the duration of your program, you can direct potential entrants there from your other marketing efforts to encourage them to actually enter your program. All it takes it an effective call for entry page and a little bit of effort.
Want additional resources about how to execute every step of your awards marketing? Get the helpful tips and guidance you need by downloading our Awards Marketing Bible!
What are the most successful forms of marketing you use to generate additional entries for your awards program? Share your stories in the comments below!
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