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Learning Series: Getting the Word Out About Your Call for Entry

Published July 19, 2017 in Leadership

There are an endless variety of ways to market your awards program, including the call for entry period. Your call for entries is amongst the most critical stages you can market, especially because it sets up the remainder of your program for success.

And, while it’s true that you can market your call for entry in any number of ways, it’s best to focus on a few key strategies to broaden your reach and build prestige. In this article, we discuss 4 strategies we believe you should focus on most.

1. Build an Awards-Specific Website

An awards-specific website gives you a resource you can rely on throughout your program, beginning before the call for entries launches.

Your website should contain information so those who want to learn more about your program can do so easily. More importantly, you want an impressive, cohesive website so entrants aren’t unsure about entering due to a less-than-perfect website.

2. Generate Buzz

People need to know about your call for entries to enter your program. To do so, there are a few simple steps you may choose to take:

  • Announce your program on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
  • Send an email blast to those who are already subscribed to your organization.
  • Send a separate email blast to past participants.
  • Create and submit a press release to a wire agency, like PR Newswire.

3. Remind People

Step two will prompt those who are convinced to enter your program to do so, but may not encourage the majority of your audience to do so. That’s why it’s important you remind people that they should enter.

You can turn to the same channels – social media, email, and press releases – as your deadline approaches to reinvigorate your audience. If you’re using awards software, you should also rely on features to remind those who began but didn’t complete an entry to do so.

4. Get Referrals From Entrants

Every entrant deserves a thank you from your organization. And, by sending an email with social sharing features, you offer entrants the simple opportunity to share their entry with others.

This is free advertising for your program and is a more authentic way to attract potential entrants.

How Will You Market Your Call for Entries?

The call for entries is the most critical period for any program and how you market it will directly impact how successful you are.

By using the 4 strategies above, you’ll be well on your way toward generating the publicity necessary to launch your awards program on the right foot.

Are you unsure how you’re going to proceed in marketing your call for entries? Get even more information and guidance by downloading our free worksheet!

Ashley Surinak

Ashley Surinak is the resident OpenWater expert on all things content. From the blog to guides and beyond, you'll find her at every turn in your OpenWater journey.

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