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How to make the perfect ‘call for entry’ page for your Awards Website

When you’re creating your awards website in preparation for the launch of your organization’s awards program, you want to be sure to get the call for entry page just right. After all, out of the whole site, it probably is going to get the most traffic through searches for the program and through your advertising.

This page needs to have it all: information, visuals, calls to action. But don’t freak out. Below is a list of all of elements you need in order to create the perfect all for entry page!

White space
First things first: don’t forget that white space is your friend. When drafting the information for the page try to avoid making it look overly cluttered. You want visitors to be able to locate and review the information without difficulty, they may miss out on something vital if it’s too cluttered.

Dates
Be sure to list out all of the relevant dates for the awards program. These include the start and end dates of: early bird and regular submissions, when winners will be announced, and when the awards gala or event will take place.

Category breakdown
Provide a comprehensive breakdown of all the different awards applicants may apply to and on what each is focused.

Eligibility requirements
If your program has eligibility requirements or restrictions they should be included on this page. Some such requirements may be: no previously submitted work, date submissions material was created, or industry specific submissions.

Fees
Whether you include submission fees is up to you, but if you do, be sure to provide applicants with sufficient information here. Information they may need includes: what is the difference of cost between early bird, normal, and late entries? Are fees refundable if an application is withdrawn? If one applicant can submit more than one entry is the cost per entry or a one-time fee?

How to enter
You make think it goes without saying, but don’t forget to explain how to enter your awards program. This will let applicants know what information or additional documents/photos/data they need to have on hand before completing their application. Also briefly cover how your submission system works (ie. downloadable pdf, mail-in, or online system).

Link to submission tool
After the “How to Enter” section a link to whatever kind of toll is being used for your submissions should be provided, whether it’s a PDF to email or full-fledged online system.

Sample application
If you have a complex application process providing a sample application would be a helpful resource, though not a necessary one.

Contact Information
Include applicable information for the primary point of contact for questions concerning submissions and the program in general.

To get even more information about crafting a call for entry page and the other 9 steps involved in creating a killer awards website, download our FREE whitepaper!

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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