Maximizing Visibility for Your Awards Program

The Importance of On-Site Promotion

Your website is the primary showcase for your awards program. Ensure that every page of your site includes a prominent reference to the program. Integrate it into your main navigation to make it highly visible without compromising the overall design. This integration is crucial because your website's traffic is already interested in your content, making them potential award applicants.

Search Engine Submission and Indexing

Submit your awards program to search engines separately from your main site, and on different days, to increase visibility. A key resource for awards programs is AwardSites (AwardSites.com), a prestigious index that rigorously reviews submissions. Being listed here can significantly boost your traffic due to the site's trust and prestige within the awards community.

Getting Listed on AwardSites

To be featured on AwardSites, start by understanding their categorization by subject and grade. Assess your program against their criteria and refine your program accordingly to aim for a higher grade. This may involve enhancing your criteria based on what is considered "good criteria" by AwardSites standards.

Additional Promotion Avenues

Once listed on AwardSites, also add your program to the Website Awards Worksheet (Website Awards Worksheet), which can direct more visitors to your program. Explore other directories and apply for listings, but remember that the cumulative traffic from these may not match the impact of a prominent listing on AwardSites.

Avoid Automatic Submission Services

Steer clear of services that allow automatic submissions to your awards program without requiring a visit to your site. These can lead to a flood of unqualified entries and rob you of the opportunity to engage with genuine participants who have taken the time to understand your criteria.

Promote Everywhere

Expand your promotion efforts beyond your website:

• Include a mention of your awards program in your email signature.
• Promote the program in autoresponder messages for guestbook signings, email form submissions, and other visitor interactions.
• Leverage any other channels where you promote your website.

By implementing these strategies, you can expect a significant increase in quality submissions to your awards program.

Interesting Stats and Data

While specific statistics on awards program promotion are not commonly discussed, it's worth noting that according to the Content Marketing Institute, 81% of marketers view live events, including awards, as critical to their company's success. Additionally, a study by the Awards and Personalization Association highlights that personalized awards can increase employee performance by up to 15%. These insights underscore the importance of awards programs and the need for effective promotion to maximize their impact.

By following these guidelines, your awards program is poised to attract a wealth of participants and establish itself as a coveted accolade within your industry.