How to Write a Winning Award Entry

Winning awards isn’t only great for a morale boost. Awards boost your brand’s credibility, trust and awareness. It shows you’re a leader in your space and can help win you new customers. When there is so much at stake, it’s key that you master the art of writing an award entry that stands out from the crowd.

Here’s our guide to writing a winning award entry:

1. Read the Criteria (Properly!)

It may seem obvious, but so many entries fall at the first hurdle by not addressing the judging criteria directly. Before putting pen to paper, take the time to read the entry requirements thoroughly. Make a note of the judging criteria. Have they provided specific information that you need to include or other formatting requirements? Tailor each award application to the specific award. You should respond to each point included and ensure you provide everything they ask for.

2. Tell a Story

Award entries shouldn’t read like a dry list of achievements. Bring your project or campaign to life with storytelling. Set the scene: What challenge were you facing? What was your objective? Take the judges on a journey from problem to solution, showing the thinking behind your strategy. Make it engaging, authentic, and memorable.

3. Be Results-Driven

Results are what separate a good entry from a great one. Use data and evidence to back up your claims. Include key metrics such as revenue, team growth, customer satisfaction and ratings. Where possible, include quotes from clients, team members, or end users to add credibility and context.

4. Stay Concise and Clear

You might be tempted to pack in every detail, but clarity is key. Judges often review hundreds of entries, so put yourself in their good books by providing all of the information they need concisely. Use bullet points, subheadings, and easy-to-understand writing to keep your submission digestible.

5. Show Personality

Judges aren’t just looking for technical brilliance, they want to feel something. Don’t be afraid to let your brand’s personality shine through. Whether it’s a bold tone, a touch of humour, or a clever turn of phrase, showing a bit of flair can make your entry stand out.

6. Include Supporting Materials (Wisely)

If the entry allows for supporting evidence, use it strategically. Case studies, visuals, testimonials, and videos can show why you should win the award. But don’t overload the judges; make sure each piece adds genuine value and directly relates to your main submission.

7. Get a Fresh Pair of Eyes

Once you’ve drafted your entry, have someone else review it, ideally someone who wasn’t directly involved in the project. They’ll spot areas that might be unclear, repetitive or where you may have missed vital information. Better yet, enlist a PR professional (like us) to polish and perfect it.

8. Don’t Leave it to the Last Minute

Rushed entries rarely win awards. Give yourself plenty of time to plan, write, review and revise. A well-thought-out and refined entry will always have a better chance than one written the night before the deadline.

Need Help with Your Next Entry?

At Lem-uhn, we’ve helped many clients craft compelling submissions that turn heads and take home trophies. We know what we’re talking about. We’ve been shortlisted for PR Moment’s Micro Agency of the Year for two consecutive years, and we win the majority of awards we apply for.

Whether you’re entering for the first time or aiming to add another trophy to your cabinet, our team can support you from start to finish. Get in touch to find out how we can help you shine.

Let’s make your next award entry a winning one.