Why Businesses Should Use PR to Enter Awards – and How to Leverage Wins for Maximum Impact

Recognition isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Business awards provide credibility, visibility, and trust. They also give you powerful PR opportunities that go far beyond the trophy. By using your PR team, you can not only increase your chances of being shortlisted but also turn award nominations and wins into campaigns that grow your brand.

The PR Value of Business Awards

Why do business awards matter so much?

• Credibility and Trust: Awards are third-party endorsements that carry weight with clients, investors, and partners.
• Employee Engagement: Being shortlisted boosts morale and shows appreciation for your team.
• Talent Attraction: “Award-winning” is a magnet for top talent.
• Customer Confidence: Prospects are more likely to choose a business recognised for excellence.
• Visibility: Awards bring networking and media opportunities that money can’t buy.

Why PR Professionals Are Key to Award Success

Entering awards is more than filling in forms. A strong submission tells a story that captures the attention of judges and resonates with your audience.

Here’s where PR makes the difference:

• Targeted Award Selection – PR teams know which business awards matter in your industry and which ones deliver real value.
• Compelling Storytelling – A strong submission needs a narrative backed by data and results. That’s a PR speciality.
• Process and Deadlines – PR professionals keep you on track with entry requirements and timing.
• Media Contacts – Beyond the submission, PR teams ensure your nomination or win gets the coverage it deserves.
• Integrated Strategy – They align award campaigns with your wider PR and marketing goals.

How to Leverage Award Nominations with PR

Don’t wait for the win—PR opportunities begin as soon as you’re shortlisted.

Ways to maximise impact include:

• Press Releases: Share the news with local and trade media, supported by expert PR copywriting.
• Social Media Campaigns: Celebrate your finalist status with hashtags, tags, and engaging posts.
• Website Badges: Add finalist logos to your homepage and awards page.
• Internal Comms: Recognise your team with announcements, newsletters, or small celebrations.

Every nomination is a chance to reinforce your brand’s credibility.

Turning Award Wins Into Long-Term PR Value

Winning an award is only the start. With the right PR approach, you can extend the value for months—or even years.

Here’s how:

• Media Coverage: Secure features in local, national, and industry press.
• Thought Leadership: Position leaders as experts with articles, commentary, and event speaking opportunities.
• Marketing Collateral: Update brochures, email signatures, and presentations with “Award-Winning.”
• Case Studies and Blogs: Transform your winning project into content that informs and inspires.
• Employer Branding: Share wins on careers pages and LinkedIn to attract top talent.
• Event Content: Use ceremony photography and behind-the-scenes content to humanise your brand.

Awards as an Ongoing PR Investment

Award entries should be part of a long-term PR strategy, not a one-off campaign. Consistently entering and winning builds a narrative of sustained excellence. Over time, this compounds into stronger brand recognition, deeper trust, and more opportunities to grow.

By working with your PR team, you’ll ensure your business awards strategy is both targeted and effective—helping you stand out from competitors and remain front-of-mind in your sector.

Our Final Thoughts

Business awards aren’t just about the trophy on your shelf. They’re about credibility, visibility, and growth. With the support of PR professionals, your business can identify the right awards, craft winning entries, and amplify the recognition for maximum impact.

At Peppermint Soda, we specialise in helping businesses turn nominations and wins into powerful PR stories that resonate with audiences and deliver results. If you’re ready to raise your profile, awards are one of the smartest PR tools at your disposal.

Want to talk more about awards? Contact us today – [email protected]