If you’ve been shortlisted for an award or selected as the overall winner, maximise the opportunities for positive publicity by following this checklist for your PR activity:
1. Once you have been notified that you are are finalist or winner, find out what the organisers are doing in the way of publicity. There’s no need to duplicate effort but at the same time, you do not want to miss out on a chance to promote your business.
2. Check whether the announcement is embargoed.
3. Send a personal email to key stakeholders. This is great news and best that they hear it direct from you rather than picking it up on the grapevine or social media.
4. Issue a press release. Potentially, you have two news opportunities - one to say you have been shortlisted and one to say you have won.
5. If you are a finalist, check how the winner will be decided. If it is by vote, you may wish to inform your contacts and gently encourage them to vote for you.
6. Share the news on your social media accounts.
7. Update the accomplishments section on your LinkedIn profile.
8. Amend your email signature to announce your new status.
9. Write a blog
10. Broadcast the news by adding a banner to your website.
11. If appropriate, update your stationery and marketing material.
12. Announce the news in your newsletter.
13. If you have business premises, put up a poster to tell people your good news.
14. Send a letter to the paper – this can be another good way to get media coverage.
15. Share the news with staff and take the opportunity to thank them for their hard work and support.
Contact us if you need help with implementing your awards PR plan.