The ultimate pre-launch readiness quiz for awards managers

The stage is set and you’re ready to open your awards program for entry. You feel ready to recognise and celebrate excellence! But, wait! You also want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything; that your entry form is ready, your judges have what they need and that the experience will run smoothly for all your participants. That means, it’s time for a pre-launch check.

The client success team at Award Force provides such a check for all our clients. But, if you’re not a client (yet!), here is a list of questions to ask to ensure that your awards program is positioned for success and ready to open for entries!

1. What are the key goals and objectives of your awards program?

Knowing the key goals and objectives of your awards program ensures that every aspect of the awards process aligns with what you aim to accomplish. Identifying the main objectives provides a framework for resource optimisation and success measurement.

2. Who is your target audience?

Defining your awards program target audience can help you structure the awards correctly. Consider your nominees, judges, sponsors or attendees in planning how you will attract the right participants, eliminate any barriers to participation and guide your program messaging.

3. Have you created a clear awards marketing strategy?

Without a solid marketing strategy and engaging outreach assets, your awards program risks poor applicant turnout. A well-crafted marketing plan and effective promotional materials can help you reach a broad range of your target audience, build momentum and support consistent messaging. Be sure to consider a range of channels, such as email marketing, social media and press releases.

4. Have you identified and engaged key partners who can help promote the program?

You might want to team up with other individuals and organisations who can help promote your awards program. Sponsors can provide funds and non-monetary resources, while media outlets and ambassadors can help build trust with fresh audiences and enhance the credibility of your awards program.

5. Are there defined targets and metrics for your awards program?

To gauge the performance of your awards program, it will be important to define any possible metrics. This can include your entry volumes, website visits, social media shares and more.

6. Have you clearly defined award categories and criteria?

Defined awards categories and criteria can set expectations for entrants, letting them know where they fit and ensuring alignment of their submissions. This can reduce entrant confusion, boost transparency and demonstrate professionalism.

7. What is your awards timeline, including key deadlines for nominations, judging and the awards ceremony?

You want each stage of your awards program to progress smoothly and on schedule. A timeline of deadlines can ensure that all participants are aware of key dates and skip the scramble in the last days.

8. Do you have defined scoring criteria, rules for breaking ties and conflict of interest policies?

While clear scoring criteria can help minimise subjectivity in judging, documented tie-breaking methods make it easier to resolve ties, all of which simplify the judging process. With a conflict of interest policy, you can ensure your judges disclose any relationships that can influence their evaluations.

9. Have you chosen an awards management software to streamline application management and judging?

Efficiency is vital for the success of your awards program, making it imperative that you leverage an awards management system. Such a platform can simplify the submission, tracking and assignment of applications. Learn how Award Force can help.

10. Is your website updated with clear application guidelines, FAQs and deadlines?

Your website should be a central, reliable source of all program-related information. Providing important details there can reduce support requests and individual inquiries and increase entry volumes.

11. Do you have a secure system to collect, store and review submissions?

Without a secure awards management system, sensitive information is at risk of unauthorised access. A platform with strong security measures maintains confidentiality, safeguards the program’s reputation and prevents any internal or external foul play.

12. Have you reviewed and documented how participant data will be handled in compliance with relevant privacy regulations?

Transparency and compliance in handling sensitive information can prevent legal penalties and build participant trust. Providing consistent procedures for data handling can also facilitate efficient operations.

13. Have you tested your submission process to ensure a smooth user experience?

A test run is necessary to guarantee a powerful entrant experience. It can help identify technical issues early and confirm that the process is accessible and inclusive for all users.

14. Are your prizes valuable and relevant to the industry?

Prizes can be a good reason why applicants participate in awards programs in the first place. Meaningful prizes can motivate quality submissions, enhance the program’s prestige and demonstrate its commitment to the industry.

15. Is your awards program designed to be environmentally friendly?

Don’t forget to consider the environmental impact of your awards program, which demonstrates your social responsibility and can attract environmentally conscious partners. Eco-friendly practices can reduce operational costs and even encourage broader change in the community.

A pre-launch check confirms that your software, workflow and timeline are in order for optimal operation. Use this readiness quiz to ensure that all vital aspects of your awards program are in prime form. Find out how Award Force can help you build a successful and efficient awards program.