Whether this is your first submission, or you have submitted for 10 years straight, these tips can help you create and submit the best TIAK marketing entry yet. We know you’ve got your eye on first place! Here’s a surefire way to make it happen…
Start the process early! You are already on the right track by reading these tips and starting to think about what you will submit this year.
Check the basics before you submit. Be sure to read over the entry rules to submit into the correct categories. The categories are separated by both budget and marketing project type.
The more details the better. Include as many statistics in your reporting as possible. (Examples: events- how many people attended? Websites- how many views?) When the judges have two entries with similar rankings and results, the more statistics on your project will possibly help you get ahead in the rankings.
Partnerships are becoming so important; if you are working with someone local, don’t forget to include that! Whether it’s your local printer, museum, school, historical society, chamber, development cooperation, other communities, city/county or someone else, please include information on how they helped you and what monetary or voluntary aid/partnership you were provided.
If the work was done by an internal team, REALLY emphasize that. If you are using an outside agency, describe your team’s input and direction in shaping the project you’ve entered. The judges like to see what you’ve contributed even when the work outsourced.
Do not overlook something that has been done for years. The judges sometimes see important information being forgotten in the application. The judges need to see all the details including partnerships being used, how resourceful the applicant was, photos, charts, testimonials, etc.
Think outside of the box. There are so many possibilities for award submissions besides a website or visitor guide. Did you have a community festival that generated a ton of visitation? Maybe you had a great social media campaign that earned a lot of online traction? Consider everything from campaigns to printed publications, audio tours or profiles. With five categories, plus the people’s choice award, there’s surely something fitting for your marketing efforts!
Make a report. Don’t just submit a few sentences in the text box. Attach a document with project graphics, statistics, and how it positively impacted your community.
Did you submit last year? Do not forget to go back and read the judges’ feedback. They give great information to help with future projects and submissions. Also, have another peer review your submission to give tips before you click send.
You can’t win if you don’t submit! Be sure to get your entries in before the deadline of Friday, August 13. Click here for more information.