Awards are an honor to receive, as well as a great way to boost the reputation of your business. Let’s look at how an award can help your business.
Awards are a form of “social proof”. Social proof is the influence that the actions and attitudes of other people have on your own behavior and decisions. By showing that your business is recognized for its quality, you will help ease the minds of potential customers. Other examples of social proof are testimonials, ratings, and celebrity endorsements.
How Do You Find Awards?
The easiest way to find awards to apply for is to search online for industry-specific awards available in your city, state, or country. Small business awards often contain multiple categories in which you can nominate yourself.
Magazines, newspapers, and websites love to run “Best of…” contests and issues.
You can even check out mom blogs and parent groups for more award opportunities.
Be sure to use your unique IDS themed office to get more attention when you apply for awards. Once you start winning you can promote yourself as an “award-winning dental office” or that you are “voted the best childcare facility in Montana”.
Here Are Some Simple Ways You Can Use an Award to Market Your Business:
1. Get Your Award in the News
Send a press release to your local paper to announce your accomplishment. Local news crews are always looking for fun feel-good stories and will likely be interested in your story, especially if you have a visually interesting IDS themed office. This will get your name out there in an organic way that’s less intrusive than traditional advertising. You can also post these news stories to your own social media, so it’s a win-win.
2. Announce Your Award
Announce your award on social media or add it to the cover image. Social media is a great place to get excited about an award. Post a photo of you and your staff cheering and holding the award to make it more personal.
3. Put Your Award on Your Website Bio
Add the words “Award-Winning” to your company bio or list the award with your patient testimonials. We’ve seen many dentists add them to the footer of their website as well.
4. Display Your Awards
A printed banner, plaque, or even a sticker on your front door allows old and new customers to see your awards.
You’ve probably seen signs on your favorite pizzeria that say “Voted Best Pizza” or a TripAdvisor sticker at a tourist attraction. These are social proof that these are places you want to check out. Why not do the same for your office? Dental, medical, childcare, and other healthcare facilities can benefit greatly from easily recognizable symbols of excellence. Make sure it’s visible in areas where guests and patients frequently visit, such as the reception area.
5. Add Your Awards to Your Marketing Materials
If it’s a big win, go one step further and add it to your printed collateral that goes out to clients and colleagues: at the bottom of your letterhead, in the corner of your reminder postcards, or under your logo as a tagline. Highlighting the award can serve as a powerful endorsement and set your business apart from competitors.
Bonus Tip: Engage with the Local Community:
Organize a community event or special promotion to celebrate the award. This can include hosting an open house, offering discounts or special services, or partnering with local businesses for joint promotions. Engaging with the local community not only celebrates your achievement but also strengthens your connection with potential patients.
These are only a few ideas to get you thinking. Getting positive press for your unique office is easy once you get started. Good luck with your awards!
Check out these related resources for improving your marketing efforts:
The Importance of a Website for Promoting Your Dental Practice
Key Strategies to Jump-Start Your Dental Marketing
How to Get Online Reviews for Your Dental Office
Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience.
Want more tips for marketing your office? Download the free guide to learn more tips for helping with your online presence.
IDS is Proud to Accept the Alberta Business Awards – Marketing Award of Distinction
The Alberta Business Awards of Distinction recognize businesses and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and contribution to their community while having developed business acumen & management practices to ensure long-term sustainability. To date, over 250 companies have been named Alberta Business Award of Distinction recipients. We are proud to count ourselves among that number.
Marketing Team Heads Victoria Mitchell and Micaela Blondin