How to write an award-winning entry

Most businesses do the hard part every day – delivering great work. But when it comes to writing an award entry, they struggle to prove it on paper. An award entry isn’t a brochure, it’s not a sales pitch and it’s not about how many adjectives you can cram into 1,000 words. 

It’s about clarity, structure and proof.

Here’s how to nail it.

1. Research the categories

Don’t just dive into the first one that looks like a fit. Study the options, read about past winners and work out where your story stands the best chance. Enter more than one category if your results link clearly to multiple objectives, but make sure each entry is tailored.

2. Read the criteria (properly)

Every award is different, so carefully look through the information for each category you have selected. Read it. Then read it again. Judges mark against specific criteria, not against how impressed they feel by your story. If you don’t answer what they’ve asked, you’re handing away points.

3. Stick to the brief

Answer the questions directly and in order. If they ask for impact, give them impact. Don’t bury it in strategy or background.

4. Respect the word count

If the limit is 1,000 words, don’t hand in 1,200. Judges won’t thank you for it – they’ll cut you off or simply discard your entry. Be sharp, concise and make every word earn its place.

5. Tell a story

Judges read entry after entry. Don’t give them a data dump. Show the challenge, what you did and the difference it made. A simple story arc will keep them engaged.

6. Prove it with evidence

Bold claims without proof won’t cut it. Use hard numbers, outcomes and commercial results. Back it up with testimonials and case studies to show the human impact too.

7. Cut the fluff

If it feels like padding, cut it. Clarity beats cleverness every time. Judges won’t reward waffle.

8. Check what else you can send

Some awards allow supporting documents – visuals, charts, case studies even video. If they do, use them to strengthen your case, but keep them relevant. Don’t drown judges in irrelevant extras.

9. Get a fresh pair of eyes

When you’ve been close to a project, it’s easy to miss gaps or mistakes. Ask someone else to read the entry to check it makes sense, hits the criteria and is free of typos. Proofing matters.

10. Make it easy to read

Good formatting and clean design matter. Headings, bullet points and visuals help your story stand out and make life easier for the judges.

Why this matters

Awards aren’t just about a shiny trophy. A well-crafted entry can raise your profile, attract talent, boost morale and even bring in new business. And the process itself is valuable – gathering proof points forces you to sharpen your story.

The perfect award entry is researched, structured and written for the judge, not for you. Get that right and you give your work the recognition it deserves.