I hear congratulations are in order!
If you’re choosing to read this article, then you have probably just been shortlisted for an award. Your achievements have secured you an enviable spot amongst the best of the best in your industry, and this deserves a celebration, but the business benefits don’t stop here.
In this article, I am sharing my top PR tips designed to help you maximise this powerful opportunity:
1. Update your assets
The most important place to start is updating your assets to incorporate this new accolade. Ensure it is added onto your website, email signature, LinkedIn profile, CV, sales decks, or anywhere else that a customer or client might come across you and be looking for those credibility markers that demonstrate your expertise.
2. Social media series
Sharing only one social media post when the shortlist is first announced is a missed opportunity.
As you count down to the winners’ ceremony, scheduling regular content that weaves in your finalist status can build momentum as the event approaches.
This does not have to centre around the shortlisting itself, you might opt to tag some people you’re looking forward to meeting there, or others you’re excited to catch up with and those who have been instrumental in your journey.
You could then factor in a couple of post-event posts that reflect on your highlights of the ceremony, so don’t forget to take lots of photos of yourself and those who attend with you.
3. Blogs & articles
To supplement this social media content, you could also produce long-form pieces for your website or LinkedIn page. These might delve into why you entered the awards and what this recognition means to you in more depth. You could link to these within your social media posts to ensure your marketing efforts are aligned.
These insights don’t have to be written pieces. In fact, recording a video or podcast episode where you take stock of your achievements can be a great way to connect with your audience. The transcript from this video provides you with another asset to incorporate into your wider strategy.
4. Tell everyone!
Social media and blogs may have been spotlighted above, but these are not the only channels where you could be sharing this success.
Newsletters, email marketing, intranets, associations and partners – these are all valuable channels to amplify the news and showcase those who have contributed to this shortlisting.
These nominations can help to build team and client engagement as they feel proud to work with an award-nominee, especially if you invite them to attend alongside you.
5. Local press release
Award success is an uplifting story to share with regional media. Reaching out to local newspapers, radio and TV, sharing your career story, the impact you’ve had on your sector and your plans for the future can make for an inspiring interview.
Don’t forget to include imagery too. Both portrait and landscape images of yourself, or your team, alongside any required photographer credits.
6. Re-introduce yourself
If you’ve worked with your industry media in the past, or it is something that you’re keen to factor into your communications strategy, this is a valuable opportunity to build connections with journalists, podcasters and publications.
Whilst they may not cover the award shortlisting itself, this new accolade provides valuable proof that you are one of the best in your field. Reach out to relevant titles/journalists and introduce yourself or key spokespeople in your organisation as commentators on the latest industry trends.
7. Collaborations
Your shortlisting has secured your place in an elite club of awards alumni, and this community is brimming with collaboration opportunities.
Reach out to those who have also been shortlisted to discuss what you may be able to work together on and amplify each other’s success. Podcasts, events, LinkedIn content, offers – the options are endless. The awards ceremony is an invaluable opportunity to connect with others in the sector. It’s not every day that the best of industry are all in the same room!
You might also delve into the winners and shortlistees of previous award cycles to see how you might be able to collaborate. Take inspiration from the ways they celebrated their achievements that were most effective.
8. Enter more awards
Don’t let the award journey stop here.
Reaching the shortlist stages of one award is proof that your work is something special. As we approach the end of the year, this is a good opportunity to research the 2026 awards calendar, see what is required for each category and begin compiling your entry.
Use this as your springboard to enter more awards by incorporating this shortlisting as part of your supporting evidence.
Take stock of your achievements
This is your time to celebrate your hard-earned accolade. Make sure to soak in this honour and grab every opportunity with both hands!
About the author: Hannah Cary is Head of PR (Non-Fiction Books & Professional Services) at award-winning B2B public relations agency AmbitionPR. Amplifying expertise with impactful PR strategies, AmbitionPR supports authors, speakers, consultants and organisations in sectors such as leadership, people development, business growth and technology.
