Winning a business award is a brilliant accomplishment. It’s a moment to celebrate, and it’s proof that your work is not only being seen but validated.
But most businesses make a crucial mistake after they win: they keep the news to themselves, or they post it once on social media… and that’s it.
If you’ve won an award, it’s important to remember that winning isn’t the end of the journey, it’s just the beginning.
Here’s how to turn your wins into lasting value, with practical steps that build your brand profile, boost your credibility, and open new opportunities for growth.
1. Communicate the Win with Your Team
Before you tell the world, make sure you prioritise telling your team. Afterall, they are the ones who made the win possible. Sharing the news with them first doesn’t just show respect, it creates pride and momentum inside your organisation.
Here are some ways you could do this, depending on the size of your team;
- Announce the win in a team meeting or internal newsletter.
- Record a video message from leadership thanking everyone.
- Celebrate with an internal event for those who couldn’t attend the ceremony, whether it’s coffee and cake or a full-blown party, mark the moment (and don’t forget to take pictures!)
- Highlight individual contributions where possible.
It’s proven that teams who feel recognised are more engaged and loyal, so tell your team and start seeing the impact of that award win in an instant.
2. Share the ‘Why' Behind Your Win on Social Media
Posting “We’ve won an award!” is a start, but you need to explain why you won, and why it matters.
What’s really powerful is when you explain the story behind the success.
So, what did you win for? Was it an innovative project? A product transformation? A service that changed lives?
Your audience also wants to know who was involved, what impact you’re having, and what that award means for your teams, community or customers.
People love to see visual content, so include photos, videos, and winner graphics to bring the win to life. And make sure to tag the awards organiser, your team, and any partners who were part of the success to spread your message as wide as possible.
Most importantly, don’t post once and disappear. Create a series of posts before, during, and after the awards ceremony to build engagement over time.
3. Write a Blog and Send a Newsletter
Social media is a great place for sharing news, but it can be fleeting. A blog post however creates lasting value through SEO and AI Search visibility.
Much like your social media posts, use your blog to tell your winning story but now in more detail, covering everything from what the award is, and why it matters, to the outcome and people involved, and what it means to be award-winning. Include visuals, quotes, and data where possible, plus a strong call to action to start converting leads.
Then, share the blog in your email newsletter so your mailing list can share in your success, learn more about your business, and drive traffic to your website.
4. Get a Press Release Out
A well-timed press release can turn an award win into valuable media coverage, driving traffic and potential customers to your website, and building valuable backlinks for SEO.
What to include in your release:
- Clear, attention-grabbing headline
- Explanation of what the award is and why you’re a winner
- Quote from your leadership
- A relevant link to your site
- High-quality images or a video link
And make sure your press release includes keywords related to your business and your award category.
You can then send it to industry-specific media outlets, local business press, or trade publications and newsletters.
5. Create Content with the Awards Organiser
Just like any business, award organisers also need content to market their awards and encourage entrants to get involved.
As a winner, you could volunteer to be included as a winners' story for them to share on their website and social media pages.
They get content to share about what it means to be a winner of their award to help with their marketing, and you boost your visibility and align your brand with a respected authority, and get high-quality backlinks to improve your SEO. A win-win all round.
6. Keep Creating Content After the Ceremony
As mentioned earlier, winning an award is only the beginning.
It isn't just a one-day event. It’s an achievement that no-one can take away from you, so you want to continue using it to keep the momentum going.
Some ways you can keep shouting about your win;
- Create a short video about your winning story
- Interview the team involved and turn it into a blog or LinkedIn post
- Use the award winners logo in proposals, pitch decks, and recruitment materials
- Share behind-the-scenes photos from the ceremony a month, or even a year later
- Include in your quarterly or annual newsletter
Getting the Most from Your Award Win
Winning an award is more than a trophy. It’s social proof, brand positioning, and a growth opportunity… if you use it well.
So to maximise the value of your win:
- Communicate it clearly and widely
- Create content that explains the why, not just the what
- Engage your team, your audience, and the awards community
- Keep the story alive beyond the awards night
You earned the recognition, now it’s time to let it work for you.
To learn more about how you can make your award wins work harder for your business, join our next awards masterclass – find out more details on how to join here.
