Advertising Awards: Let the Chips Fall Where They May
In light of our Head of Content’s nomination for a 2019 Chip Shop Award, we’re celebrating creativity. Not just his, of course. But creativity without limits. With this in mind, let’s take a look at advertising awards and explore their benefits for agencies and clients alike.
What Advertising Awards Mean for Agencies
As a digital marketing agency, our work goes on behind the scenes. The end product belongs to the client. After all, it’s what we get paid for. We create great content that drives brand recognition and sales. So, unless we share a case study, no one really knows it was us. If we don’t add campaign examples to a portfolio, after the fact, it’s rare we get recognised for our work.
That’s where advertising awards come in.
Submitting work for marketing awards is a great way to showcase what we as an agency are capable of. Not only that, but it’s also an opportunity to share work that we’re proud of. Certainly, there’s a cost involved in entering awards. But if you truly believe in the quality of your work the expense is worthwhile. Just like any other marketing or advertising spend.
Of course, if you happen to get shortlisted for (and even go on to win) an award there are numerous benefits you can enjoy as a result.
Being able to assert you’re an award-winning agency adds clout to your credentials. Especially when pitching for new business. Similarly, being associated with an award-winning agency is a source of comfort and pride for your existing clients. Awards are fantastic opportunities for self-promotion. And a great source of content for social media.
Ultimately, being in the running for advertising or marketing awards restores your faith in yourself as an agency. More importantly, it’s a great motivator for your team.
Advertising Awards Are Rewarding For Individuals
Who doesn’t like to be praised for a job well done? We all enjoy gaining recognition for our hard work. Even if it’s just a thumbs-up or beers on the boss after work on a Friday. Recognition and praise give us the ‘warm fuzzies’. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Likewise, advertising awards recognise and reward conceptual originality and effective and impactful campaigns. Whether you’re selling the latest in sportswear technology (trainers) or have devised a hard-hitting charity campaign. There’s an extra level of satisfaction when your work is up for an award.
In Gareth’s case, the Chip Shop Awards is another vehicle to fuel his creativity. Promoted as ‘creativity with no limits’, the Chips is open to anyone with a creative spark. Work submitted doesn’t already have to exist in the public domain. And it doesn’t need to be for a client you have on your books. It’s conceptual. Most importantly, it’s a way to gain recognition for your creative ideas. Regardless of your industry experience.
Many agencies encourage and subsidise entries for their creative teams. They appreciate the benefits that awards bring to both the individuals and the brand.
How Do Advertising Awards Impact Clients?
When it comes to clients, advertising awards can have both a direct and indirect impact. If you’re showcasing work you’ve created for them, well that’s extra publicity. If your work wins, even better. Find a client who wouldn’t bite your arm off for extra positive PR.
However, it’s the indirect benefits that are most interesting.
Letting the Chips Fall Where They May
Regardless of whether Gareth comes away with an award on the night or not, we’re still immensely proud of his work and his nomination. For all the reasons listed above. We see this as a positive for him, as an individual. And Social INK collectively.
If nothing else, it’s inspired and motivated us to push the boundaries of our creativity even more. So, watch this space.
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