We’ve gathered invaluable recommendation from just a few of the 2024 Bulldog PR Awards journalist judges that will help you craft profitable entries by asking them 5 important questions. Famend international columnist Christopher Elliott, Pulitzer Prize-winning Oregonian journalist Tom Hallman, Jr. and Bulldog editor Richard Carufel have been judging the Awards for over a decade—right here’s what they needed to say:
Q1: What’s the significance of measurable affect and leads to a submission?
Richard: “Measurable affect is important for analysis. Candidates ought to present particular particulars in regards to the obstacles they confronted, the methods employed to beat them, and the outcomes achieved. It’s not simply in regards to the variety of impressions; judges need to see specifics about earned media protection and the way the marketing campaign tailored to challenges.”
Christopher: “Laborious numbers are vital. Normally, after we see PR professionals emphasizing the status of the retailers over impressions, it means they don’t have the numbers. I feel shoppers discover this. I do.”
Tom: “Influence is important. Let judges know what affect meant entering into, and what it means when later evaluated: impressions, gross sales, consumer satisfaction.”
Q2: How vital is storytelling in a submission? Do you’ve got any tips about how candidates can successfully convey their achievements and innovation?
Richard: “Storytelling is paramount in submissions. It permits judges to higher perceive the marketing campaign’s narrative, together with how challenges have been addressed and creativity was utilized. Candidates ought to use storytelling as an example their adaptability and revolutionary pondering throughout the marketing campaign.”
Christopher: “I feel each profitable marketing campaign tells a compelling story. And folks, together with journalists, are drawn to a compelling story. My favourite entries are those that preview an fascinating story that makes me need to click on on a video or PDF to see the remaining.”
Tom: “Inform judges how the marketing campaign took place. Take us inside, present us the inventive pondering, how the staff labored collectively, how management led. Inform us the within story.”
Q3: Are there any widespread errors or pitfalls candidates ought to keep away from?
Richard: “One widespread mistake is being obscure about outcomes. Candidates needs to be particular about their achievements, together with particulars about media protection and assembly marketing campaign objectives. Readability and specificity are key to a robust submission.”
Christopher: “The entries that brag about how they manipulated a journalist or influencer into carrying their message at no cost don’t go over nicely. Essentially the most forward-looking journalists prefer to see themselves as companions, not pawns.”
Tom: “Be clear, inform the judges with readability what you wished/wanted to do after which how you probably did it.”
This fall: In your opinion, what units aside an revolutionary submission from a standard one?
Richard: “Innovation lies in highlighting distinctive parts and adaptation throughout the marketing campaign. It’s not at all times about introducing utterly new approaches however showcasing how the marketing campaign creatively addressed challenges and adjusted methods. Candidates ought to emphasize these facets to face out.”
Christopher: “I really like entries that do one thing utterly completely different, are completely surprising, change the discourse on a subject or form the information in a big method. I feel the judges reward that type of ambition with greater scores.”
Tom: “Creativity trumps the large finances or the usage of a star. Creativity is the elusive trait that makes an awesome marketing campaign, and that begins together with your staff.”
Q5: What recommendation would you give to candidates to make their submissions stronger?
Richard: “To strengthen submissions, candidates ought to present particular particulars about their outcomes and revolutionary facets of their work. Avoiding business jargon and utilizing clear, concise language will assist judges perceive the marketing campaign’s affect and creativity extra successfully.”
Christopher: “Maintain it brief, easy and direct. Inform a compelling story. Do one thing superb.”
Tom: “It’s OK to brag. Be happy with your work.”
Edit and ideal till Might 10!
We hope the following tips from our judges will help you be extra well-equipped to refine your Bulldog PR Awards entry. Keep in mind, you’ve got till the ultimate deadline on Might 10, 2024, to revise your entry and win large in any of our 60+ classes!
Enter the Bulldog PR Awards right here.
Overview this 12 months’s 60+ classes right here.
Our Awards staff at your service
We’re trying ahead to serving to you shine a highlight in your superb work! For any questions in regards to the awards course of, please attain out to us at awards@bulldogreporter.com.
