Deadline looms for swimming pool and spa awards: get started now

By Daena Bougoure-Latchford

Is your business doing great things? If that’s a big yes, then you deserve to be recognised.

The Pool & Spa Awards of Excellence always seem to roll around far too quickly and every year is a frantic dash to the finish line with businesses scrambling for photographers and attempting to find their inner creative flair so their nominations stand out from the crowd.

In the final days, a nomination is uploaded every minute. We’ve launched a new platform to keep up with the madness and growth of this wonderful program that underpins many of our platforms including magazines, media and the gala events that bring industry together.

Competitive edge and building trust

Getting involved in your industry awards program should never be underestimated. In fact, it should form part of your annual marketing strategy. Awards shine a spotlight on your business and showcase that you’re the real deal. They can also help to build your reputation in the market, giving you a competitive edge and build trust in your products and services.

Even more importantly, they deliver powerful third party endorsement giving credibility to your business. It’s a bit like staring at a wall of wine in Dan Murphy’s. It can be a little overwhelming making the right choice or maybe you’re just time poor or don’t have the inclination to ask for advice. Don’t you find you reach for the brands that stand out with visible endorsements?

In the daily chaos of running a business, it's also a great opportunity to reflect on your business strategy and clarify your goals for the future. We often don't make (or have) the time to look back as we're too focused on the daily grind. Businesses that go through the awards process find that reflection can be insightful, helping to set marketing and project plans for the future.

Easy tips

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed with creating award-worthy submissions, here are some tips:

·         Engage a marketing professional or someone with creative flair to help with your nominations. It will save you time and will ensure your content is on point!

·         Ensure you've got good quality images that illustrate your story. Even better, take it to the next level and include videography. This will provide scale, detail, and enable judges to experience your project through an immersive lens.

·         Include testimonials - they are an impactful way to humanise your brand, product or service with authentic perspectives that build trust and credibility.

·         Get an industry peer or colleague to proof-read your submission to ensure its on-brand and addresses the question points. You're competing against other businesses so it's important to take the time to make sure your entry stands out for all the right reasons.

·         Don't overthink it: there is a category for everyone! Plus, there's a feel-good factor in being part of something that celebrates success.

Nominations for 2024 close on Wednesday March 27th at 11:59pm.

To get your submissions started or to reach out for more information email daena@spasa.com.au or call 0452 366 856.

Caption: Aquify Pools onstage at the Sofitel Sydney collecting their 2023 National Business of the Year Award. This year the National Awards Gala will held at SPLASH! on the Gold Coast.