5 Ways to Attract and Manage Entrants in Awards & Competitions

Awards and competitions thrive when they attract a diverse pool of high-quality entrants. But attracting applicants and keeping them engaged can be challenging. Many drop off because of cost, confusion, or mistrust in the process. The good news? With the right strategies, you can both attract more award applicants and manage entrants effectively.

1. Make Your Program Visible and Valuable

If people don’t know about your program or don’t see the value they won’t apply.

Promote across multiple channels: social media, newsletters, industry partners.
Highlight the benefits of entering, such as recognition, career growth, or networking.
Share past winners’ stories to build credibility and inspire future entrants.

2. Simplify the Application Process

A complicated entry process discourages participation. Research shows 60% of online forms are abandoned because they’re too long or confusing (FormAssembly, 2022).

Ask only for essential information up front.
Provide clear instructions and FAQs.
Make sure the process is mobile-friendly, as many applicants will apply on the go.

3. Build Trust with Transparency

Applicants want to know the process is fair. Without trust, they won’t invest the time.

Clearly outline eligibility and judging criteria.
Share timelines so entrants know what to expect.
Consider anonymous reviews or multiple judges to increase confidence.

Did you know: The Awards Trust Mark Benchmark Report (2022) found that transparency and fairness are the top factors influencing whether entrants apply again.

4. Keep Entrants Engaged

Getting people to start is one thing, getting them to finish is another. Reminder emails and updates are proven to help: automated reminders can boost completion rates by up to 30% (Campaign Monitor, 2023).

Send deadline reminders.
Acknowledge milestones like starting or submitting an application.
Offer quick support for questions so small roadblocks don’t cause drop-offs.

5. Nurture Long-Term Relationships

The end of one awards cycle should be the start of the next.

Celebrate winners and highlight entrants publicly.
Provide feedback where possible, so participants gain value even if they don’t win.
Stay connected year-round with updates and success stories.

Final Thoughts

To attract more award applicants and manage entrants effectively, focus on visibility, simplicity, fairness, and ongoing engagement. By building trust and reducing friction, you’ll not only increase participation but also create a loyal community that returns year after year.

👉 You don’t have to do this alone; we’re here to help you run your program smoothly and successfully. Book a demo today.