Submitting a digital award entry is your chance to showcase the incredible work your team has delivered. But competition is fierce, and judges look for more than just great results—they want compelling stories, measurable impact, and perfectly crafted submissions.

To help you stand out, we’ve compiled the ultimate checklist for digital awards submissions, drawing inspiration from the judges and entries into Don’t Panic Awards. Follow these steps to ensure nothing is overlooked and you maximise your scoring potential!

Understand the Award Criteria

To craft a winning submission, start by understanding the award’s guidelines:

• Choose the Right Category: Ensure your work aligns perfectly with the category’s description.
• Judging Criteria: Focus on creativity, innovation, measurable results, and impact.
• Submission Rules: Note word counts, file formats, and deadlines to avoid disqualification.

💡 Tip: Judges appreciate submissions that adhere strictly to the criteria for scoring purposes.

Highlight Campaign Objectives and Strategy

Outline your campaign’s goals and execution strategy clearly:

• Objectives: Define the problem you addressed and the goals you aimed to achieve.
• Audience Insights: Who was your target audience, and what did you learn about them?
• Strategic Execution: How did your approach drive results and differentiate your campaign?

📖 Craft a story that weaves these elements together seamlessly.

Showcase Creativity and Innovation

Judges love campaigns that break new ground:

• Unique Concepts: Highlight the fresh, original ideas behind your campaign.
• Innovative Tools: Mention any new technologies, platforms, or creative formats used.

📸 Include high-quality visuals or video links to make your creativity pop.

Prove Impact with Data-Driven Results

Submissions backed by solid data always stand out:

• Key Performance Metrics: Include engagement rates, conversions, ROI, and more.
• Comparative Analysis: Show clear before-and-after results.
• Testimonials: Add quotes from clients or stakeholders to validate your success.

📊 Data visualisation—like charts or graphs—can enhance readability and impact.

Create a Concise and Engaging Submission

Make your entry easy to digest:

• Logical Structure: Use sections like Objectives, Strategy, Execution, and Results.
• Engaging Tone: Write in a way that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.
• Accessible Language: Avoid industry jargon; clarity is key.

✍️ Break up long paragraphs with headings and bullet points to boost readability.

Meet All Submission Requirements

Double-check every detail to ensure compliance:

• Word Limits: Stay concise but complete in your descriptions.
• File Formats: Submit attachments in accepted formats (e.g., PDFs, MP4s).
• Deadlines: Aim to submit early to avoid technical issues.

🚨 Save confirmation emails or receipts to verify your submission went through.

Add Supporting Materials Strategically

Enhance your entry with:

• Case Studies: Provide an in-depth look at your campaign’s journey.
• Videos: Use short, dynamic clips to capture your campaign in action.
• Visual Assets: Include high-quality images, infographics, or campaign designs.

📂 Only include materials that directly support your narrative.

Proofread and Edit for Perfection

Avoid careless errors that could cost you points:

• Grammar and Spelling and Numbers: Review thoroughly for mistakes.
• Formatting Consistency: Ensure fonts, branding, and tone align throughout.
• Test Links: Verify that all links and media files function properly.

👀 Ask a colleague to review for a fresh perspective.

Submit Early and Confirm Submission

Avoid the stress of last-minute issues:

• Upload Early: Submit your entry at least a few days before the deadline.
• Confirm Submission: Ensure you receive confirmation from the awards platform.

📞 Contact the awards team if you encounter need any help.

Celebrate Your Hard Work!

Submitting a digital award entry is no small feat. Acknowledge the effort, creativity, and teamwork that went into both your campaign and your submission process.

Ready to Win with Don’t Panic Awards?

Following this checklist will give your submission a chance to stand out at judging. Whether it’s for the Don’t Panic Awards or another competition, a clear, concise, and compelling entry is your key to success.

To explore upcoming awards click here.