We’ve all seen the scramble. A local “Best Of” competition is announced, and suddenly, every business in town is in a frantic dash to post on Facebook, begging for nominations. They sprint for a couple months, maybe they win, maybe they don’t. If they do win, they post a celebratory photo, put the plaque on the wall behind the reception desk, and go back to business as usual.That approach leaves massive opportunity on the table.
Treating these community competitions as a one-off event is a mistake. Instead, smart business owners view "Best Of" contests as a comprehensive marketing ecosystem. It is a months-long opportunity to engage your customer base, build intense loyalty, and gather social proof that fuels your sales team for the rest of the year.
When you reframe the competition as a long-term credibility tool rather than just a popularity contest, the ROI changes completely. It becomes a vehicle for brand awareness that works for you long after the voting closes.
Key Takeaways
- Think cyclically: A "Best Of" strategy requires a 3-to-6-month timeline, not just a few weeks of promotion.
- Participation is content: Every phase—nominations, voting, and results—provides fresh content for your marketing channels.
- The badge is a tool: Winning isn't the finish line; it's the start of using that credibility in your sales process.
- Finalists win too: You don't need the first-place trophy to leverage the "Top 3" status for brand trust.
Think in Campaign Phases, Not Calendar Dates
To maximize your results, you need to stop thinking about dates on a calendar and start thinking about campaign lifecycles. A successful "Best Of" strategy spans three to six months, plus the remainder of the year, leveraging the results.
Planning ahead changes your outcomes. If you wait until the ballot opens to create your graphics, you are already behind. By mapping out a strategy that includes early promotion, you prime your audience to act the moment the polls open.
Phase One: Nominations (Awareness & Momentum)
The nomination phase is often the most critical, yet overlooked, part of the process. You can't win if you aren't on the ballot. But beyond logistics, this phase is about identifying your true advocates.
Turning Customers into Advocates
This is the time to activate your loyal base. Asking for a nomination is a lower barrier to entry than asking for a sale, but it reinforces the customer's positive opinion of you. When a customer takes the time to nominate you, they are mentally re-committing to your brand.
Where to Promote Nominations
You need to be everywhere your customers are.
- Website & In-Store: Use pop-ups or banners on your homepage. If you have a physical location, QR codes at the register are highly effective.
- Email Newsletters: Send a dedicated eblast explaining how much the nomination means to your team.
- Social Media: Don't just post once. Create a series of posts highlighting why you deserve the nomination.
- Radio & Digital Ads: Broad awareness campaigns help catch the people who love your business but might not follow your Facebook page.
Phase Two: Voting (Engagement & Visibility)
Once you make the ballot, the noise level increases. This is the most competitive phase, and relying on organic reach alone is rarely enough. Success here depends on visibility and repetition.
Multi-Channel Promotion Strategies
Your audience needs to be reminded. We are all busy, and while your customers might intend to vote, they often forget.
- Social Posts & Stories: Use interactive stickers and direct links. Boost your best-performing content to ensure it reaches beyond your current followers.
- Radio Reminders: Live reads by local personalities can add a layer of endorsement and urgency that social media lacks.
- On-Ballot Advertising: This is a secret weapon that isn’t so secret. Placing an ad directly on the voting ballot puts your brand top-of-mind exactly when the user is making a decision.
Phase Three: Winning (Credibility & Trust)
Congratulations, you won! Now, the real work begins. The win matters far beyond the initial announcement—it is a permanent trust signal.
How to Capitalize on the Moment
Don't be shy. Shout it from the digital rooftops. Send a "Thank You" email to your list (which also serves as a subtle reminder that you are the best in town). Update your website hero image.
Crucially, stop viewing the win as a trophy. It is social proof. When a potential customer is choosing between you and a competitor, that "Best Of" win tips the scales. It tells them the community has already vetted you, lowering their risk of making a bad purchase decision.
What If You Don’t Win?
Here’s the truth: being a finalist is still a massive marketing asset. If you make the top three or five, you are still "One of the Best."
You can leverage "Finalist" status just as effectively as a win to build credibility. It proves you are a top-tier player in your market. Maintain your engagement with the audience by thanking them for getting you there. It keeps the door open for next year and keeps your brand in the conversation.
Turning a “Best Of” Win Into a Year-Round Asset
The contest shouldn't end when the banner comes down. That "Winner" or "Finalist" logo should become a permanent fixture in your visual identity for the next 12 months.
Where to Use the Badge
- Email Signatures: Every email your staff sends is a subtle reminder of your status.
- Sales Materials: Put the logo on quotes, invoices, and pitch decks.
- Paid Advertising: Ads featuring a "Best Of" badge generally see higher click-through rates because they establish instant trust.
- Bio Mentions: Update your Instagram and LinkedIn bios to include "Voted Best [Industry] 2026."
Use this recognition to support future launches. If you are releasing a new product six months later, lead with, "From the team voted Best in City..."
Why Advertising During the Competition Matters
Some businesses hesitate to spend money on advertising during a contest, hoping organic reach is enough. However, advertising amplifies visibility at every stage.
Bundled advertising packages offered by the media company running the contest often provide greater reach and consistent messaging. Advertisers who utilize these packages typically see a higher likelihood of nominations and votes simply because they are easier to find.
Beyond the contest, these advertisers often see a stronger ROI than with standalone ads because the context of the ad—placed within a community-focused competition—is inherently positive and engaging.
From Contest to Continuous Strategy
"Best Of" competitions work best when they are treated like a full marketing campaign, not a fleeting moment. By planning ahead, engaging your audience through every phase, and leveraging the result year-round, you turn a local contest into a powerful engine for business growth.
Don't just run for the title. Run for the lasting impact on your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I start planning my "Best Of" campaign?
A: Ideally, you should start planning 4-6 weeks before the nomination phase begins. This gives you time to prepare graphics, draft emails, and brief your staff so everyone is ready to go on day one.
Q: Is it worth paying for advertising packages during the contest?
A: Yes. The voting phase is noisy, and organic social media reach is often limited. Paid packages (especially on-ballot ads) ensure you are visible exactly where the voters are, significantly increasing your chances of winning.
Q: How do I motivate my staff to help get votes?
A: Make it a team effort! Explain that a win helps everyone by bringing in more business. You can even run an internal contest—offer a prize to the employee who secures the most verified nominations or simply throw a team party if the business makes it to the finals.