Forum Moderators: LifeinAsia
The reason I ask is I'm writing an article about Website design awards and I want to get the viewpoint of both business owners and Web designers re: the business value of awards.
I don't know that those sorts of awards carry much weight anymore. I guess it would depend whether the award was prestigious enough in the customer's eyes. I think a lot of the industry was flooded with bogus awards back in the day, and I've become a bit jaded about their value.
However as a marketing tool it can be very beneficial. Here is what I mean, in the copy I use on my web site and in print I say "Award Winning Internet Marketer" or "Award Winning Developer" without actually mentioning the award. Clients that see this are often impressed and will ask me about it, at that point I will tell them what the award was for.
Some people ask, some don't care. For those that do care it adds one more arrow in my sales quiver. For those that don't care it doesn't hurt. It really doesn't matter how prestigious the award in most cases as most clients really don't know what they are or really care. The fact that you "won" any award is impressive to those that do care. At least that has been my experience.
However as a marketing tool it can be very beneficial. Here is what I mean, in the copy I use on my web site and in print I say "Award Winning Internet Marketer" or "Award Winning Developer" without actually mentioning the award.
that's pretty much why those awards are totally useless, imho.
Almost every provider I know has one some award for "best performance" or "best customer service". It's mostly paid for, I guess. Now, if there was some organisation that would really pick those that are outstanding, it could be interesting. Seeing that most are just looking for "what's exactly average today?", it's more than boring for industry professionals and not very helpful to customers.
that's pretty much why those awards are totally useless, imho.
I can't disagree with the principle of what you are saying, but at the end of the day isn't all marketing about presenting a certain image to a prospect? For some buyers that is what these awards do; they convey a certain image. For other buyers they could probably care less or know you just bought the award and care even less. Like I said, for some people it will help for others it will have no effect. I can't think of a scenario where it would be a negative.
I can't disagree with the principle of what you are saying, but at the end of the day isn't all marketing about presenting a certain image to a prospect?
Absolutely. I'm just feeling ambivalent on the topic, because on the one hand, as a consumer, I don't like those paid awards, on the other hand, you have to do what makes your business run.
It was a sad day when one of my clients who is in PR told me how much a study with a very positive outcome from one of the major consumer rights foundations in my country costs.
Of course, that's the way it works, but I still have a little naive idealism somewhere and so I have a different opinion on that based on the time of day and the music that is playing ;)
That sort of thing does make one cynical. Thanks again to everyone for their responses - it's been quite interesting.
