How to get votes for an award is simpler than it sounds. The people who already like your programme are happy to back it, as long as you ask clearly and make it easy. My nan, for example, would vote for my programme ten times a day if the rules let her. They don’t. Sorry, Nan.
[Puts on campaign manager hat] Here are ten ways to win the public vote, based on how the Online Loyalty Awards work.
1. Start as soon as you’re approved
Votes count from the day your nomination is approved, not from a set date, so the earlier you start, the longer you have. Getting early votes also helps in a tie. If two entries end up level, the one that received its first vote earlier goes ahead. Check the key dates and add them to your calendar.
2. Share one link, everywhere
Every nominee gets its own voting page. That one link is all your supporters need. Put it in your email signature, newsletter, app, website and social posts, and keep using the same link so people recognise it. Think of it as your catchphrase, only less annoying.
3. Explain the confirmation email
Each vote is confirmed by email before it counts, which keeps the vote fair. Tell supporters to look out for the email and click the link in it, and to check their spam or promotions folder if it doesn’t arrive. A vote that isn’t confirmed doesn’t count, so a quick reminder here is worth its weight in gold stars.
4. Show off your badge of honour
Every nominee gets a badge of honour for its website, sent in the welcome email. It shows you’re a nominee in the Online Loyalty Awards and updates itself as the awards go on, from Nominee to Shortlisted, then Finalist or Winner. Anyone who clicks it lands on your voting page, so it quietly does the asking for you. Wear it with pride. Nan would.
5. Ask your members directly
Your members are your strongest supporters. A short, personal message works best. Say what you’ve been nominated for, why it matters to you, and include the link. One clear request beats a long explanation, and nobody ever complained that an email was too short.
6. Use the places customers already see you
- A sign or QR code by the till or on tables.
- A line on receipts or order confirmations.
- A message in your app or on your wallet card.
- A post on the social channels your customers follow.
7. Bring your team in
Staff talk to customers every day. Tell them about the nomination, give them the link, and let them mention it naturally. They can vote too, once per email address in each category, like everyone else. Yes, including Nan.
8. Ask partners and suppliers
Businesses you work with, from suppliers to the platform or agency behind your programme, are often glad to share your voting page with their own audiences.
9. Remind people at the right moments
Most votes come after a reminder. Good moments are the day you’re approved, shortlist day, and the last week before voting closes. On shortlist day, every nominee gets an email saying whether they’ve made the shortlist, with their voting page link to forward. Voting carries on for every entry, so there’s still time to climb into the top places.
10. Play fair
Ask as widely as you like, but keep it fair. You must not pay for votes, reward people for voting, or use automated, bulk or throwaway email addresses. Votes that break the rules can be removed, and entries can be disqualified. The rules have the details.
What not to worry about
Vote counts stay hidden while voting is open and are published with the results, so don’t be put off if you don’t know where you stand. Keep sharing until voting closes. Nan certainly will.
Haven’t entered yet? Read our tips on how to write an award entry, then nominate your programme. It’s free, and your customers decide.