Your company puts in the work day in and day out, and so do your employees. What better way to highlight that dedication than by earning one of the many prestigious corporate awards? But securing one isn’t as simple as picking a flashy title, submitting some basic details, and waiting for a plaque to arrive in the mail. As a results-driven award writer, I’ve uncovered the strongest narratives and crafted submissions that rise above the competition. Here are four rules to follow to ensure recognition.

1. Find your niche

Corporate awards come in all shapes and sizes, and some will be a much better fit for your company than others. The key is identifying the opportunities that align most closely with your industry, product, or service.

For example, The Channel Co. offers a wide range of awards geared toward companies specializing in AI, cybersecurity, ERP and CRM systems, and data management. While these niche awards might not be widely known to the general public, they carry significant weight within the industry, since many are judged by experts and insiders, making them highly credible and valuable for positioning your brand among peers and competitors.

Business and innovation awards can also offer big benefits, especially when it comes to reaching new stakeholders, partners, or customers beyond your core industry. Organizations like Inc. and Fast Company host annual awards that celebrate standout companies and leaders across a wide range of sectors. This doesn’t just include companies specializing in AI, enterprise software, healthcare, retail, or beyond. There are awards that celebrate leaders, outstanding startups, or established companies that have made a difference in their industry. Notable examples include the Inc. Best in Business Awards, Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and honors from the Business Intelligence Group.

2. Consider the questions

Before considering an award, or investing time in crafting a submission, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the application requirements. One area companies often overlook is the level of detail required around revenue and growth metrics.

While financial information is typically kept confidential and used solely for internal judging, it can still raise concerns, especially with CFOs or finance teams who are hesitant to disclose sensitive data, even in secure settings. Some award platforms offer a “Prefer Not to Disclose” option, but this isn’t always available. Alternatively, you can note in your application that the data is confidential and cannot be shared. Just be aware: doing so might impact your eligibility or hurt your chances of becoming a finalist.

Another common eligibility factor is product maturity. Many awards, particularly those focused on innovation or performance, look for offerings that have been on the market for 12 to 18 months. This gives judges a window to evaluate real-world impact, growth, and sustained success. If your product is newly launched, it may be harder to stand out against competitors with more established results.

Typical questions you might encounter in award applications include:

    • Describe a specific product, initiative, or innovation your company has achieved over the past 12 months.
    • Cite metrics that reflect the success of your innovation on your company, industry, and broader culture.
    • Explain how your company’s innovations are addressing larger societal or industry-specific challenges.

Keep in mind not all awards are free. They often come with a price tag, ranging from $250 to $995 per submission. And while a win is never guaranteed, the investment of time and money should be weighed carefully. Preparing a compelling, well-written entry can take 3–4 hours or more, especially for first-time applicants or teams unfamiliar with the submission process.

3. Look at past award winners

Before applying for an award, take the time to review past winners. This is one of the best ways to gauge the level of competition and understand which companies are being recognized.

Most award programs keep their categories consistent year over year, with the occasional addition to reflect new industry trends or innovations. As a result, many companies, including larger, well-established brands, apply annually and often dominate the finalist lists. Seeing big names among the winners can feel intimidating, but don’t let that discourage you.

Smaller or lesser-known companies can still shine — especially if they’re doing something truly innovative or have a compelling story to tell. Awards often recognize impact, creativity, and leadership, not just size or revenue. Understanding the types of companies and submissions that have previously won can help you better position your own application and determine whether a particular award is worth pursuing.

4. Create and maintain a Source of Truth

Award submissions can be time-consuming, especially when you’re tailoring nominations for different products, services, or individuals across multiple categories. To streamline the process, consider building a centralized, living document. This document should include:

    • Product and service descriptions
    • Key milestones and timelines
    • Impact metrics and performance data
    • Executive bios and company overviews

Since many awards ask variations of the same core questions, having pre-written responses and reusable content on hand can dramatically cut down drafting time. A well-maintained living document can turn a 3-4 hour process into a more efficient, plug-and-play experience.

Applying for corporate awards can be a powerful way to showcase your company’s achievements, boost credibility, and gain industry recognition, but only if you approach the process strategically. By setting realistic expectations and investing the time to do it right, you’ll not only increase your chances of winning, but you’ll also build a stronger, more compelling narrative around your brand. Ready to elevate your company, product or service above the competition? Let’s chat. Your next big win could be just one application away.