As we move into 2009, most marketing communications and interactive agencies are gearing up for Web Award submissions for their clients. Typically, most agencies will submit at least 5 of their top web sites for consideration. The process is complimentary by the agency and leads to brand building for the client.
If you are not connected to an agency and developed your web site or web initiative internally, you can submit your web site or online initiative to a number of well-known award organizations. Moreover, most of the award organizations will promote winners through press releases and other web channels resulting in high visibility for the winning organization. Here are my top picks for consideration:
The Best Designs – The Best Designs (TBD) recognizes the best Flash and CSS web sites from around the world. Websites are categorized by CSS or Flash and also by elements of the design. TBD is usually updated every weekday, with the exception of holidays. Cost: Free
Video Festival Award – The U. S. International Film And Video Festival was founded in 1967 and is one of the world's leading international events exclusively to recognition of outstanding Business, Television, Documentary, Educational, Entertainment, Industrial and Informational productions. There is an interactive division if your project is a mix of film video on your web site. Cost: $200-$300 (based on length)
The FWA – Favorite Website Awards (FWA) is an industry recognized award program and inspirational portal based in England and is one of the World’s leading web site recognitions. FWA is widely recognized as the number 1 achievement for innovative web design through the Site of the Year Award. Cost: 34.50 GBP (Great Britain Pounds) per site
SEOmoz Web 2.0 – Founded in 2006, SEOMoz awards web sites that focus on user empowerment, open-source applications and emerging web technologies. Cost: Free (Accepting nominations for 2009)
SXSW – SXSW Web Awards uncover the best new web sites and celebrate those who are building and implementing tomorrow's online trends. Cost: $25 per site
The Webby Awards – Reflecting the tremendous growth of the Internet as a tool for business and everyday lives, the Annual Webby Awards continues to expand the mission of the Webby by honoring excellence in over 100+ Web Sites, Interactive Advertising, Online Film & Video, and Mobile Web categories. Cost: Web/Mobile: $295, Advertising: $295-$495, Online Film and Video: $225
WebAwards – Web Marketing Association’s WebAwards is the premier annual web site award competition that names the best web sites in 96 industries while setting the standard of excellence for all web site development. Cost: $195 per site (discount available for non-profits)
With varying degrees of pricing and diverse categories, anyone can afford to submit a web site or online initiative for an award.
Best,
Denice MacDonald