Reasons to enter hair & beauty awards
Rising Star Award, Best Bridal Hairdresser, Barber of the Year… think your business or staff member has got what it takes to be an award winner?
Entering industry awards and competitions is more than an ego-boost. If you win - or even if you’re shortlisted - it gives your business extra exposure and can help you attract new clients. It’s also a boost to staff morale as you can all celebrate your success!
While some competitions charge an entry fee, there are many that are free to enter including the HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards and the British Beauty Awards. So, just how do you go from dreaming of trophies to taking the top spot?
Be smart about which awards or competitions you enter
Spend time thinking about what your business’s strengths are. This could be anything from your treatments to the customer service you offer.
When you’ve got this nailed down look for relevant categories, for example Best Afro Hair Salon or Boutique Beauty Salon. If you want to nominate individual employees there are lots of awards to apply for including, Best Therapist or Nail Professional of the Year.
“When it comes to business awards and competitions, there’s no room for modesty!”
Spend time writing your entry form
As a salon or barbershop owner, you’ve got lots of demands on your time. Yet, to be in with a chance of winning an award or competition you will need to spend a few hours (or more!) writing your entry.
Read each question thoroughly to make sure your answer relates to what is being asked. A good tip is to read out the entry form to a colleague and ask them to write down each piece of information that is required. That way you won’t miss anything!
It’s also worth asking your team to read through your entry form to sense check it and highlight anything you might have forgotten. Finally, before you submit your entry, get someone with good literacy skills to proofread it for any typos.
Why should you win?
When it comes to business awards and competitions, there’s no room for modesty! Instead, you need to be very clear about what makes your business or employee stand out from the crowd and why you believe you should win.
You will need to add evidence in your entry pack. This could be anything from local press coverage of your salon or other awards you’ve won in the past.
Peter Mellon and the team at Medusa winning Salon Group of the Year at the Fellowship of British Hairdressers Luncheon
Talk to your clients
Do some market research and ask your clients what they like most about your salon or barbershop. Not only is this prep for your entry form, but it also gives you client testimonials.
These testimonials are a great way of boosting your entry and making you stand out to the judges. Always make sure you ask your clients if they are happy for their comments to be used.
Keep on top of social
Unless it’s a competition where you physically have to compete against other contestants in an event, the chances are the judges will assess your salon through your social media accounts.
For example, one prominent award shortlists entrants based on the number of customer reviews and star ratings on your website, Facebook or Instagram channels. So, make sure you are active on social media, chatting to your clients and always encourage them to post reviews after their treatment.
Honesty is always the best policy
When putting together an awards entry it can be easy to get a little carried away. Stick to the facts and send evidence of everything you’ve included in your application form.
Good luck!
Share your tips
What are your tips for entering - and winning! - industry awards and competitions. Join the chat on our Facebook page @SalonServicesUK.
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