The role of awards and sponsorships in boosting credibility for automotive brands

In a fiercely competitive market, awards and sponsorships can play a vital role for automotive brands by giving them greater standing over competitors. 

There’s a number of good reasons for this, and our latest blog explores the benefits of including awards and sponsorships in an overall marketing strategy. 

Awards build credibility 

Apart from the sheer sense of accomplishment, there are many other reasons to enter an award. 

Winning an award puts an organisation in the spotlight for all the right reasons, helping to raise brand awareness among consumers, possible investors and alike. 

Having the third-party endorsement of securing a prestigious accolade, also provides plenty of PR opportunities. 

Even before the award ceremony, if your organisation has been successfully shortlisted then this should provide an opportunity to highlight it across various communication channels, including press releases and social media, like LinkedIn. 

During the award ceremony, you can keep your audience engaged with live social posts, and even if you don’t win, then it’s still a great opportunity to be seen among respected peers. 

Winning presents golden opportunities 

Of course, the aim of entering an award is to win it. Those who do so are then presented with some fantastic PR openings. 

Apart from boosting your organisation as a leader among your competitors, it provides the chance to announce the win in a press statement, plus promotion through other assets, such as logos and banners for your website and email footer. 

Being recognised as the best will also help increase staff morale, while opening doors for speaker and networking opportunities. 

An award win could even attract new talent or funding for your business, helping with your business growth target. 

Proven award results 

The importance of award wins is a central PR and marketing strategy for some successful businesses. 

For instance, Red Marlin has been a key partner with the UK’s largest mobile vehicle repair company, Revive!, by identifying and submitting applications to key local business award initiatives as part of a PR programme to publicise the work of its franchisees, while promoting employee engagement. 

The results saw an 80% award shortlist or win success rate, with more than 75 media cuttings and over 150 brand mentions, with franchisees reporting a significant uptick in inbound enquiries and bookings. 

Sponsorship offers numerous benefits 

The role of sponsorship is another opportunity that automotive brands can harness to increase credibility. 

If sponsoring an award, for example, this provides clear brand visibility in front of peers (including competitors) and the chance to showcase an organisation and/or product where messaging can be controlled. 

Furthermore, it can provide networking opportunities, generate positive PR through media announcements, while also building relationships with organisers and those attending the event. 

Sponsorship can also help publicly solidify brand partnerships and associations that position your company, setting the brand identity and tone of voice. 

Do you need help with awards or sponsorship? 

If you are looking to enter an award or considering sponsorship opportunities but don’t know where to start, then it could be time to seek advice from an experienced PR partner. 

To find out more about our award and sponsorship work, and for a no obligation chat, please get in touch.