Tips on Winning Web Awards

There are lots of award programs out there for webmasters who would like a little recognition for their hard work. Whether you'd like to win one of our awards, or are just looking for some guidance, hopefully the tips below will help you in the journey to achieving a beautiful, well-functioning website!

First of all, why do you what to win awards?

If you just want a cool-looking award to show off , there are many "give away" awards programs that hand out awards without requiring applicants to meet any specified criteria. Often, they don't check to see if your site is even family friendly and, often, their sites aren't family-friendly, either! In many cases, they don't offer useful tips or tools.

If you’re serious about improving your website, then you'll want to apply for serious awards. They're more difficult to win than the "give away" awards, but with a bit of diligence on your part you can succeed! Winning these type of awards will really mean something and will give you a feeling of accomplishment. Also, you'll have learned something new in that never-ending quest to be a better webmaster!

Is your site ready to be evaluated?

Take the time to review all of your pages thoroughly! I know that this is easier said than done because, in most cases, you've spent weeks - even months - on your website! It's a part of you and is a reflection of your heart & soul. But, do your best to be objective. Take a look at your pages in multiple browsers and on different platforms, if possible. Have several friends take a look at your site. REMEMBER - just because your website looks good on your browser, it isn't necessarily going to look the same way on other people's browsers. It never hurts to double-check your pages - and have others check them, as well! If you have a validation tool, check your pages to ensure that the coding is compliant. If you are still learning about compliancy & W3C standards, keep up the good work - it's a good goal to strive for!

Read the criteria of the award before you apply.

I know you've heard this time and time again but we really do mean it: READ THE CRITERIA ! Most all serious awards program owners have expended a great deal of time in compiling a comprehensive list of things (we refer to as Criteria) that they feel is important in earning one of their awards. The criteria is designed to help you become a better webmaster and to assist you in developing a pleasant, well-functioning website. Most serious Awards Program owners and evaluators have experience in web development, programming and/or graphic arts. And, many of them started out as award-seekers - just like you! So, please take the criteria to heart - it is only meant to help you!

Thank the evaluator for your award.

Besides being a courteous thing to do, thanking your evaluators is a mark of respect for the time it takes to evaluate your site. Remember, evaluators don't charge you for their service - they give of themselves freely to help you improve your website. Most evaluators have a sincere desire to help others - that's why they participate in these types of programs! And, it's very encouraging for them to know that they've helped someone improve and that their time is appreciated.

Don't be disappointed.

If you don't initially win an award, please don't feel that you're not a talented webmaster or that your site isn't worthy. Again, our program isn't a "give-away" and you may have to work a bit harder in order to achieve an award. Just the fact that you've got the ambition and talent to put a website together is an accomplishment in itself! And, yes, it takes courage to apply for an award! You bet it does! Your website is very dear and personal to you and it isn't easy to have others "judge" it. But, I assure you, we've all been there ourselves. The VSDA Evaluators have been carefully selected based on their technical skills, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, based on their ability to give positive and encouraging feedback. So, if you don't win an award the first time around, take a look at the feedback and TRY AGAIN. If you have any questions about the feedback, you're always welcome to Contact Us.