Great news – the Best of Shop Local Augusta contest nominations are open, and a great opportunity to gain recognition, attract new customers, and showcase your business as one of Augusta’s best.
But to move on to the final ballot, you need as many Best of SLA contest nominations as possible before the deadline. The more people who support your business, the better your chances of winning a Best of Augusta business award.
Not sure what the Best of Shop Local Augusta contest is? Click here to read all about it
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Not sure where to start? Here are 5 simple steps to get more Best of SLA Contest nominations!
#1: Make It Easy for People to Nominate You
Many of your customers, friends, and followers want to support you—but they need clear instructions! Make it quick and effortless for them to submit a nomination.
✅ Share the direct link to your nomination page on social media, email, and your website.
✅ Tell them exactly where to find your business on the ballot (category, name, etc.).
✅ Remind them that it only takes a few seconds!
💡 Sample post to share on social media:
🚨 We need your help!
🚨 We’re honored to be nominated in the Best of Shop Local Augusta Contest for [Your Category]!
🏆 Nominate us now to help us move to the final ballot! It only takes a few seconds.
👉 [Insert Nomination Link]
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re in multiple categories, mention all of them!
#2: Use Social Media to Spread the Word
Your audience is on social media—so make sure they know about your Best of SLA contest nominations!
Post Regularly About Your Nomination
- Facebook & Instagram – Post an image that says “Nominate Us for Best of Shop Local Augusta!”
- Instagram Reels & Stories – Record a 15-second video thanking your customers and asking for support.
- Pinned Post on Your Profile – Keep your nomination reminder visible at the top of your page.
Create Eye-Catching Graphics
A bright, bold, shareable graphic increases engagement. Use Canva or another design tool to create:
✅ A “Nominate Us” post
✅ A countdown timer for “Only X Days Left to Nominate!”
✅ Customer testimonials about why they love your business
📌 Use Hashtags:
➡️ #BestOfShopLocalAugusta
➡️ #ShopLocalAugusta
➡️ #SupportLocalBusinesses
💡 Example Instagram Post:
“We’re so excited to be part of the Best of Shop Local Augusta! 🏆 Help us make it to the final round—nominate us today! 🙌 [Insert Nomination Link]”
#3: Email & Text Your VIP Customers
Your loyal customers and email subscribers already love your business. Give them a reason to take action!
🔹 Send an Email to Your List
Subject: Help Us Get to the Final Ballot!
📩 Email Template:
Hey [First Name],
Exciting news! We’ve been nominated in the Best of Shop Local Augusta Contest for [Your Category]! 🎉
This is a huge opportunity for us, and we’d love your support!
Can you take 30 seconds to nominate us? Just click the link below and submit your nomination before [Deadline].
👉 [Insert Nomination Link]
Thank you for being part of our journey! We appreciate you so much. 💙
[Your Business Name]
SMS/Text Message Reminders
Not everyone checks their email—so send a quick text!
📩 Example Text Message:
“Hey [Name]! We’re excited to be nominated for the Best of Shop Local Augusta Contest! 🏆 Nominate us here: [Insert Link] – It takes 30 seconds & we appreciate your support!”
📌 Pro Tip: Offer a small incentive for customers who show proof of their nomination—like a discount or a freebie!
#4: Get Your Team, Friends & Family Involved
Your biggest supporters—your staff, family, and friends—can help spread the word and increase your Best of SLA contest nominations!
✅ Ask your employees to share the nomination link on their personal social media.
✅ Encourage family & friends to send a quick text or email to their network.
✅ If you have a brick-and-mortar business, set up a Nomination Station and display a QR code at checkout so customers can scan and nominate you on the spot!
#5: Keep Reminding People Until the Deadline
Most people need multiple reminders before they take action. Don’t just post once—keep sharing!
Content Ideas for Ongoing Reminders:
✔️ Countdown reminders (“Only 3 days left to nominate us!”)
✔️ Customer testimonials (“Here’s why people love supporting us—nominate today!”)
✔️ Behind-the-scenes stories (“Winning would mean so much to our small business!”)
💡 Example Last-Minute Post:
🚨 Final Call! Today is the LAST day to submit your Best of SLA Contest nominations! ⏳ Help us make it to the final ballot—nominate us now! 👉 [Insert Nomination Link]
Final Thoughts: Rally Your Support & Secure Your Spot!
Getting nominated for the Best of Shop Local Augusta Contest is a huge opportunity to boost your business, gain local recognition, and attract new customers—but to move to the final ballot, you need your community’s support!
By making it easy to nominate, leveraging social media, email, and text reminders, and rallying your team and customers, you can significantly increase your chances of success. People WANT to support you—just give them a nudge!
