Published by Sue Johns-Chapman
Published Date 13.03.2023 
Judge Credentials
For more than five years, I’ve worked in digital marketing, progressing from a junior SEO executive to an SEO and Content Strategist. I have made great progress since entering the field, achieving many wonderful things, and I have become an authority in it.
I recently joined two major industry educational publications as a co-author (Majestic SEO in 2022 and Blue Array Mastering In-House SEO, 3rd Edition), which gave me the opportunity to share my knowledge of content and app store optimisation.
Last but not least, I have been highlighted in articles, podcasts, and studies related to my passions for SEO, D&I, and encouraging people. I achieved this so well that I was named one of the Top 100 Content Marketing Influencers [2022] by SEMrush and one of the Top 22 Female Marketers to Watch in 2022 by Girls In Marketing.
Why Awards and Judging are Important?
For a few years now, I’ve had the honour of judging award shows in the business. I think that these awards are a great way to acknowledge exceptional work in the field, and I feel committed to do my part to make sure that only the most deserving applicants are recognised.
First and foremost, I think it’s critical to keep helping the sector and the people who put in so much effort to create outstanding results. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to generate results and impact in a crowded market as someone who has been in the business for a long time. I am able to contribute to highlighting the best and most innovative work in the field by serving as a judge for these awards, ideally encouraging others to pursue excellence in their own work.
I also chose to judge award shows because I have always found the experience to be so rewarding. Even though reviewing and rating each submission can take some time, I find the process to be incredibly interesting and rewarding. I always learn something new as I peruse through the entries because each one is different. It gives me great pleasure to be able to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the entrants because I am continually amazed by their creativity and ingenuity.
Tips for Entering the UK Digital Growth Awards
Based on my experience as a judge, I have a few suggestions for anyone thinking about entering. Priority one should be given to the calibre of the result. The quality of the work is always the most important consideration for judges, even though there are many other variables. To do this, one must give close attention to factors like thought process and overall impact. In addition to being technically solid, entries should also be interesting, educational, and memorable.
Paying attention to the specifics is another crucial piece of advice. Small mistakes or oversights can ruin even the best work, so entrants should be careful to make sure their submissions are refined. To ensure that everything in the work has worked as intended, meticulous testing and proofreading are required. Anyone working in the industry needs to have attention to detail, and entering awards shows is one situation where it is particularly crucial.
Finally, I would advise participants to highlight originality and invention. While it may be alluring to simply produce work that mirrors what others are doing and follows trends, this will not help a submission stand out from the competition. The most lucrative entries are those that take chances, attempt novel approaches, and push the boundaries of what is practical for the sector. Entrants should make an effort to create work that is genuinely original and that highlights their individual skills and strengths.
