Don’t miss your chance to claim the highest honor in search marketing. Let’s uncover what it takes to stand out among the best.
Since I started following the Search Engine Land Awards back in 2015, I’ve watched them recognize exceptional marketers for their outstanding work. The awards not only highlight achievements but also offer winners well-deserved exposure through coverage and interviews, celebrating them with the highest honor in search.
I’ve learned there’s no magic formula for a winning entry, but certain elements make an application truly exceptional. The best submissions tell a compelling story, provide context, showcase strategic thinking, and clearly communicate the significance of the work done.
Want some insider tips from the 2026 judges? I’ve gathered insights from them to help you craft a strong and captivating submission. From common pitfalls to avoid to the standout qualities they seek, these expert insights will guide you in building a compelling entry.
Keep reading for fresh insights from this year’s judges. (Check out the complete list of 2026 judges here!)
“A great entry is a story with a goal, an action, and a measurable outcome. Tell that story effectively, and include a deck illustrating your accomplishments.”
– Amy Hebdon, Founder, Paid Search Magic
“Explain your tactics. Go beyond mentioning ‘best practices.’ Describe how your unique processes led to success. Show your insights and creative problem-solving—this helps your entry shine and showcases your company’s edge.”
– Brad Geddes, Co-Founder, Adalysis
“I look for SAY, which stands for: Situation, Action, and Yield. Provide a clear example of the situation, the actions you took, and the measurable yield achieved over time.”
And there you have it! Submit your entry today to be considered by this year’s esteemed judges. Don’t wait, as Early Bird rates expire July 10!
In today’s SEO landscape, it’s about creating content that captivates, builds trust, and converts. I’ve discovered storytelling plays a crucial role in this process.
By incorporating storytelling effectively, I can enhance engagement, improve relevance, and transform traffic into actionable results. Here are seven storytelling techniques I’ve found invaluable for my business blogs.
7 Storytelling Techniques for Boosting Engagement and Conversions
I use these strategies to craft my content’s flow, from the initial hook to the compelling call to action at the end.
1. Hook the Reader
T.S. Eliot wisely said, “If you start with a bang, you won’t end with a whimper.” In my blogging, beginning with an engaging entry point keeps readers invested. For B2B or B2C blogs, it’s crucial to hook the reader effectively.
Here are techniques I use to captivate my audience right away:
Challenge a belief: Start by questioning established norms.
Weave a narrative: A story doesn’t need to start with “Once upon a time.”
Cite a statistic: Numbers, like “Google owns 89.9% of the search market,” can be compelling.
Make a promise: Offer enticing outcomes, such as blogs that drive traffic and conversions.
Empathize: Understand and relate to the reader’s struggles to draw them in.
Quote: Use a powerful quote that aligns with your message.
Combining these methods has helped me set the stage effectively. A reader’s issue paired with a success story often lends itself well to both B2B and B2C blogging.
2. Make Promises and Deliver on Them
I love stories with foreshadowing that hint at what’s to come. In my blogs, I use phrases like “You will learn…” to tantalize and keep interest alive.
This strategy also strengthens SEO. When I introduce keywords with promises about the content, it often boosts my click-through rate, as Google sometimes uses these excerpts.
Getting potential customers to visualize using my products is key. Instead of heavy-handed sales pitches, I rely on vivid storytelling to illustrate problems and solutions, guiding them through their buying journey.
6. Consider a Three-Act Structure
Jessica Brody says Act 2 contrasts Act 1. I introduce an approach, reveal its flaws, and provide a viable solution, crafting a compelling narrative that leads to success stories.
In the drafting process, I’m all about getting the ideas down. Editing refines that initial mess into a narrative that resonates deeply with my audience, choosing the perfect hooks and calls to action.
These techniques have not only polished my storytelling but also significantly boosted reader engagement and business conversions.
Content Quality Shows Its Worth in Performance
I’ve observed that quality content makes a difference in performance metrics. As I experiment with storytelling, I closely track these key performance indicators:
Organic traffic
Keyword rankings
Click-through rate (CTR)
Time on page
Conversions
Google Search Console and Google Analytics are invaluable tools that provide data to evaluate my efforts. With continuous improvement, I not only craft better stories but also drive tangible business results.
