How to Create an Award-Winning Website

September 5, 2023

19 minutes read

How to create an award winning website – Ever dreamed of your website taking home a prestigious award? It’s not just about luck – it’s about crafting an online experience that captivates, engages, and leaves a lasting impression. From understanding the judging criteria to crafting a user-centric design, this guide unveils the secrets to building a website that stands out from the crowd.

We’ll delve into the core elements that make a website truly award-worthy, exploring everything from user experience and visual aesthetics to website functionality and marketing strategies. Get ready to unlock the potential of your website and transform it into a digital masterpiece.

Table of Contents

Understanding Award-Winning Website Criteria

An award-winning website is not just about aesthetics or fancy features; it’s about achieving a perfect balance between functionality, design, and user experience. Winning websites are judged on their ability to seamlessly integrate these elements to create a truly impactful and memorable online experience.

Creating an award-winning website is all about user experience, clean design, and relevant content. It’s also about staying on top of current events, like the news that a Trump lawyer told the Justice Department that classified material had been returned , which could influence your website’s content strategy.

By staying informed and engaging your audience with fresh, relevant information, you can build a website that stands out from the crowd and earns recognition.

User Experience

The user experience (UX) is paramount. Award-winning websites prioritize the user journey, making it intuitive, engaging, and enjoyable. This involves:

Ease of navigation:Users should be able to find what they need quickly and effortlessly. A clear sitemap, logical menu structure, and consistent navigation are crucial.
Intuitive design:The website’s layout and design should be visually appealing and easy to understand. This includes using clear typography, appropriate imagery, and a consistent visual hierarchy.
Accessibility:Award-winning websites are designed for everyone, regardless of their abilities. This includes features like alt text for images, screen reader compatibility, and keyboard navigation.
Responsiveness:Websites should adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes, ensuring a smooth experience across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.

Design Aesthetics

Award-winning websites are visually stunning and captivating. They use a combination of design principles to create a cohesive and memorable experience.

Visual Hierarchy:A clear visual hierarchy guides the user’s attention, leading them through the website in a logical and engaging manner. This is achieved through the use of size, color, and typography.
Color Palette:The color palette should be carefully chosen to reflect the brand identity and evoke the desired emotions. It should be consistent throughout the website and complement the content.
Typography:The choice of fonts is crucial for readability and visual appeal. Award-winning websites use a limited number of fonts, ensuring consistency and a clean aesthetic.
Imagery:High-quality, relevant images and videos enhance the user experience and convey the brand’s message effectively. They should be strategically placed and complement the overall design.

Functionality

Award-winning websites are more than just visually appealing; they are highly functional and user-friendly. They provide a seamless and efficient experience for users, allowing them to complete their desired tasks easily.

Speed and Performance:Websites should load quickly and efficiently, minimizing wait times and ensuring a smooth user experience. This involves optimizing images, minimizing code, and using a reliable hosting provider.
Security:Award-winning websites prioritize user data security, implementing measures like SSL certificates and secure payment gateways to protect sensitive information.
Forms and Interactions:Forms and interactive elements should be user-friendly and intuitive. This includes clear instructions, error handling, and progress indicators to guide users through the process.
Content Management System (CMS):A robust CMS enables website owners to easily manage and update their content, ensuring the website remains fresh and relevant.

Technical Excellence

Beyond the user-facing aspects, award-winning websites excel in technical aspects. They are built with clean, well-structured code, following industry best practices for accessibility, performance, and security.

Code Quality:Clean, well-documented code is essential for maintainability, scalability, and performance. It follows industry standards and best practices, ensuring a solid foundation for the website.
Accessibility Compliance:Award-winning websites are built with accessibility in mind, adhering to guidelines like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to ensure inclusivity for all users.
Performance Optimization:Websites are optimized for speed and efficiency, using techniques like image optimization, code minification, and caching to improve loading times and user experience.
Security Measures:Award-winning websites prioritize user data security, implementing measures like SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular security updates to protect against vulnerabilities and cyberattacks.

Examples of Award-Winning Websites

Airbnb:This website won the Webby Award for Best Travel Website in 2021. Its intuitive search functionality, high-quality photography, and user-friendly interface make it a standout example of excellent UX.
Apple:Apple’s website is known for its minimalist design, clean typography, and seamless integration of product information. It consistently ranks high in website design awards, demonstrating the power of simplicity and functionality.
Mailchimp:This website, which provides email marketing services, is recognized for its playful design, clear navigation, and engaging content. It uses humor and personality to create a memorable user experience.

Defining Your Target Audience and Goals

Building a website that wins awards requires a deep understanding of your audience and the goals you aim to achieve. Without a clear target and objective, your website will lack direction and purpose, making it difficult to stand out from the competition.A well-defined target audience and specific goals provide a roadmap for every aspect of your website, from design and content to functionality and user experience.

Identifying Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial for creating a website that resonates with them. Here’s how to identify your target audience:

Demographic information:This includes age, gender, location, income, education, occupation, and marital status.
Psychographic information:This encompasses their interests, values, beliefs, lifestyles, and personality traits.
Behavioral information:This refers to their online behavior, such as websites they visit, products they purchase, and content they engage with.

For example, if you’re creating a website for a fitness app, your target audience might be young adults (age 18-35) who are health-conscious, active, and tech-savvy. They might be interested in fitness trends, healthy recipes, and workout routines. Understanding their interests and preferences will help you create content that appeals to them.

Defining Your Website Goals

Once you’ve identified your target audience, you need to define clear and measurable goals for your website.

Common website goals include:

Increasing brand awareness:This can be achieved through engaging content, social media integration, and search engine optimization ().
Generating leads:This can be achieved through lead capture forms, email marketing, and content marketing.
Driving sales:This can be achieved through a user-friendly e-commerce platform, compelling product descriptions, and secure payment gateways.
Improving customer service:This can be achieved through a comprehensive FAQ section, live chat support, and contact forms.

For example, if your goal is to generate leads for your fitness app, you might create a landing page that offers a free trial or a discount on the first month of membership. This will encourage visitors to provide their contact information and become potential customers.

By aligning your website content and design with your target audience and goals, you can create a website that is both effective and engaging. This will increase your chances of winning awards and achieving your business objectives.

Planning and Content Strategy

Crafting a winning website starts with a well-defined content strategy. This strategy acts as your roadmap, guiding you in creating content that resonates with your audience and achieves your goals. It’s not just about writing words; it’s about understanding your audience, their needs, and how your content can fulfill them.

Creating a Content Strategy

A comprehensive content strategy is a blueprint for your website’s content. It defines the type of content you’ll create, its purpose, and how it will be delivered. The process involves:

Identifying Your Target Audience:This step involves understanding your audience’s demographics, interests, needs, and pain points. You can use market research, analytics, and surveys to gather this information.
Defining Your Goals:What do you want to achieve with your website? Do you aim to increase brand awareness, generate leads, drive sales, or educate your audience? Clearly defined goals will shape your content strategy.
Choosing Content Formats:Different content formats cater to different needs. You can choose from articles, blog posts, infographics, videos, podcasts, webinars, and more. The choice depends on your target audience and goals.
Developing a Content Calendar:A content calendar helps you plan and schedule your content creation process. It ensures consistent content delivery and helps you track your progress.
Promoting Your Content:Once you’ve created your content, you need to promote it to reach your target audience. This involves using social media, email marketing, search engine optimization (), and other channels.

Creating High-Quality Content

High-quality content is the backbone of a successful website. It provides value to users, builds trust, and enhances your website’s credibility.

Relevance:Your content should be relevant to your target audience’s interests and needs. It should address their questions, provide solutions to their problems, or offer valuable insights.
Accuracy:Ensure your content is accurate and up-to-date. Inaccurate or outdated information can damage your website’s reputation.
Engaging:Content should be engaging and enjoyable to read or watch. Use storytelling, visuals, and interactive elements to capture your audience’s attention.
Value:Your content should provide value to users. It should teach them something new, help them solve a problem, or entertain them. Valuable content encourages users to return to your website.

Content Strategy Examples

E-commerce Website:An e-commerce website can use content to showcase products, provide detailed product descriptions, offer customer reviews, and share helpful buying guides.
Blog:A blog can be used to share industry news, insights, and thought leadership. It can also be used to generate leads and build relationships with potential customers.
Educational Website:An educational website can use content to provide courses, tutorials, and other learning resources. It can also be used to promote events and connect with students.

User Experience (UX) Design

In the quest for an award-winning website, user experience (UX) design reigns supreme. It’s the art and science of crafting an online experience that is both engaging and intuitive for your target audience. A website that prioritizes UX design fosters user satisfaction, increases engagement, and ultimately, drives conversions.

User-Centered Design Principles

User-centered design (UCD) is the foundation of exceptional UX. It emphasizes understanding and meeting the needs of users through research, iterative design, and testing. UCD ensures that the website is designed with the user’s perspective in mind, prioritizing their needs and goals.

“The goal of user-centered design is to create a product that is useful, usable, and enjoyable for the user.”

Donald Norman, renowned UX expert.

Intuitive Navigation

A website with intuitive navigation allows users to easily find the information they seek. This translates to a seamless user journey, minimizing frustration and encouraging exploration.

Clear and Consistent Menu Structure:A well-organized menu, with clear labels and consistent placement across pages, guides users effortlessly through the website. For example, a website with a consistent “About Us,” “Products,” and “Contact Us” menu structure makes it easy for users to navigate and find what they need.
Breadcrumb Navigation:Breadcrumb navigation provides users with a clear visual trail of their location within the website. This helps them retrace their steps and understand their current position, especially for websites with a complex hierarchy.
Search Functionality:A robust search function empowers users to quickly find specific content. Implementing search filters and auto-suggestions further enhances the search experience.

Clear Call-to-Actions

Call-to-actions (CTAs) are crucial for guiding users towards desired actions, such as making a purchase, subscribing to a newsletter, or downloading a resource.

Strategic Placement:CTAs should be prominently placed, ideally above the fold or within a user’s natural flow of interaction.
Compelling Language:Use clear and concise language that encourages users to take action. For example, instead of “Click here,” consider using “Learn More” or “Download Now.”
Visual Contrast:CTAs should stand out visually, with contrasting colors or buttons that draw attention. This helps users easily identify and click on them.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility ensures that your website is usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Creating an award-winning website requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and a deep understanding of your audience. You need to capture their attention from the moment they land on your page, just like a captivating movie trailer. Speaking of captivating, did you hear about the live-action Pac-Man movie in the works?

It’s definitely raising some questions about how they’ll bring the iconic video game to life. Just like a successful movie, a great website needs to tell a story, engage your audience, and leave them wanting more.

Alternative Text for Images:Provide descriptive alternative text for images, allowing screen readers to convey the image content to visually impaired users.
Keyboard Navigation:Ensure all website elements can be navigated using a keyboard, allowing users with motor impairments to interact with the website.
Color Contrast:Use sufficient color contrast between text and background, ensuring readability for users with visual impairments.

Visual Design and Aesthetics

A website’s visual design is more than just aesthetics; it’s the foundation for a memorable and impactful user experience. It’s the first impression, the silent language that communicates your brand’s personality and values. A well-crafted visual design draws users in, encourages exploration, and ultimately, converts them into loyal customers.

The Role of Visual Design in Website Success

A website’s visual design plays a crucial role in its success. It’s the bridge between your brand and your audience, conveying your message and influencing their perception.

First Impressions:A website’s visual design is the first thing users encounter. A visually appealing website instantly creates a positive impression, making users more likely to explore further. Conversely, a cluttered or poorly designed website can turn users away within seconds.
Brand Identity:Visual design elements like color schemes, typography, and imagery are crucial in establishing a strong brand identity. Consistency in these elements across your website and other marketing materials helps users recognize and remember your brand.
User Engagement:A visually engaging website encourages users to spend more time exploring, interacting with content, and ultimately, converting into customers. This is achieved through elements like compelling imagery, clear calls to action, and interactive features.
Accessibility:A well-designed website is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. This includes using high-contrast color schemes, clear typography, and providing alternative text for images.

Color Schemes

Color schemes play a significant role in shaping a website’s visual identity and conveying its message. They can evoke emotions, create a sense of trust, and even influence user behavior.

Brand Consistency:Color schemes should be consistent with your brand’s overall identity, reflecting its values and personality. For example, a website for a luxury brand might use sophisticated colors like black, gold, or silver, while a website for a playful brand might use bright and vibrant colors.
Emotional Impact:Colors evoke different emotions and associations. For instance, blue is often associated with trust and reliability, while red is associated with passion and energy. Understanding these associations is crucial in choosing the right colors for your website.
Accessibility:Consider the accessibility of your color choices. Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors for users with visual impairments.

Typography

Typography refers to the style and appearance of text on a website. It’s essential for creating a readable and visually appealing website.

Readability:Choose fonts that are easy to read, especially on screens. Avoid using too many different fonts or overly decorative fonts that can make text difficult to decipher.
Brand Identity:Typography plays a crucial role in establishing a brand’s identity. Serif fonts often convey a sense of tradition and formality, while sans-serif fonts tend to be more modern and casual.
Hierarchy:Use different font sizes and weights to create a visual hierarchy, guiding users through the content and highlighting important information.

Imagery

Imagery is a powerful tool for creating a visually engaging website. High-quality images can capture attention, tell stories, and evoke emotions.

Brand Relevance:Images should be relevant to your brand and its message. Avoid using generic stock photos that don’t resonate with your target audience.
Visual Storytelling:Images can be used to tell stories, create a sense of place, and connect with users on an emotional level.
Accessibility:Ensure that images are accessible to users with visual impairments by providing alternative text descriptions.

Overall Visual Consistency

Visual consistency is key to creating a cohesive and memorable website experience. This means maintaining a consistent style across all elements of the website, from color schemes and typography to imagery and layout.

Brand Recognition:Consistency in visual design helps users recognize your brand and associate it with a particular style.
User Experience:A visually consistent website provides a seamless and enjoyable user experience, making it easier for users to navigate and find the information they need.
Professionalism:A website with a consistent visual design conveys professionalism and attention to detail, building trust with users.

Website Functionality and Performance

How to create an award winning website

A website’s functionality and performance are crucial for a positive user experience and can significantly impact its award-winning potential. A website that loads quickly, responds smoothly across devices, and is secure inspires trust and encourages visitors to engage with its content.

Website Speed

Website speed is a critical factor in user satisfaction. A slow website can lead to high bounce rates, decreased conversions, and a negative perception of the brand.

Impact on User Experience:A fast-loading website provides a seamless and enjoyable experience for users, making them more likely to explore the site and engage with its content.
Search Engine Optimization ():Google and other search engines prioritize websites with fast loading times in their search results. A fast website can improve its ranking and visibility, driving more organic traffic.
Conversion Rates:Faster loading times can lead to higher conversion rates as users are less likely to abandon their shopping carts or leave the site before completing a desired action.

Website Responsiveness, How to create an award winning website

Website responsiveness refers to how well a website adapts to different screen sizes and devices. With the increasing use of mobile devices, it is essential for websites to be responsive and provide a seamless experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Improved User Experience:Responsive design ensures that users can easily navigate and access content regardless of their device.
Accessibility:Responsive websites are more accessible to users with disabilities, as they can be easily adjusted to fit different screen readers and assistive technologies.
Benefits:Search engines prioritize responsive websites, as they provide a better user experience across devices.

Website Security

Website security is paramount for building trust and protecting sensitive data. A secure website ensures that user information is protected from unauthorized access, ensuring a safe and reliable online experience.

Data Protection:A secure website uses encryption protocols like HTTPS to protect sensitive data such as login credentials, credit card information, and personal details.
Brand Reputation:Security breaches can damage a brand’s reputation and lead to a loss of customer trust. A secure website demonstrates a commitment to protecting user data and fosters a sense of safety.
Legal Compliance:Many regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), require websites to implement strong security measures to protect user data.

Content Management System (CMS)

A CMS simplifies website management and updates. It allows users to easily add, edit, and publish content without needing extensive technical knowledge.

Ease of Use:CMS platforms provide user-friendly interfaces that enable website owners to manage content, create pages, and update information without requiring coding skills.
Content Management:CMS platforms streamline content creation, editing, and publishing processes, making it easier to keep websites up-to-date with fresh and relevant content.
Scalability:CMS platforms can handle growing websites and content volumes, allowing for easy expansion and adaptation as the website evolves.

Website Performance Optimization

Website performance optimization involves various techniques to improve website speed, responsiveness, and overall performance.

Image Optimization:Compressing images without compromising quality can significantly reduce website loading times.
Code Optimization:Minimizing code size and using efficient programming practices can improve website performance.
Caching:Caching website content can reduce server load and improve loading times for returning visitors.
Content Delivery Network (CDN):A CDN distributes website content across multiple servers, reducing latency and improving loading times for users worldwide.

Website Features Enhancing User Experience

Several website features can enhance user experience and improve performance.

Search Functionality:A robust search function allows users to easily find the information they need.
Navigation Menus:Clear and intuitive navigation menus guide users through the website and make it easy to find desired content.
Call-to-Action Buttons:Prominent call-to-action buttons encourage users to take specific actions, such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase.
Live Chat:Live chat support provides immediate assistance to users, addressing their queries and improving customer satisfaction.

Marketing and Promotion: How To Create An Award Winning Website

Building a stunning website is only half the battle. To truly achieve success, you need to effectively market and promote it to reach your target audience. This is where your website’s visibility and impact come into play.

Search Engine Optimization ()

Search engine optimization () is crucial for driving organic traffic to your website. It involves optimizing your website content and structure to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This ensures that potential customers can easily find you when they search for relevant s.

Research:Identify relevant s that your target audience uses to search for products or services similar to yours. Tools like Google Planner can help you uncover valuable s.
On-Page Optimization:Optimize your website’s content, including page titles, meta descriptions, headings, and image alt text, to incorporate relevant s. This helps search engines understand the content on your pages.
Off-Page Optimization:Build high-quality backlinks from other reputable websites to your website. This demonstrates to search engines that your website is trustworthy and valuable.

Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms offer powerful channels to connect with your target audience and promote your website. By leveraging social media marketing, you can build brand awareness, drive traffic, and engage with your audience.

Creating an award-winning website is all about understanding your audience and providing them with a seamless and engaging experience. Just like how NASA’s recent UFO study isn’t really looking for space aliens , but rather focusing on understanding unidentified aerial phenomena, your website should be clear about its purpose and deliver valuable content.

Remember, a great website isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about providing a user-friendly interface and relevant information that leaves a lasting impression.

Content Strategy:Create engaging content that resonates with your target audience. This could include blog posts, infographics, videos, or interactive polls.
Social Media Advertising:Run targeted social media ads to reach specific demographics and interests. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer advanced targeting options.
Social Media Listening:Monitor social media conversations about your brand or industry to understand your audience’s needs and preferences. This can help you tailor your content and campaigns.

Email Marketing

Email marketing remains a powerful tool for nurturing leads, building relationships, and promoting your website.

Email List Building:Collect email addresses from website visitors, social media followers, and event attendees to build your email list.
Targeted Email Campaigns:Segment your email list based on demographics, interests, or purchase history to deliver personalized and relevant content.
Email Automation:Automate email sequences to welcome new subscribers, promote new products or services, or nurture leads through the sales funnel.

Examples of Successful Website Marketing Campaigns

Airbnb:Airbnb’s social media marketing strategy heavily focuses on user-generated content. They encourage travelers to share their experiences and photos on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, creating a sense of community and authenticity. This approach has been highly effective in attracting new users and driving bookings.
Spotify:Spotify’s email marketing strategy is personalized and targeted. They segment their email list based on listening habits and send personalized recommendations for new music, podcasts, and playlists. This personalized approach has helped Spotify retain users and increase engagement.
Netflix:Netflix’s strategy focuses on long-tail s related to specific genres and titles. They optimize their website content and metadata to rank higher in search results for these s. This strategy has been successful in driving organic traffic to their website and attracting new subscribers.

Website Analytics and Optimization

Building a website is only the first step; optimizing it for success is crucial. Website analytics provide valuable insights into user behavior, allowing you to make data-driven decisions for improvement. By understanding how visitors interact with your website, you can enhance its performance, boost engagement, and ultimately achieve your goals.

Using Analytics Data for Optimization

Website analytics data can be used to improve various aspects of your website:

Content Optimization:Analyze which pages receive the most traffic, which content is shared the most, and which content results in conversions. Use this data to create more engaging and relevant content, optimize existing content for search engines, and tailor content to your target audience.
Design Optimization:Track user behavior, such as bounce rates, time on page, and scroll depth. Identify areas where users are dropping off or experiencing difficulty navigating. Optimize website design to improve user experience, ensure a clear call to action, and make it easy for visitors to find what they need.
Functionality Optimization:Monitor website speed, error rates, and form submission rates. Use this data to identify and address any technical issues affecting website performance. Optimize website loading times, improve form functionality, and ensure a smooth user experience.

Popular Website Analytics Tools

Numerous analytics tools offer a wide range of features to track website performance and gain valuable insights:

Google Analytics:A powerful and comprehensive tool that provides detailed insights into website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates. It offers features like real-time data, audience segmentation, and custom reports. Google Analytics is free to use and is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
Adobe Analytics:A more advanced analytics platform that offers sophisticated features for data analysis and reporting. It provides real-time data, audience segmentation, and advanced reporting capabilities, making it suitable for large enterprises with complex data needs.
Hotjar:A tool that focuses on user behavior analysis, providing insights into user interactions, heatmaps, and session recordings. Hotjar helps identify user pain points, understand user preferences, and improve user experience.

Key Features of Website Analytics Tools

Most website analytics tools offer essential features that help you track and analyze website performance:

Traffic Analysis:Provides insights into website traffic sources, such as organic search, social media, and paid advertising. You can track website traffic over time, identify traffic trends, and understand the channels driving the most visitors.
User Behavior Analysis:Tracks user actions on your website, such as page views, bounce rates, time on page, and scroll depth. This data helps you understand user engagement, identify areas of interest, and optimize content and design.
Conversion Tracking:Monitors website conversions, such as form submissions, purchases, and email sign-ups. This data helps you measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns and identify areas for improvement.
Reporting and Visualization:Provides customizable reports and visualizations to present data insights in a clear and understandable way. You can use these reports to track website performance over time, identify trends, and make informed decisions.

The Importance of Tracking Website Analytics

Tracking website analytics is crucial for several reasons:

Performance Measurement:Provides valuable data to measure website performance against set goals and identify areas for improvement.
Data-Driven Decision Making:Allows you to make informed decisions based on real user data, rather than relying on assumptions or gut feelings.
User Experience Optimization:Provides insights into user behavior, enabling you to optimize website design, content, and functionality for a better user experience.
Marketing Campaign Optimization:Helps track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and optimize them for better results.

Award Submission and Evaluation

Submitting your website for awards is a great way to gain recognition for your hard work and attract new clients. But before you hit the submit button, it’s crucial to understand the evaluation process and how to create a compelling submission.

Award Organization Submission Process

Each award organization has its own submission process, but typically, you’ll need to create an account and fill out an application form. This form will usually ask for information about your website, its target audience, its goals, and its key features.

You’ll also be asked to provide a link to your website and any supporting materials, such as case studies or testimonials.

Award Criteria

Award organizations use a variety of criteria to evaluate website submissions. These criteria may vary depending on the specific award, but some common factors include:

Design:This includes the overall aesthetic appeal of the website, its user-friendliness, and its responsiveness across different devices.
Functionality:This includes how well the website works, its speed and performance, and its security.
Content:This includes the quality, relevance, and originality of the website’s content, as well as its optimization.
Innovation:This includes whether the website uses new technologies or approaches to create a unique user experience.
Impact:This includes the website’s overall effectiveness in achieving its goals, such as generating leads, increasing sales, or building brand awareness.

Tips for a Compelling Submission

Here are some tips for creating a compelling award submission that highlights your website’s strengths:

Know your audience:Understand the criteria used by the award organization and tailor your submission to their specific requirements.
Highlight your website’s unique selling points:What makes your website stand out from the competition? What are its key strengths?
Use strong visuals:Include high-quality images and videos that showcase your website’s design and functionality.
Provide evidence of your website’s success:Include data and testimonials that demonstrate the impact of your website.
Proofread carefully:Make sure your submission is free of errors and typos.