The new Digital Beacon Awards, sponsored by WD-40 Low Odor, will honor hardware stores and home improvement centers that excel in digital marketing, engagement and innovation. Recognizing creativity and effectiveness in the digital space, these awards highlight excellence in these categories including:
Best Social Media Post—Recognizes an individual social media post that demonstrates exceptional creativity, engagement or impact that resonates with the target audience.
Best Social Media Campaign—Honors a well-executed, multipost social media initiative that drives brand awareness, customer engagement or business objectives over a defined period.
Best Website or E-Commerce Experience—Awards a website or online store that excels in usability, design and functionality, delivering an intuitive and seamless customer experience.
Outstanding Community Engagement—Celebrates a digital initiative that successfully fosters meaningful interaction, connection or support within a brand’s community or local audience.
Top Digital Advertising Campaign—Recognizes an innovative, results-driven digital ad campaign that effectively leverages online channels to achieve measurable marketing success.
Beacon Award for Digital Excellence—The highest digital honor, this award will be presented to the best overall submission.
Individual category winners will be featured on Hardware Connection’s website and social media. All retailers nominated within these categories will be considered for the Beacon Award for Overall Digital Excellence. A panel of hardware industry social media influencers and content creators will review entries, and winners will be determined by Hardware Connection staff.
The Beacon Award for Digital Excellence will be presented as part of the Beacon Awards at the Independent Home Improvement Conference in Orlando, Fla. To be eligible, digital initiatives must be launched between May 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025.
Deadline for nominations is May 1, 2025.
Digital Beacon Awards Nomination Form
