More leads. Less headaches.
Contributed by Robert Couts, founder of Daevara Consulting, creator of SturdyWeb, and co-founder of Sturdy Software.
Daevara Consulting took first place in Advertising & Media at Best of Walnut Creek, competing with larger, more established companies. So how did a new agency come out on top? Here’s what worked for us and how you can put those ideas to work for your business.
Short on time? Start here:
- Do what your competitors can’t or won’t.
- Build a community of people who will go to bat for you.
- Ask for support and give people a reason to act.
- Make it easy to follow through.
Our clients also won in their categories. While some of our strategies are reserved for them, these four principles can help you stand out.
Be different
Start by learning how your competitors work. Once you understand their approach, you can spot opportunities to offer something they don’t.
In my industry, it’s common for an agency to sell a website, pay a third party to build it, and deliver it to the client. That outside cost limits the agency’s flexibility.
We build everything in-house, which gives us room to do things like donate websites to nonprofits. We also know our products firsthand, so we can offer practical advice on websites, advertising, and marketing.
Look for your own ways to deliver value your competitors can’t or won’t. Donating services to nonprofits is one option. Their boards often include well-connected community volunteers. You help a cause, build relationships, and give people a reason to remember your business.
Build your community
Email and text messages compete for attention in crowded inboxes. I don’t know about you, but I get plenty, especially during election season.
Get out into your community. Networking events give you a chance to meet people and build relationships before you need their support. Start by asking how you can help and sharing useful resources.
For business partnerships, look for ways both sides can earn revenue. A partnership is easier to sustain when it works financially for everyone.
Make it happen
Relationships matter, but people still need a clear invitation to act. When you ask for support, think about the value you can offer in return.
Picture two approaches. In the first, you ask your 1,000 Meta followers to vote for you. In the second, you bring a box of donuts to your vet’s office with a short note explaining what you’re trying to do and how the team can help. Maybe there are 30 employees. Hopefully, you brought more than 30 donuts.
Which request do you think people are more likely to notice and act on?
Remove the friction
Every extra step gives someone another reason to stop. Whether you’re asking for a Best of Walnut Creek vote or another action, go through the process yourself. Find the confusing or unnecessary steps, then remove or simplify what you can.
Make your request clear and give people an easy way to follow through.
These ideas can help you build support for your business well beyond an awards contest. Pick one and put it to work as you grow in 2026 and beyond.
Want help applying these strategies to your business? Get in touch with Daevara Consulting.
