(Editor’s Note: PPAI’s annual Pyramid Awards, sponsored by Pacesetter Awards Co., honor creative excellence in the promotional products industry and the outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship of Association members. The 2023 Pyramid Awards are now accepting submissions.)

With submissions to the 2023 PPAI Pyramid Awards still officially open for a few more days, PPB Newslink is sharing the stories of several 2022 winners to highlight their accomplishments and to learn more about what it means to secure a PPAI Pyramid win. Today we’re taking a look at how commonsku (PPAI 552077, A1) showed what a successful digital self-promotion campaign can look like.

commonsku’s Ambassador Program was all about encouraging and incentivizing the existing referrals it was already receiving from current customers. Its goal was to onboard 50% of referred companies. Through the Ambassador Program, first referrals received a commonsku swag pack, five referrals earned a ticket to skucon, and 10 referrals earned a ticket to skucamp. The result? An 85% onboarding rate and a Gold Pyramid in the Digital Self-Promotion category.

“commonsku has been submitting to the Pyramid awards consistently for the past five years,” says Alyson Brunton, commonsku’s product marketing manager. “We consistently submit because it not only brings a spotlight to the events, swag, and content we work so hard on but also provides recognition to the specific team members who worked so tirelessly to make them come to life.”                                 

Brunton encourages companies to submit to the PPAI Pyramid Awards. According to her, knowing how hard your team worked on a given campaign is a good testament to whether it has a real shot at winning a Pyramid.

“Our advice would be to never underestimate your work and your projects, and to put them forth for recognition,” Brunton says.

commonsku had a diverse selection of campaigns they could have submitted in various categories, and the company took its time choosing its campaign and going through the submission process. It’s important not to misrepresent a campaign or fail to convey the unique factors that staff took the time to create.

“The programs we submit continue to inspire us to do our best work throughout the year, and so it is our hope that they also inspire additional companies within the promotional products industry to produce their best work,” Brunton says.

Eventually, the team at commonsku narrowed in on the Ambassador Kit. The campaign helped build the commonsku community and “nurtured our existing relationships.” The PPAI Pyramid panel agreed with the value of succeeding at that goal.