We placed this FAQ at the top for a reason! Nobody can imagine the amount of hours and brainpower we put into making Idaho’s Best the most fair and accurate “best of” awards in the state. This is our most important objective.
- We utilize BBB ratings to validate our results.
- We built our own proprietary software to help eliminate human error and cheaters. (It works wonders, btw!)
- We level the playing field by dividing votes and review counts across the number of locations a candidate has.
- We offer regional awards so that candidates are not struggling to only compete on a state level.
- We don’t charge a dime for candidates to participate. Even if a candidate does spend money with us (i.e. sponsorship), it won’t buy them a win.
To reiterate our fairness, know that some of our personal friends, clients, and/or colleagues don’t make it as finalists or win their category because of our friendship. They have to earn it too!
The candidate’s published address needs to be in Idaho.
Candidates must also have a published Google My Business profile.
There are very few exceptions to these two requirements (i.e. those in categories like Radio Station, Seasonal Event, etc.).
No, we do not charge an entree fee for candidates. Even if you have been nominated, claiming your nomination is free.
And no, you cannot pay to win. Even if a candidate does spend money with us (i.e. sponsorship), it won’t buy them a win.
Yes. Although the final results ultimately come down to the support of your customers, you can nominate and vote yourself. We encourage it!
A candidate only needs to be nominated once to be on our radar. Quantity of nominations do not really factor when it comes to selecting the nominees. Google reviews over the last year carry much more weight than the number of nominations.
Nominees of last year’s awards are already on our radar and do not need to be nominated.
After being nominated and making it as a finalist, it comes down to the combination of your vote count and Google reviews over the previous 12 months.
And, let’s not forget your BBB rating. Although it’s not considered in the final scoring, you cannot have a grade lower than a B. No grade is okay, but a bad one is an indicator that something is awry.
The finalist with the highest qualifying score will be named the winner of the category.
Believe us, they sure try! The integrity of the awards is of utmost importance to Inbound Systems, its affiliates, and its finalists and winners. Cheating will not be tolerated.
At our sole discretion, if we determine a nominee has attempted to unethically improve its standing within the awards, or hurt another nominee’s standing in the awards, we may remove votes, disqualify the nominee, or strip the finalist or winner of the title.
If you’re not sure about the tactics you are using to get nominations, votes, or reviews, please clear it with us first!
Yes, this is actually encouraged! Share your nomination on social media, via email, or when you speak with customers. Go ahead and get the word out. If you have taken great care of your customers, they should have no problem supporting you.
No. At our sole discretion, this may be grounds for disqualification or some other form of discipline.
If you suspect a nominee is doing this, please let us know. We’ll handle the situation while keeping you anonymous.
Yes, you may be nominated for multiple categories as long as they are relevant (subject to our approval).
The privacy of our participants is very important to us. As such, we do not reveal who they are (except with their permission for winning prizes) and who they nominated or voted for.
We are unable to accept every organization that is nominated. We have to narrow it down at some point and begin to do so by limiting the number of nominees in each category prior to the voting round. So, although an organization may be nominated, it does not mean they will be named as an actual nominee.
It should go without saying, but you first have to deserve it by providing 5-star service! Happy customers are more likely to rate you with 5-stars.
Make it easy for your happy customers to review you online without bribing them. RevenueJump is an easy-to-use software that can assist you with this. Perhaps you can ask for a demo of their software. (Inbound Systems is affiliated with RevenueJump.)
No, your accreditation status with the Better Business Bureau is not a factor. At the time we review your BBB grade it cannot be any worse than a B. No grade is even okay. To us, anything else is not indicative of “the best.”
As much as we can appreciate why you would be curious about your nomination and vote counts, we do not divulge these numbers. We believe that doing so offers no upside and would open us up to unnecessary conflict and disputes. It’s just not worth the risk for us because we offer participation in these awards as a free public service.
In addition to naming a Statewide Winner for each category, Idaho’s Best will also name Regional Winners.
Central Idaho – Twin Falls, Mountain Home, McCall, Ketchum, Jerome, Burley
Eastern Idaho – Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Driggs, American Falls
Panhandle – Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Moscow, Lewiston, Sandpoint
Treasure Valley – Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Emmett, Payette
We are always open to new suggestions. Please keep in mind that with approximately 300 categories, the most of any such awards in Idaho, we probably have you covered.
To suggest a new category, please send us a message. We’ll review your suggestion to make sure it can meet our requirements.
First, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
We also email notifications when there’s news and information to share, so be sure that you’re on our notification list.
Finally, if you’re a nominee, be sure to claim your nomination. If it’s past the deadline, you’ll still be able to register as a candidate. Doing so is very important so you can stay up to date with announcements.
Be named a nominee or finalist within a category.
Become a sponsor.
Purchase banner ads to attract visibility, nominations, and votes.
Buy a Spotlight Article in the magazine. We’ll republish it to our blog on its own page and link back to your website (great for SEO!).
All winners and finalists will be announced in our annual Idaho’s Best Magazine. If you’d like to receive more prominent exposure, consider placing an ad or buying a Spotlight Article. Sponsors will also receive extra recognition in the magazine.
No, your attendance at our awards ceremony is not required. However, the event is the first place we announce the winners and only attendees will receive an official certificate and professional photos.
Official certificates are only available for those in attendance at our awards ceremony. As an alternative, we offer personalized engraved plaques for sale.
