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The annual competition, organized by Monadnock Media Group, celebrates businesses ranging from restaurants and retailers to healthcare providers, contractors, professional services and community organizations. Nominations are open through July 1 at 5 p.m., after which the top vote-getters in each category will advance to the final voting round. Public voting begins July 8 at noon and runs through July 22 at 5 p.m., with winners and finalists scheduled to be announced in a special print and online publication on Oct. 21.
While the awards provide residents with an opportunity to support the businesses they value most, the recognition can have a meaningful impact on the businesses themselves.
Community Recognition Builds Trust
For many consumers, trust is one of the most important factors when choosing where to spend their money. According to consumer research from BrightLocal, more than three-quarters of consumers regularly read online reviews before selecting a local business, while nearly 90 percent say reviews influence their purchasing decisions.
Programs like Keene’s Best offer businesses a form of social proof that advertising alone cannot provide. Rather than relying on marketing claims, winners and finalists can point to something more powerful: endorsement from the community they serve.
That distinction matters. Research from Podium found that nearly 60 percent of consumers are more likely to choose businesses that have earned awards, certifications or other forms of recognition. In a local marketplace where personal recommendations and reputation carry significant weight, community-voted awards can help reinforce consumer confidence.
Recognition Creates Visibility
Beyond building trust, Keene’s Best can help businesses distinguish themselves in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
Studies have found that trust signals such as awards and recognitions can increase conversion rates by 10 to 30 percent, giving businesses another advantage when potential customers are comparing options. For small businesses in particular, standing out from competitors can be one of the biggest challenges, and community recognition can provide a valuable edge.
The exposure also continues well after voting ends. Winners and finalists receive visibility through both print and digital coverage, keeping their names in front of potential customers long after the ballots have been counted.
More Than an Award
At its core, Keene’s Best is about community endorsement. Each nomination and vote represents a customer taking the time to support a business they trust, recommend and return to.
In recent years, nearly 50,000 votes have been cast in the competition, creating a level of community participation that few marketing campaigns can replicate. For businesses, that translates into something far more valuable than a trophy or title: validation from the people they serve every day.
For consumers, the awards can serve as a guide to discovering trusted local businesses. For business owners, being named among Keene’s Best can strengthen a reputation, attract new customers and reinforce their standing within the community.
As nominations get underway, residents once again have the chance to help determine which businesses will earn the distinction of being called the best in the Monadnock Region.