Every day, we see agencies, developers, and brands doing incredible work on Cloudways, launching projects, scaling businesses, and bringing new ideas to life. These are the people shaping the web in real time, often without stopping to celebrate how far they’ve come.
That’s why we’re launching the Cloudways Awards to recognize the people and teams who make this community what it is. This isn’t just about celebrating great work, but about honoring those who are pushing boundaries, creating impact, and setting new standards for what’s possible online.
Over the years, we’ve grown alongside thousands of businesses that have used Cloudways as their foundation to build, experiment, and succeed. This is our way of giving back to spotlight your work, share your stories, and celebrate the progress that keeps the web moving forward.
Why We’re Hosting the Cloudways Awards
The Cloudways Awards are more than a celebration. They reflect how far our community has come and where it’s headed next. In the past few years, the digital world has changed fast, and we’ve seen creators and businesses find new ways to grow, adapt, and make their mark online.
Through these awards, we want to acknowledge that momentum and the people driving it. And so, we’re inviting freelancers, agencies, startups, and digital brands to take part in the Cloudways Awards — an open competition to share your best work and the stories behind it.
This is not just about recognizing milestones, but about highlighting the shared progress that continues to shape the Cloudways ecosystem.
The Cloudways Awards are a moment to pause, look back at what’s been built, and look ahead at what’s possible when creativity, technology, and community come together.
Key Details You Should Know
- Submissions Open: Entries are now live and completely free to submit.
- Deadline: October 28, 2025.
- Winners Announced: November 4, 2025, on Cloudways’ social media channels.
- Who Can Join: Freelancers, agencies, startups, SaaS brands, and digital innovators. Whether you use Cloudways or not, everyone is welcome to participate.
- Judged By: A panel of industry experts in eCommerce, AI, design, and digital marketing.
- What We Look For: Creativity, innovation, and real-world results.
What’s in It for You
- Massive Exposure: Get featured across Cloudways’ marketing channels and partner networks.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Co-market with Cloudways and expand your reach.
- Cloudways Credits: Win hosting credits to power your next big idea.
- Official Recognition: Earn digital badges and bragging rights to show off your win.
Award Categories
Here’s a look at this year’s Cloudways Awards categories — celebrating innovation, creativity, performance, and impact across the digital and eCommerce landscape.
1. Best Use of AI in eCommerce
Recognizing an online store that leverages AI to create smarter, faster, and more personalized shopping experiences.
Judging Criteria:
- Clear and practical use of AI (chatbots, personalization, automation)
- Visible improvement to customer experience
- Creativity in application
2. Best eCommerce Website Design
Celebrating visually stunning, user-friendly, and conversion-focused website design in eCommerce.
Judging Criteria:
- Visual appeal and brand alignment
- Mobile responsiveness and smooth navigation
- Seamless user journey to checkout
3. Best Use of AI in a Client Project
Honoring agencies or developers who achieved outstanding results through AI-driven solutions for clients.
Judging Criteria:
- Clear problem-to-solution story
- Demonstrated innovation in using AI
- Tangible benefits to the client
4. Best Women-Owned Tech Startup
Highlighting innovation, leadership, and impact from a women-led technology startup.
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation and uniqueness of offering
- Strong brand identity
- Demonstrated community or industry impact
5. Most Loved by Clients
Awarded to the business that consistently delights clients with outstanding service and trust.
Judging Criteria:
- Evidence of client satisfaction (reviews/testimonials)
- Engagement and authenticity in relationships
- Positive public reputation
6. Best Website Design Portfolio
Showcasing agencies or freelancers with consistently creative and impactful design work.
Judging Criteria:
- Versatility and range of projects
- Consistent design quality
- Creative elements that stand out
7. Peak Website Performance Delivered
Recognizing the fastest, most reliable, and high-performing website powered by Cloudways.
Judging Criteria:
- Fast site performance (Core Web Vitals, load speed)
- Reliable uptime during test
- Use of optimization best practice
8. Strategic Cloudways Agency Partner
Celebrating an agency partner that demonstrates growth, collaboration, and alignment with Cloudways.
Judging Criteria:
- Demonstrated Cloudways usage in client success
- Visible advocacy through case studies, blogs, or campaigns
- Strong alignment with Cloudways’ mission and growth
9. Best Mobile Commerce Experience
Celebrating the ecommerce store that delivers the most seamless, user-friendly, and innovative shopping experience on mobile devices.
Judging Criteria:
- User experience: mobile navigation, responsive design, ease of checkout
- Performance: speed, reliability, and smoothness of the mobile experience
- Innovation: unique mobile-specific features (progressive apps, AR/VR, voice shopping, etc.)
- Impact: measurable improvements in conversions, engagement, or retention
- Customer delight: positive user feedback, reviews, or testimonials
Ready to Join the Celebration?
Submit your best work, tell your story, and inspire the community with what you’ve built. Big or small, every success deserves a spotlight, and this is your moment to shine.
Danish Naseer
Danish Naseer is a WordPress Community Manager at Cloudways. He is passionate about designing, developing, and engaging with people to help them. He also actively participates in the community to share his knowledge. Besides that, he loves to watch documentaries, traveling and spending time with family. You can contact him at [email protected]
