How to Be Part of The Sizzle Awards: A Guide for Williamson County Businesses
Have you ever noticed those Sizzle Award Winner stickers displayed on the doors and windows of businesses across Williamson County? They appear at restaurants, boutiques, salons, gyms, medical offices, and service companies of all kinds. When you see one, you instantly know that business was chosen by locals as one of the best in the county. But did you know that despite representing many different industries, all of these standout businesses share one thing in common?
Every Sizzle Award winner began with a listing in the FranklinIs Directory of Best Businesses.
Hosted by FranklinIs, The Sizzle Awards are the original, longest-running, largest, and only not-for-profit “Best Businesses of Williamson County” awards. Every year, hundreds of thousands of votes pour in, making the Sizzle Awards one of the strongest community-driven recognitions in Middle Tennessee.
And it all starts with the FranklinIs Directory of Best Businesses, the foundation of the awards and the entry point for every participating business. The directory offers free business listings, operates year-round, and helps residents discover trusted local options. Adding your business listing is the first step toward appearing in The Sizzle Awards poll.
The Benefits of Being Listed in the FranklinIs Directory of Best Businesses
A listing in the Business Directory does more than make your business eligible for The Sizzle Awards; it also expands your visibility throughout Williamson County with over 500,000 plus local website visitors. Businesses can choose from several listing levels, including Free, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
- Free Listing: Includes one Sizzle Awards category and a dedicated directory page, giving your business full eligibility for the awards.
- Silver, Gold, and Platinum Listings: Enable businesses to appear in multiple categories and access additional features, including photos, website links, expanded descriptions, and enhanced visibility throughout the year.
Each listing includes a visitor tracker, offering insight into how often people view your page. During Sizzle Awards season, directory traffic increases significantly as voters browse categories and explore participating businesses. For many companies, being listed leads to increased awareness, more customer inquiries, and stronger community engagement.
How to Add Your Business to the FranklinIs Directory of Best Businesses
Businesses may join the FranklinIs directory at any time. However, to be included in the upcoming Sizzle Awards, your registration must be completed no later than January 31st. It only takes a few minutes to add your business, and once you’re in, you’re officially part of the Sizzle Awards! The earlier your listing appears, the more time voters have to find and support your business.
- Step 1: Search the Directory
Your business may already be listed. If so, you’re automatically eligible and can update your information at any time. - Step 2: Add Your Business If Needed
Visit FranklinIs.com and click “Add Directory.”
Choose the listing level that best fits your needs: Free, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
Once submitted, your listing will be reviewed and published within 24–36 hours. - Step 3: Prepare for Awards Season
Important dates:
January 31 – Directory closes for Sizzle nominations
February – Voting takes place all month long
March – Winners are announced at the Sizzle Awards Winners Gala, followed by online and media announcements.
What to Expect During the Sizzle Awards Voting Period
When voting opens in February, residents across Williamson County cast their ballots for their favorite businesses in dozens of categories. Throughout the month, the FranklinIs directory sees a significant increase in activity as voters explore listings and learn more about participating businesses.
During this period, businesses can engage their customers by:
- Sharing voting reminders on social media
- Posting signage inside their storefront
- Highlighting special offers during voting
- Including voting links in their email newsletters
Many businesses use the voting season to showcase what makes them unique, thank loyal customers, and connect with new ones.
As votes come in, directory profiles often receive increased traffic. Finalists and winners also benefit from additional visibility through FranklinIs.com, newsletters, media announcements, and social media features, extending the impact of the awards beyond February.
The Sizzle Awards Winners Gala
When voting closes at the end of February, the votes are tallied, and preparations begin for one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year: the Sizzle Awards Winners Gala! Winners are invited to the gala as honored guests, where the results are revealed for the first time.
The evening features food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere that brings together the local business community. Guests hear the official winner announcements and have opportunities to connect with other business owners, community leaders, and partners throughout the event. It’s a moment to celebrate achievements, build relationships, and share in the excitement of the awards.
As one of the largest business gatherings in the county, the Sizzle Awards Winners Gala adds an important in-person celebration to the recognition businesses receive throughout awards season.
Join the FranklinIs Business Directory Today
The FranklinIs Business Directory is your business’s year-round home base, and where Sizzle Awards eligibility begins. If you want your business to be seen, supported, and celebrated, now is the time to get registered!
Visit FranklinIs.com → Add Directory → Choose Your Plan → Get Listed
Follow @franklinistn on Instagram and use #franklinis and #franklinistn to stay connected during awards season.
Your community is ready to vote. Make sure your business is in the directory and ready for The Sizzle Awards!
A Look Back at the 2025 Sizzle Awards
Curious how the celebration unfolds? Take a look back at the 2025 Sizzle Awards, featuring the winners’ list, event highlights, and a gallery capturing the excitement of the evening:
Best Businesses of 2025: The Sizzle Awards — The full list of 2025 category winners.
2025 Sizzle Awards Winners Announced — A recap of the event, quotes from winners, behind-the-scenes moments, and highlights from the evening.
2025 Sizzle Awards Gala Photo Gallery — Images capturing the energy, celebration, and community spirit of the night.
