Introduction
It’s no secret that winning an election takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and money. But what about the marketing and PR side of things? How can you make sure your candidate is getting the best possible exposure?
There are a number of tried and tested marketing and PR strategies that can help to raise awareness and get people talking about your candidate. From traditional advertising to modern guerrilla marketing techniques, there is a lot to choose from.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 25 proven PR and marketing strategies and tools for winning an election.
Traditional Advertising is Losing Its Effectiveness
: With technologies like streaming, social media, and the internet, traditional media, such as TV and newspapers, is becoming less and less effective. Instead, today’s candidates need to think about connecting with their audiences by utilizing more modern strategies, such as creating a compelling brand story, developing a hashtag, and leveraging the power of influencers and social media.
Develop an Engaging Brand Story
: A great way to differentiate your candidate from the competition is to develop an engaging brand story. Focus on what makes them unique, their experience, and the values they stand for. Create a narrative around this and make sure that everything they do is aligned with this story and provides value to their message.
Create a Hashtag
: Hashtags are a great way to spread the word about your candidate and get people talking. With the right hashtag and a good strategy, you can tie it back to your main message, develop an engaged following, and track the performance of your campaign.
Live Stream Key Moments
: Live streaming is an excellent way to engage with your audience and capture the attention of potential voters. Use Facebook Live, Instagram Live, or Twitter Live to show the behind-the-scenes of your candidate’s campaign and thank those who have already voted.
Make the Most of Social Media
: Social media is the perfect platform to reach potential voters and engage your existing audience. It’s a great way to share your message, interact with followers, and show potential voters why your candidate is the best choice.
Use Influencers
: Utilizing the power of influencers can help to amplify your candidate’s message and reach a larger audience. Working with influencers on social media can help to expand your reach and give your candidate the boost they need. 8. Old-Fashioned Door-to-Door Campaigning: Despite the rise of technology, door-to-door campaigning is still one of the most effective ways of reaching potential voters and getting your message out. Hire a team of enthusiastic volunteers and make sure they are properly equipped to get the job done.
Get Creative with Guerrilla Marketing
: Guerrilla marketing is all about doing something different from the rest. Employ creative tactics like handing out unique flyers, erecting graffiti art pieces, or setting up interesting and eye-catching visuals that can draw in the crowds and get them talking about your candidate.
. Sponsorships
: Gaining sponsorship for your candidate’s election campaign is a great way to boost exposure and build a sustainable funding base. Introduce your candidate to local businesses and offer them the opportunity to list their name and logo on promotional materials, like flyers and brochures. 11. Launches: Launches are a great way to generate excitement around your candidate’s campaign and get people talking. This is the perfect opportunity to give out information and thank those who have already voted. Hold a launch event, create a launch video, or make use of other launch strategies.
. Photo Ops
: Promote your candidate by capturing photo ops. Take pictures of your candidate at local events and use them as promotional material. This helps to spread the word and get people interested in your campaign. 13. Crisis Communications: It is important to have a crisis communications plan in place when running a successful election campaign. If your candidate encounters a scandal or negative press, it’s important to have a plan in place to handle the situation. 14. Hold Press Conferences: Holding press conferences is an excellent way to get your candidate in front of the media and communicate their message more directly. Make sure the conference itself is well planned and that your candidate’s message is delivered clearly and concisely.
. News Jacking
: If a trending news story has any kind of relevance to your candidate’s message, don’t be afraid to take advantage of it. News jacking is all about taking something that has already been created and using it as an opportunity to get some press coverage for your election campaign.
. Invest in a Good Website
: In today’s world, it’s essential to have a website where voters can find out more information about your candidate and their election platform. Invest in good quality web design and make sure it is easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing.
. SEO Your Website
: Once you have your website up and running, make sure you are making the most of SEO. SEO is an excellent way to gain more visitors to your website and increase exposure for your candidate’s campaign.
. Create Compelling Content
: Create compelling and informative content for your website and for other digital channels. Share engaging stories about your candidate and educate potential voters on their platform. Content is an essential part of any successful marketing strategy.
. Email Marketing
: Email marketing is a great way to engage with your audience and keep them informed about your candidate’s progress. A well crafted email campaign is an effective way to nurture leads and generate more votes.
. Direct
Mail: Utilizing direct mail is a great way to reach a larger audience. You can send out brochures, flyers, or even direct mailers with more information about your candidate’s message and why they are the best choice for the position.