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May 19, 2008

Build a no-cost viral campaign to increase name recognition.

 
Increase Your Visibility
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About Red State New Media
Since 2003, Red State New Media has helped candidates and organizations inform, persuade, fundraise and win!  We combine carefully honed marketing skills with technology to provide our clients with a competitive edge.
 
 Our business is helping Republican candidates and organizations succeed. 
 
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Any candidate that seeks financial support must develop a communication program that builds:
  • Name recognition.  People need to see and/or hear your name multiple times before they know you. 
  • A relationship.  Once people recognize your name, your mission is to demonstrate your credibility and value as a candidate and prospective elected official.  Demonstrate that you possess relevant expertise, that you offer solutions to problems and that you are a person of action and integrity.
While an effective communication program can and should include many elements, both online and offline, one valuable technique that is frequently underutilized is creating a viral online campaign by reaching out to like-minded organizations.  "Viral" simply means that with effective initial nurturing, the campaign takes on a life of its own, creating greater visibility and impact than the candidate could accomplish independently.
 
This is an excellent project for those volunteers that might be uncomfortable walking precincts or making phone calls, but are computer savvy.

Here's how to get started:

  • Have the candidate and campaign staff make a list of organizations to which they belong.  Candidates - don't be shy!  Ask friends and family to add their associations to the list.
  • Develop the contact list.
  • Develop an introductory letter.
    • Give them a reason to care about your candidacy.
    • Provide information about your stand on issues specific to them.
    • Make it easy for them to introduce you to their members.
      • Ask them to send email to their members on your behalf.
      • Provide suggested copy for the email message.
      • Ask their members for their opinions on issues via an online survey.
  • Provide a small graphic button they can place on their website to link to yours.
  • Offer to attend an event, or better yet, to be a guest speaker about an issue of mutual interest.
  • Follow up with a phone call to answer any questions and to offer any necessary support for their efforts on the candidate's behalf.
Don't forget to involve those already on your own email list.  Ask your supporters to introduce you to their organizations.  Provide the introductory letter as a download from your website to make it easy for them to help you.
 
Not everyone you contact will help, but many will.  And with a conscientious effort on your part, you will be amazed at the increase in your reach and visibility.  Best of all, with a volunteer or two handling this, there is no cost to the campaign!
Have You Seen the New Website Designs?
 
Corbin130

2008 campaigns are heading into high gear.  If you need anything from a campaign website, to an entire marketing plan using a variety of new media, contact us today to get started! 

Check out the new website designs for some inspiration.