Meet Mike Bell

April 30, 2009 by Steve Schultz @GeniusbyOsmosis · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Campaign Technology

Mike Bell of Toledo, OH has been launching a social media campaign to attract citizens for his Mayoral race. Honestly, his website is pretty good, a little rough in spots, but definitely serves his informational purposes. However, what did I see that I just could not believe (in a bad way)? His use of social media.

LISTEN! Ten years ago we had to convince you that you, as politicians, needed websites. This is 2009. The website is not something that should be touted UNLESS it utilizes significant social media integration. No, social media will not get you elected. It is about the message. But with so many millions staying connected online, you cannot leave a 1″ x 4″ rectangle for four social media icons, none of which, by the way, belong to Twitter.

An effective online campaign strategy (OCS) is developed around the integration of new media concepts and networking sites. When I say integration, I mean a comprehensive, synergistic powerhouse of video, audio, and text content. It’s about creating a two-way conversation even beyond your constituency that cannot be done anywhere else and in any other way.

Yes, kudos everyone that has a website. Just realize it’s not enough. If all you have is a small rectangle that only contains four network sites (Facebook, Delicious, Digg, and Yahoo Buzz) where only one of which has the profile capabilities you need, YOU are still in web 1.0. Last I checked, those that are successful with their OCS moved to web 2.0 a while back.

Or if you are thinking that this kind of stuff is only for “big” politics and not for individuals running for Mayor, City Council, or even School Board, you are wrong. Where do grassroots movements begin? At the local level. Remember that and figure out what you can do to improve your OCR. Read the article below.

http://www.mikebellfortoledo.com/meet%2Dmike%2Dbell

Check out his website here.