Running for Local Office? Make a Campaign Sign

January 12, 2010 by Steve Schultz @GeniusbyOsmosis · Leave a Comment
Filed under: local politics

Duh! I know that’s what you’re all thinking. But quite frankly there are a significant number of people out there that are interested in running and have never ventured into politics. As a matter of fact, a lot of times, it’s kind of easy to spot them because their signs are, well, interesting. In all candor, it’s really just about basic marketing principles applied both online and IRL (in real life).

Well, for those of you that are looking to run this 2010, probably a local office, check out these tips from iSnare.com.

Colors Matter: Just like you wouldn’t wear certain colors in parts of LA, colors represent something. The symbolize political parties, ideology and much more. I’ll often see green colored signs for local offices that are running in rural areas with lots of farmland.
Oh I look Great: Would you buy a product without at the very least seeing it in a picture? Of course not. You must have a face with your brand. If your message doesn’t have a face to fall back on you won’t pull in votes.
Everyone Knows The Name: What do people see when they look on the ballot? Names and sometime parties. Give them a name. Honestly, if you can hammer your name in the head of every person in your area you will win. Especially in local races or the “unknown” races that people don’t pay too much attention to. Your Name could win it for you.
Political Party Affiliations: Affiliations do matter, but unlike the advice of the article, it’s not always smart to declare your affiliations. In many local races you need to consider your self a “Bostonian” before you consider yourself a certain ideology. “Bostonian” of course meaning whatever city you hail from. Sometimes party affiliation will help and sometimes it can hurt. Just remember, when they see your Conservative you may gain the right vote but you’ve possibly lost the left. That’s quite presumptuous but for simplicity’s sake, let’s leave it at that.
Slogan: A slogan is and isn’t necessary. If you have a good slogan it works. But remember your signs are only so big so keep it short and simple. Obama ran on Hope and Change. And while Hope is gone and the Change has been terrible, it was catchy. Be original but don’t be stupid.
You Constituency: If there is one thing I abhor in this world it’s a political sign where I can’t tell what they are running for. Especially on local races. Often you can’t tell what district they’re running for, is it school board or city council, etc. Tell everyone what you are running for.
Use Icons: Icons can work but again, be careful. Icons can become confusing. If you use icons keep it simple. Here in Iowa my brother has used the State of Iowa as an icon and it works. Don’t have something ambiguous or that just doesn’t make sense.

Anyways, these are their tips (somewhat) on making signs. Yes, I know, this is a technology blog, but let’s be honest, if you aren’t following these principles in the design of your website and bumper/banner ads than you’re messing up. Like I said these tips apply online and IRL. So if you’re running for public office, especially for the first time, you have a new, fresh brand to create. Follow these tips and make the most of your image and good luck in running you political campaign.

Tags: City council, Iowa, local office, local politics, mayor, obama, political signs, public office, running for office, School Board

Are you running for office and have an election coming up this Novemember?

July 16, 2009 by Doug Mitchell · Leave a Comment
Filed under: News, local politics

I’ve been working a deal with a candidate for Mayor on Twitter. Election day is November 3rd and he asked if we would extend his membership to cover through that date. That exchange prompted this clarification and this DEAL!

ORS is designed to help you as a candidate AND as the incumbent. Once elected to office, you’ll want to stay abreast of the latest on technology. You’ll receive continued training and education in what will keep you effieciently communicating and leading with technology on your side.
Since many smaller budget mayoral campaigns are nervous about budgets…we’re extending ANYONE who signs up during the month of July through the end of November. So call it a free month or call it customer appreciation. The bottom line is that we want to EARN your business over the long haul.

Tags: local race, mayor, ORS

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.