Are you thinking of running for office? Are you tired of the way things are being done? Do you see changes that need to be made?
Yes! But how do you create and run an election campaign? Ambition and ideology aren’t enough to carry you through an election.
One of the best ways to accomplish this, is to get active with a blog of your own. As seen when looking at any of the top political blogs on the internet today, there is massive interest and attraction for both sides of the parties in this space. Not only is a blog an excellent way to put your voice and agenda out there, it’s also one of the easiest and most cost effective steps you can take in the process.
So read on for the 10 tips you need on how to win an election!
1. Create a Slogan That Reflects Your Mission
Your campaign slogan should reflect not only yourself as an individual but your mission, your promises, your goals.
Ask yourself some of these questions:
- What would my community look like if I were in this office?
- What are my voters in need of?
- What are my voters’ wants?
- What kind of world do I want to live in?
Take some inspiration from past president slogans.
2. How to Win an Election Using Social Media
Young voters are a goldmine of opportunity. In the last presidential election, only 46% of millennials voted even though the youngest millennials have reached voting age.
Social media is a perfect way to engage with your potential millennial voters because the average person between the ages of 18-35 spends over 5 hours a day on some social media platform.
If you can engage with this voting demographic on the channels of social media that they frequent (think Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Youtube, etc.) then you’ll be able to tap into a huge source of support.
3. Know Your Vote Goals
One of the first things you need to understand is how many votes you need to become elected to your prospective office.
As reported by many top conservative blogs, knowing your vote goal will help you create a plan on how to obtain said votes. It will also help you to remain realistic about your campaign goals.
Knowing this type of information and target audience beforehand is key to winning an election and putting your funds and donations to the best use.
4. Create Your Own Campaign Plan
Any successful politician will tell you that the key to a winning campaign is a well-formulated plan.
Your campaign plan should include your major strategies in detail.
It doesn’t need to be a novel, but it should include all of the following and anything else you find helpful:
- Vote Goal
- Fundraising Efforts
- Communications and Advertising
- Grassroots Efforts
- Campaign Opportunities (speeches or debates if applicable)
- Budgets
- Campaign Calendar
- Contacts
With a blog in place, it’s a great way to cover each of your agenda and campaign points. This is especially true when trying to reach different audiences through social media. Instead of sending them to your main page, you can send them directly to the page with your data points and given message.
5. Make Sure Your Family is on Board
The election campaign is going to take a major toll on you, no doubt. But make sure that you consider the toll it will take on family members and close friends.
They’ll likely help with campaign efforts. They may be under increased scrutiny. They may be targeted by bullies and opposing parties and constituents.
Make sure that before entering the race, you consider what your loved ones will sacrifice and experience as a result.
Tell them why you feel passionate about running for your office. And ask them if they are willing to go through this process with you.
Taking the time to hold those important conversations will show your family that they come first, and earn their support.
6. Curate Your Team
As you prepare to run for office, consider these essential roles that need to be filled and who could fill them. Keep in mind, people may need to fill them in voluntary capacities instead of paid.
- Campaign Manager: The campaign manager should be responsible for overseeing every aspect of the campaign. Don’t be tempted to do this yourself. The candidate should be spending time meeting people, not managing the campaign.
- Volunteering Coordinator: This person seeks out and coordinates the efforts of volunteers. This can include canvassing, manning events, etc.
- Grassroots Coordinator: The grassroots coordinator is primarily responsible for voter initiatives on a grassroots level to encourage people to vote.
- Fundraising Supervisor: This position is the one to supervise all fundraising efforts. They are also responsible for making sure that fundraising efforts remain within election regulations.
- Financial Director: While they work alongside the fundraising supervisor, the financial director is a different position. They are primarily responsible for obtaining major donor contributions.
Again, when it comes to breaking up your team and creating a powerhouse around your agenda and political campaign, a blog is perfect for this. Such tasks include content writing, site design, social media, HR and outreach, PR and much more.
7. Start Your Fundraising Efforts Now!
It is never too early to begin your fundraising efforts! Take some time to make an educated estimate of how much this campaign will cost. Then begin your fundraising.
Not sure where to start? Begin with friends and family who know you best and trust your judgment. Take the time to explain why you’re running for office and what you hope to accomplish. Ask for their financial help to make this possible.
Raising money through a website or blog is also super easy. This can be done with a simple Paypal link, or even connecting with a GoFundMe campaign. You might be surprised at how fast and viral your donations add up!
No matter the amount you need, any amount helps. So get started today!
8. Try to Listen More Than You Talk
Your campaign isn’t really about you. It’s about the voters who will elect you. Consider these questions, and if you don’t know the answers, then ask and listen!
- What are your voters’ needs?
- What are their wants?
- What are your voters passionate about?
- What motivates your voters?
- What do your voters fear?
9. Never Replace One-on-One Engagement
The hardest campaign strategy is also one of the most effective. One-on-one engagements through canvassing, meet and greet events, and phone calls are irreplaceable.
Nothing will leave a stronger impression on your voters than a personal interaction that shows your care and concern for them.
Don’t make the mistake of skipping this necessary step.
10. Get Ready to Work Hard
At the end of the day, hard work, consistency, and determination are what will carry you through the election.
There will be early mornings and late nights and everything in between. You’ll be tired, you’ll be stressed, you’ll have to multitask.
But in the end, it will be worth it!
Now What?
Now that you know how to win an election with a fool-proof campaign, it’s time to get started with your own blog! It’s not just about your message and what you want to change in the world today, it’s about making sure your message is being heard and on a social platform that connects all of us.
Remember your voters, and go win for them!