Marketing for Politicians

no action? what about voting for them?

I spent 5 years heading the Marketing dept of a political party. Loved it. But the sleaze that goes behind-doors was too much for me.

Basically, the best tip I can give you is to get on Facebook and run a page for the politician ONLY if you are willing to communicate with the people. You will get a lot of abuse, organised "bashing campaigns" from members of other parties...but you MUST engage.

If you are NOT willing to engage, then your best bet is to tear clear of social media like FB or Twitter. Remember what happened to Dave? He never got over it! Check Buzzfeed's take.

Hi there,

I have some experience in political marketing. It's more difficult to do this than sell a product or service because it's like the market is different every single day. You need to be able to identify social needs and cultural trends before your opponents do and learn how to ride them in a way that it will help your always be on top.

To win elections or score well for popularity to need to "win" in the following areas:

1. What politicians have to say about themselves. (What can they say that will help them stay in people's minds in a positive manner.) For example a politician was asked what is the one political figure she finds to resemble her political approach the most. She said "Nelson Mandela". That was a fail because she didn't spent 27 years in prison and the general public considered that Mandela is one of the most inspiring political figures that have ever existed. You sound ridiculous when you're comparing yourself with Mandela and she was torn to pieces in social media.
2. What politicians have to say about other politicians. (How do you respond to what other politicians have to say in a way that you'll attract the support of voters?) For example you can't respond by attacking the personal life of another politician, people will understand that you just have no valid arguments.
3.What other politicians have to say about the politicians you're helping. (How can you trick your opponents in using against you things that will alienate their voters and make them join your ship?) That can even mean making available for your opponents some fake facts that they'll use without checking and then making the entire thing blow up in their face.

Popularity is always very important. And politicians conduct surveys all the time, to see how voters or the general public would react to various scenarios.

There are compliance issues you will have to know.

Be prepared to put your political beliefs aside.
There is often times vehement sticking to the party platform amongst the people you will be in contact with.

I think if you position yourself as a marketing guy for politicians, you're shooting yourself in the foot. They don't care. They don't need marketing, and if you look at the majority of the campaigns, on a larger level it is more branding than marketing.

Most campaign managers are looking for reputation management, that's probably the most important thing unless it is on a local level, then it's just more brand awareness. Yard signs, direct mailing, facebook, going door to door handing out brochures, meeting people, networking, etc.

The telemarketing is kind of useless, it's just the repetition of the name they care about. The only exception is when you're doing telemarketing for fundraiser events.