A couple of months ago, no one with any sense would have encouraged you to campaign from your living room. However, things have changed rapidly in the world and we’re now all determined to stay home. This doesn’t mean your campaign has lost steam; on the contrary, this is the time to get creative and cut through the noise. President William McKinley ran his entire 1896 campaign from his front porch while his wife was sick at home. It can absolutely be done.
1. Social Media
Internet traffic and Facebook browsing is up since many states instituted lockdown orders. Take advantage of the captive audience by investing in a well-run and full-service social media team. At Victory, we handle everything from targeting, messaging, to thoughtful graphic design. During this unique time, a campaign without a vibrant social media plan will likely be forgotten.
2. Mail
People will still check their mail largely without fear. When you can’t personally go door to door, mail does the trick of meeting people in their homes and getting their attention. A robust mail plan will tell the arc of your story, main issues, and draw a contrast with your opponent. A full-service mail program from Victory ensures strong data, reliable printing, and complete design, from messaging to graphic design perfectly tailored to your needs.
3. Tele-Town Halls
Tele-Town Halls are a great way to host events and communicate with large groups of people. Victory can help connect you to your voters, friends, family, and constituents through an online meeting platform that is specifically designed to fit the needs of a campaign or official office. Whether you have multiple hosts, hundreds of guests, or even just a chance to catch up with your campaign team, we offer lots of great options.
4. Friends
Unfortunately, Victory can’t make these for you, but we can help you use them! Friends and family are a valuable resource for campaigns during a pandemic or when the world is normal. Ask your friends to invite fellow community members to like your Facebook page or to make phone calls on your behalf. They can do “digital door-knocking” by reaching out to several of their neighbors and friends through social media and explaining why they’re excited to vote for you in the upcoming election.
5. Volunteer
Take care of your neighbors by going out to serve in food banks, deliver groceries, and mow yards. You can’t shake hands or have a meet and greet, but taking care of the people around you leaves a strong impression of your community values and dedication to bettering the lives of those you wish to serve. Take reasonable precautions and call ahead to make sure your presence won’t cause fear or concern. Every community is dealing with this crisis differently, so be sensitive to the comfort level of others.
Don’t Forget to Raise Money!
Although traditional campaigning may be on hold, many elements remain the same. For instance, keep fundraising. Remember, William McKinley may have won his campaign from his front porch, but he also raised millions of dollars and outspent his traveling opponent 2:1. Whether you prefer to fundraise through letters, directing people to your website, or through mail campaigns, never stop asking.
No matter what kind of campaign you plan to run, it’s important to make sure you’re equipped with the essentials and prepared to adapt to a new scene. Your flexibility will be a strong testimony to your ability to work in the ever-changing landscape of local government and public service.