Communication for Political Campaigns – 20 Pointers you Can’t Afford to Miss

Communication strategy pointers for political campaigns

• 

Political Campaigns are a good test of strategy and communications Whether you are going into a political contest to win or to test the waters, strategic Communication is critical while undertaking political campaigns and persuading voters/citizens.

You have to convince voters beyond reasonable doubt that you are the man/woman of the match, the only one that can take them to the next level and fulfil their aspirations.

This calls for a critical look into how one’s messages will be packaged and how the strategies you will use to achieve the set goals.

Why Everyone Needs Brutal Personal Branding in 2023 More Than Ever Before

• 

The following are key communication pillars in undertaking a strategic campaign:

• The 3 Cs – Consistency, Coherence and Creativity.
• Research on the office you are planning to vie for and see the commitment it will need (time and finance).
• Publicity – It is attracting people’s attention, creating visibility and awareness of your brand as a politician.
• Believability and acceptability – People will listen to everyone but will trust the ones they believe in.

Follow our LinkedIn page here: Heuristics Media and Communications Consultancy

• 

• Political Inclination (area, regional or national) – We look at the electorate’s political inclination and play in and out of their preference and what they want in their leadership.
• Unique selling points/Value – What are you bringing on board? We do intelligence to know what people want.
• Utilising your intangible assets (experience, records and initiatives) – We tailor such investments to add value to a politician as a brand.
• Financial capability – You need funds to run a campaign secretariat and a few coordinators on the ground. Remember, you can give money to voters, but they fail to vote for you. It is the effective strategy and facilitating a politician’s delivery of the plan and vision that matters the most.
• Strategic Plan – We create a suitable and sustainable working plan on how a politician will reach out to the electorate. It must be realistic, credible, attractive, future, inclusive, futuristic and time-bound.  
• Creative campaign – The tactics must be working and convincing. They should give the anticipated results.
• Slogan – It must resonate with the electorate.

• 

• Branding – This is important in selling one’s name and a politician. One should prepare merchandise such as caps, t-shirts, coverall, banners, signboards, etc.
• Strong public relations and media relations – It means reaching out to people a politician may not engage with physically.
• Social media marketing and engagement – Everything is going digital. A single video or text message on social media platforms go a long way in reaching out to the target audience.
•  Political agenda – It must address issues facing the electorate.
• Create a network and sign-up platform for supporters – This creates a direct network and platform.
• Create emotional connections and memories with the electorate with initiatives and social actions.
• Personality and culture fusion – Be like the electorate, live with them, engage in their social activities and be part of their problems. For example, if they are making a footpath or a temporary market area, be there with them and use the initiative to sell your political agenda.
• Build a narrative.
• Identify your competitors’ weak points and use them in your favour (negative campaign).

Publicity: How to get it right

•