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How to Adjust Your Marketing Strategy for Election Season

by Jackie Riedel | September 18, 2024 | Marketing

Key Changes You Need to Make
As we enter election season, it’s crucial for businesses to reassess their marketing strategies. The political climate can significantly impact consumer behavior and media consumption, especially with the current inflation, which in turn affects how audiences interact with your brand. Whether you’re leveraging traditional media, digital platforms, social media, or direct mail, here are some adjustments you should consider making to your marketing campaigns during election season.

Traditional Media: TV, Radio, and Print

Avoid High-Volume Periods: During election season, there’s always a surge in political ads, especially on TV and radio. Ad costs can skyrocket, and your message may get lost amid the political noise. To combat this, consider shifting your campaigns to less crowded times or exploring alternative channels like print or podcasts.

Choose Neutral Messaging: During election times, it’s best to steer clear of politically charged content or anything that could be interpreted as taking a stance. Maintain a neutral tone to avoid alienating any segment of your audience.

Review Media Buys: Revisit your media buy schedules and adjust the timing to avoid peak election periods. Additionally, ensure your ads are not airing immediately before or after political content to minimize any negative association.

Digital Media: OTT, Online Ads, SEO, and Display Networks

Monitor Ad Spend and Performance: Digital platforms also experience a spike in political ads, which can drive up costs and lower the effectiveness of your campaigns. Keep a close eye on your budget and adjust bids and pacing strategies as needed.

Leverage Retargeting Campaigns: Since general ad costs may increase, retargeting can be a cost-effective way to reach users who have already shown interest in your brand. This allows you to maintain visibility without the hefty price tag of fresh ad placements.

Diversify Your Platforms: During election season, it’s wise to explore platforms that are less saturated with political content. Consider increasing your presence on niche sites, podcasts, or even streaming services where political ads may be less prevalent.

OTT: Streaming Services and Connected TV

Capitalize on Less Political Clutter: OTT platforms, such as streaming services and connected TV, tend to have fewer political ads compared to traditional TV, especially on premium or ad-free subscriptions. This offers a prime opportunity to reach audiences without the intense competition of political advertising.

Leverage Audience Targeting: OTT allows for highly targeted ads based on viewing behavior, demographics, and interests, making it easier to deliver personalized messages. Use this to your advantage by crafting campaigns that resonate specifically with your audience segments.

Test and Optimize Creative: Since OTT ads can be more dynamic and interactive, use this platform to test different creative approaches. Monitor which ads perform best in terms of engagement and conversions, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Social Media: Organic and Paid Campaigns

Adjust Your Content Calendar: Election season can dominate social feeds, so adjust your content calendar to account for major political events such as debates or election days. During these times, organic reach may decrease as audiences are more focused on election news.

Enhance Engagement with Neutral Topics: Stick to content that unites rather than divides. Focus on themes like community, positivity, or your brand’s mission. Use interactive formats like polls, quizzes, or Q&A sessions to engage your audience without venturing into political territory.

Carefully Monitor Comments: With heightened political tensions, your social media channels may see increased activity. Be prepared to moderate comments actively and set clear guidelines for discussions to keep conversations respectful and on-topic.

Direct Mail: Personalization and Timing

Be Mindful of Timing: Mailboxes get crowded during election season, with a flood of political mailers competing for attention. To stand out, consider scheduling your direct mail campaigns before or after the peak periods of political mail distribution.

Personalize Your Messaging: Personalization can help your direct mail stand out in a cluttered environment. Use targeted data to craft messages that resonate on an individual level, making your communication feel more relevant and less likely to be discarded.

Clear and Concise Calls to Action: Given the sheer volume of political messaging, make sure your direct mail pieces are clear and direct in their messaging. A strong, straightforward call to action will help cut through the noise.

Email Marketing: Segmenting and Subject Lines

Refine Segmentation: During election season, refine your audience segmentation to tailor your messages more precisely. This can help your emails feel more relevant and reduce the likelihood of being overlooked amid political emails.

Optimize Subject Lines: With increased competition in the inbox, your subject lines need to be even more compelling. Avoid sensationalism that could be misconstrued as politically motivated and focus on clarity and value.

Schedule Wisely: Avoid sending emails during key political events like debates, election nights, or major news cycles when attention is likely to be elsewhere. Instead, opt for times when inboxes are less inundated with political content.

Navigating marketing during election season requires flexibility and a strategic approach. Consumer decision-making can be heavily influenced by the heightened political environment, leading to increased emotional responses, changes in spending habits, and shifts in media consumption. By making thoughtful adjustments to your strategies, you can maintain visibility and engagement without getting lost in the political shuffle. Remember, staying neutral and focusing on your brand’s value proposition will help keep your messaging relevant, resonate with your audience, and mitigate the impact of the political landscape.

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