#1 Social Media platforms are today’s branding platforms.
In today’s political arena, candidates or public officials are viewed the same as any of the large brand companies or names with respect to how people view their actions and opinions. Social Media has now become the public viewing space of politicians lives, following their every move whether social or political. Previously, people read about news and scandals from many of the TV, radio and online news junkets. Today everyone carries a camera in their pocket attached to their phone, and are available to snap a photo or upload a video instantly to social media, sharing the lives and actions of candidates and politicians. Every small detail of politicians lives has now become available for public scrutiny.
A politician will present their manifesto at Town Hall meetings, rallies, and events, and now their social media lives must also show every part of their campaign and be “seen” to be doing what they say. Their use of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, must not only follow but show how a politician is achieving the goal of their manifesto.
#2 Each social platform has its own purpose.
All platforms are not created equal, otherwise, they would all have the same amount of followers. There is a different purpose behind each platform that is dictated by the demographics of that platform. You wouldn’t use the same post on Facebook as you would on LinkedIn, as the audiences are demographically different. One is family, friends, and colleagues orientated, and the other is business only demographic.
The type of post on a social platform is also reflective of the age demographic of its users. Twitter and Instagram are predominantly used by younger voters and use compelling stories and photos, while Facebook is definitely an over 35’s + platform. All the platforms are important, but each must be crafted to share the message to its demographics.
#3 Building relationships.
Consistent campaign posts should always follow the strategy of the candidates branding and be relevant, and continually feature upcoming trends and discussions to broaden the demographics of the candidate. Building relationships involve reaching out with messages that resonate their branding while being relevant to what is happening both nationally and even internationally, speaking up for projects and people that are doing something positive, or decrying something like terrorism for instance.
#4 Use Videos and Images.
The saying an “image is worth a thousand words” is not lost on Social Media. The increase in photographs, memes, Facebook Live, Periscope videos has dramatically risen over the last couple of years. Used wisely these images can show a candidate’s passion in the community actively showing their true feelings towards people, projects, and issues that people are interested in.
Every opportunity is not a photo op. The increases in selfies have almost become narcissistic in some younger people, but a lot of opportunities that involve work in the community and the business marketplace are.
#5 Changing…
One of President Obama’s campaigns revolved around the phrase “Change”, and Social Media is an ever-changing platform. To keep up with the changes every day, will involve being able to change direction without compromising branding, messaging or issues they support. A classic example is to follow President Trump, you will see his messaging ranging from personal matters to political call outs of other politicians and leaders in stories crafted to communicate to everybody about the issues. He is a master at breaking down a complicated legal issue into a message of everyday communication that people can understand.
