Put Campaign Strategy First. Lessons from a Political Strategy Firm.
As a campaign strategy firm specializing in political and advocacy advertising, it is a consistent challenge to keep strategy as a primary consideration in a campaign. A variety of political concerns, such as creative and budget, can distract and even overshadow the pursuit of long-term and short-term strategic goals. Campaign tactics should complement good strategy not impede it. Having clearly defined goals can make a big difference.
Why is campaign strategy so important?
Campaign strategy is the roadmap to success. Your campaign will be lost without a good strategy. A good strategy is a team effort- not a solitary endeavor. Take the time for real collaborative input to piece together a winning strategy with your team and political strategy firm.
What are your short-term and long-term strategic goals?
Being able to balance strategy with good campaign tactics to reach voters matters a great deal, and can make a big difference in the outcome of your campaign. Don't lock in on a set of tactics until you are sure they will help achieve your short and long-term goals.
What is the connection between a campaign message and strategy?
A good campaign message is a natural extension of your strategy. It is the deliverable that most advocacy and political campaigns need from a political strategy firm. Most campaigns should ask the question: “What should I say to voters in order to achieve my goals?”
What is your right coalition?
We talk a lot about building the right coalition for your campaign. A strategically diverse coalition can make the difference between winning and losing.
Who are the right messengers?
Good messengers and storytellers are an extension of your coalition and persuasion targets.
How do you make strategic decisions?
The best strategic consulting firms cannot create a good strategy in a vacuum. In order to do so, we need real information to make good decisions including; research, goals, polling, and on-the-ground intelligence. Making these decisions should be a collaborative effort, and overall continue to advance towards the campaign's short and long-term goals.
How do you get started with a campaign strategy?
Here is a quick checklist to begin forming a campaign strategy with a Political Strategy Firm or on your own:
- Start with a planning meeting
- Assess your resources
- Define the winning coalition you want
- Focus on list-building
- Build a message box
- Define your targets
- Write down a plan to achieve your goals
- Define metrics to track
- Ask and know what success and failure look like
- Talk about your goals at every meeting and with every partner.
Want to find out what a Political Strategy Firm can do for you? Drop us a note.