Frequently Asked Questions

The Campaign Workshop offers comprehensive strategy-first political consulting services, including campaign strategy, digital advertising, direct mail, grassroots advocacy support, strategic planning, and campaign training. We provide end-to-end campaign solutions from initial strategy development to execution and program evaluation. Our services are designed to work together as part of an integrated campaign approach or can be utilized individually based on your specific needs.

Unlike firms that simply execute tactics, we start with the strategy first and develop a clear, winning plan before recommending any specific tactics. Once we have a strategy, we offer a range of services, including strategy, digital, mail, out-of-home (OOH), and training, all under one roof. We are transparent about pricing and performance and work to build long-term relationships with our clients. We’re also nimble, and our clients work directly with senior strategists and a seasoned team.

Yes, absolutely. We believe in strategy-first campaigns where every tactic serves a clear purpose. We’ll work with you to build a comprehensive strategy that helps you achieve your goals, then execute that strategy through our digital, mail, and paid communications services. We also offer strategy-only consulting for organizations that have in-house execution capabilities but need guidance on campaign planning and decision-making.

Our strategic communications services include day-to-day campaign strategy, media planning, message development and testing, and earned media support. We help you develop compelling narratives that resonate with your target audiences and coordinate messaging across channels, including paid media, digital, direct mail, OOH, earned media, social media, and more. We also provide ongoing strategic guidance as your program evolves over time.

We started in 2009 and have been in business for over 16 years. Since our founding, we’ve worked on hundreds of campaigns across the country, from local races to statewide initiatives, helping progressive candidates and causes win elections and advance their goals.

We are a fully remote 13-person company with team members located across the United States. This structure allows us to serve clients nationwide while maintaining work-life balance for our team. We use Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, and other technologies to work seamlessly across time zones and maintain close communication with our clients regardless of location. Our mailing address is 5614 Connecticut Ave, NW #290, Washington, DC 20015.

We’ve helped clients achieve significant outcomes, including electing first-time candidates, reelecting incumbents at local, state, and federal levels; passing ballot measures and initiatives across multiple states; increasing union membership and member engagement; building successful advocacy campaigns that moved policy; and achieving measurable persuasion and turnout goals through our mail and digital programs. You can see specific case studies and examples of our work on our website.

You will work with a Partner or Vice President, as well as staff who have been working with The Campaign Workshop for years. Your team also includes other staff members, such as account associates and/or managers, production managers, graphic designers, and more. We take pride in our diverse team, who have a wide range of experience and expertise. You’ll always have a dedicated point of contact that’s available by phone, text, or email to answer questions or address any ad hoc needs that arise.

We work with both! Our clients include non-profit organizations, labor unions, advocacy campaigns, independent expenditure (IE) campaigns, ballot measure and initiative campaigns, and candidate campaigns at local, state, and federal levels. We’re committed to working exclusively with progressive organizations and campaigns that share our values for social justice and equity.

We specialize in both short-term projects and long-term partnerships that span multiple election cycles for organizations committed to consistent progressive change. This includes electoral campaigns (from city council to statewide races), issue advocacy campaigns, ballot measures and initiatives, membership engagement programs for unions and advocacy organizations, and multi-year strategic campaigns. 

We work on campaigns across the United States. As a fully remote team, we have the flexibility to serve clients nationwide while bringing local expertise through our network of partners and our understanding of regional political dynamics. We’ve successfully managed campaigns in states from coast to coast, including competitive battleground states in both deep-blue and red states alike.

Yes! We work with both first-time candidates and experienced elected officials. We understand that every campaign is different, and we tailor our approach to match your campaign’s specific needs, resources, and goals. For first-time candidates, we provide extra guidance on campaign fundamentals while developing sophisticated strategies to compete effectively.

Yes, we have extensive experience with ballot measures and initiative campaigns across the country, on both statewide and local measures. We help with the initial strategy, advise on go/no-go decisions based on research and feasibility analyses, and implement winning ballot measure communications plans. Our ballot measure services include strategic planning and research, message development and testing, coalition building, direct mail programs, digital advertising, and post-programmatic evaluation. We’ve worked on measures ranging from education funding and transportation to environmental measures and voting rights.

Equity is central to who we are and how we plan and execute our work. From diverse creative representation to accessibility in messaging and training, we ensure programs reflect and reach the communities they serve.

For electoral campaigns, we recommend hiring a consultant at least 12–18 months before Election Day. This gives you time to conduct research, develop a strategy, build your team, and execute a comprehensive campaign plan. For independent expenditure campaigns that form closer to Election Day, 6–9 months is ideal. For advocacy campaigns and ballot measures, the timeline depends on your goals, but starting 12–24 months out allows for the most strategic approach.

The best time to hire a consultant is before you make major strategic decisions about messaging, targeting, and resource allocation. Common collection points include: when you’re ready to move from the exploratory phase to an active campaign, when you need to develop your campaign plan and budget, when you're preparing to launch paid communications, or when you need expert guidance on a specific challenge. Even if you think it’s too early, it’s worth having a conversation. Early strategic guidance can save significant money and effort in the long run.

We start with a comprehensive discovery phase where we learn about your campaign or organization, goals, challenges, and resources. This typically includes a series of meetings with stakeholders reviewing existing research and data, and discussing your timeline and budget. We then develop a strategic plan and timeline, present our recommendations, and, once the plan is approved, we begin implementation. Throughout the process, we are in close communication with your team.

The first step is to reach out via our contact form or by giving us a call. We’ll schedule an initial conversation to learn about your campaign or organization, discuss your needs and goals, and determine if we’re a good fit. From there, we’ll develop a proposal outlining our recommended approach, timeline, and investment. There’s no cost or obligation for this initial consultation.

We use a combination of modern research tactics and time-tested campaign planning tools. Our process typically includes: analyzing the political landscape and competitive environment, reviewing any polling (if applicable), developing target voter universes using voter file data and models, testing messages through focus groups or quantitative research, creating a strategic message framework like the Tully Message Box, and helping you build a comprehensive campaign plan with clear metrics and timelines. We believe in a data-driven strategy grounded in political reality.

A voter file is a database of registered voters that includes voting history, demographic information, and predictive modeling scores. It’s the foundation of any modern campaign’s targeting strategy. We utilize voter files to identify your target universe (who you need to reach), develop precise targeting for mail and digital programs, model likely supporters and persuadable voters, track voter contact and engagement, and measure program effectiveness. Working with a voter file and having a clear understanding of your vote goal are crucial for running an efficient, winning campaign.

Effective voter targeting starts with a clear vote goal—understanding exactly how many votes you need to win and where those votes will come from. We then use voter file data, predictive models, and research to identify your target audiences. Target audiences typically include base supporters who need mobilization or persuadable voters who could be moved to support you. The key is to focus your limited resources on voters who matter most rather than trying to communicate with everyone.

Message development is both an art and a science. We start with research—understanding what voters care about, what moves them, and how they currently perceive the candidates or issues. We recommend testing multiple message directions through qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative research (polls or online surveys). For instance, we use frameworks like the Tully Message Box to position your campaign strategically against your opponent so that the strongest messages connect your campaign or cause to voters’ values and concerns while creating clear contrasts with your opposition. 

While we aren’t a fundraising firm, we regularly advise campaigns on their overall fundraising strategy, including fundraising goals and timelines, identifying major donor prospects, creating finance committee structures, fundraising emails, and integrating fundraising communications into overall campaign messaging. We can also connect you with fundraising consultants in our network who specialize in call-time management and donor outreach.

The Tully Message Box is a strategic framework, developed by campaign strategist Paul Tully, that helps campaigns think through messaging from four perspectives: 1) what you say about yourself, 2) what your opponent says about themselves, 3) what you say about your opponent, and 4) what your opponent says about you. This framework ensures you develop a message that both promotes your strengths and defines your opponent, effectively preparing you for any attacks that may come your way. It’s a fundamental tool for strategic message development.

We create and manage comprehensive digital advertising campaigns across all major platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, Google Display Network (GDN) and YouTube, programmatic display advertising, connected TV (CTV) and streaming platforms, LinkedIn for certain advocacy campaigns, and various emerging platforms as they become politically relevant. Our creative services include static image ads, animated GIFs, video production, and editing. We handle everything from targeting strategy and creative development through campaign optimization and reporting.

Digital advertising budgets vary widely based on your goals and audience size. For a targeted district-level campaign (state legislative or local), a meaningful digital program typically starts at $25,000. For congressional districts, $100,000+ is common. Statewide campaigns often invest $500,000–$5 million+ in digital. We recommend allocating 30% of your paid media budget to digital, depending on your target audience’s media consumption habits and your campaign timeline.

The most effective platforms depend on your target audience. YouTube and connected TV are increasingly important for reaching cord-cutters and younger voters. Likewise, GDN works well for building awareness and retargeting. Programmatic display allows us to target specific geographic areas with precision. We develop platform strategies based on where your target voters spend their time online.

We use multi-layered targeting strategies combining platform-based targeting (demographics, interests, behaviors), custom voter file uploads (matching your target universe to platform users) and/or pre-matched voter file segments, geographic targeting (from statewide to individual precincts), lookalike audiences (finding users similar to your target audience), and retargeting (reaching people who've previously engaged with your content). We continuously optimize targeting based on performance data to ensure we reach the right people throughout the program.

Yes, we produce video content for digital and TV advertising. Our services include concept development and scripting, filming and production coordination, editing and post-production, motion graphics and animation, and optimization for different platforms and placements. We can work with your existing footage or coordinate full video production shoots.

We track multiple metrics depending on campaign goals, including reach and impressions, click-through rates, video view rates and completion rates, cost per result (clicks, views, conversions), engagement rates, website traffic, and conversions. When possible, we also evaluate the impact of persuasion and mobilization tactics. Ultimately, our goal is to provide regular reporting and use performance data to optimize campaigns and yield better results.

We create a full range of direct mail programs, including persuasion mail to move undecided voters, GOTV (Get Out the Vote) mailers to mobilize supporters, voter registration pieces, candidate introduction pieces, contrast and comparative mail, issue advocacy mail, member engagement pieces for unions and advocacy organizations, fundraising mail, and ballot measure education programs. Each program is strategically designed with specific goals and target audiences in mind.

Direct mail costs vary based on quantity, mail piece format, postage class, and production quality. As a general guide, standard postcards are estimated with a per-piece all-in price (printing, postage, data processing). For a competitive district-level race, a full mail program typically ranges from $30,000 to $100,000+. We work with you to develop a mail program that maximizes impact within your budget.

Persuasion mail targets undecided or soft-leaning voters with the goal of moving them to support your candidate or position. It typically focuses on issue messaging, candidate biography, and contrasting with opponents. GOTV mail targets likely supporters with the goal of ensuring they vote. It emphasizes voting information (when, where, how to vote) and uses messaging to convey urgency and drive motivation.

For the best results, we recommend that you start planning your mail program at least 8–10 weeks before your desired in-home dates. This allows time for strategic planning and universe development (1–2 weeks), creative development and client review (2–3 weeks), production and printing (1–2 weeks), and mail entry and postal delivery (1–2 weeks). This process can be expedited, but doing so can limit your options for strategic planning, creative development, and overall implementation.

After the initial kickoff call, we’ll draft your mail plan within about a week, outlining the scope, costs, and timeline. You’ll have two days to review and approve it. From there, we develop the creative in roughly 2–4 days, share drafts for your feedback, and turn revisions around quickly. Once you give final sign-off, we send the piece to print and typically reach USPS drop within a week. Overall, most full direct mail programs take about a month from kickoff to mailbox, though we can compress that schedule if needed.

Yes, through our affiliated company, TCW Printshop, we handle printing and mailing services using union print shops across the country. This integrated approach ensures quality control, competitive pricing, and timely delivery. All of our printing is done in the United States with union labor, supporting fair wages and quality craftsmanship.

The number of mail pieces depends on the size of your target universe, budget, and campaign strategy. Research shows voters typically need 3–7 touchpoints to remember a message. For persuasion programs, we typically recommend 3–5 mail pieces per target voter spread across 4–8 weeks. For GOTV programs, 3–5 mail pieces in the final two weeks before Election Day or during early voting is standard. 

Yes, we design and produce voter registration mail programs, including registration forms and information, targeting unregistered likely supporters, deadline reminders, and follow-up. Voter registration programs require careful timing around registration deadlines and compliance with state regulations. 

We’re known for breaking through the clutter with bold, strategic creative that gets noticed and remembered. Unlike generic template mail, we develop custom creative strategies for each campaign that connect emotionally with voters while delivering a clear, persuasive message. Our creative has won multiple awards and, more importantly, has helped our clients get results. We combine strategic messaging with eye-catching design to create mail that actually gets read and stands out.

We offer custom campaign training programs for advocacy, member, and political organizations; unions; advocacy groups; and candidate campaigns. Our training topics include power mapping, campaign planning and strategy, digital advertising fundamentals, direct mail strategy and tactics, message development, voter targeting and voter file usage, grassroots organizing, and political communications. Training can be delivered in-person or virtually and is customized to your organization’s specific needs and experience level.

We host one to three trainings each year on different topics, with individual seats available for purchase. These individual training seats start at $299 per person. Custom training programs for organizations begin at $15,000, which typically includes curriculum development, materials creation, full- or multi-day training delivery, and post-training support. We also have preexisting training curricula that can be repurposed at a discounted rate. We structure the pricing based on the scope, duration, and customization required for your training needs.

Yes, we regularly conduct trainings for campaign staff, organizational staff, and volunteer leaders. We can scale training from small leadership teams to large volunteer groups. We also offer train-the-trainer training so you can take on this work in-house. Our training style is practical and hands-on, focusing on skills that participants can immediately apply to their campaigns or advocacy work.

Yes, we design billboards and outdoor advertising for advocacy campaigns and high-profile electoral campaigns. Our services include strategic placement recommendations, creative design optimized for quick viewing, and production coordination. Outdoor advertising works particularly well for awareness campaigns, ballot measures, and creating buzz in specific geographic areas.

Yes, we design print ads for newspapers, magazines, and other print publications. While print advertising is less common in modern campaigns, it can still be effective for certain audiences (particularly older voters) and in local races where community newspapers have strong readership. We ensure print ads work as part of an integrated campaign strategy alongside digital and mail programs.

Logo and brand identity projects range from $3,000–$15,000+, depending on whether it’s a standalone project or part of an overall campaign. For standalone branding projects, we typically charge $6,000–$15,000 for a complete package including logo design, color palette, typography standards, and brand guidelines. When brand development is part of a larger campaign contract, we often bundle it into overall campaign services at a reduced rate.

Our consulting services start at $250 per hour for strategic consulting and campaign planning. Price depends on the level of expertise provided by our team members supporting the project. Training sessions begin at $299 per person. For ongoing strategic support, we typically work on monthly retainer arrangements ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the scope and intensity of the work. We provide a detailed proposal outlining costs based on your specific needs at the onset of a project or program.

For digital advertising and direct mail programs, budgets typically start at $50,000 for the complete program (including strategy, creative, production, and media placement or mail costs). The cost for custom training programs begins at $25,000. For hourly strategic consulting, there’s no minimum—we can work with campaigns of all sizes on an as-needed basis. We’re happy to discuss your budget and help you determine which services will provide the best return on investment.

Campaign budgets vary widely based on the race, district competitiveness, and your goals. As a general rule, competitive state legislative races typically require $100,000–$500,000, congressional races $1–$5 million, and statewide races $5–$50 million. For advocacy campaigns, budgets depend on your geographic scope and goals. We can help you develop a realistic budget during the strategic planning process and identify the most cost-effective ways to reach your vote goals or advocacy objectives.

We offer both retainer-based arrangements for ongoing support and project-based work. For campaigns that need consistent strategic guidance throughout an election cycle, monthly retainers typically work best. For organizations that need help with a specific project, such as developing a direct mail program, running a digital campaign, or creating a strategic plan, we offer project-based pricing. We’re flexible and will work with you to structure an agreement that fits your needs.

Our pricing is transparent and clearly outlined in our proposals. For digital and mail programs, our fees cover strategic planning, creative development, project management, and program optimization. Our budgets and information show media costs, such as digital ad spend (including commission), as well as production, printing, and postage expenses for direct mail. 

We’re always looking for talented people to join our team. Check out our current job listings on our TCW Jobs page. We typically hire for roles such as account associates, account managers, art and design, and print production. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences, particularly those who are passionate about progressive politics and have campaign or advocacy experience. 

Yes, we maintain a network of US-based freelance graphic designers, photographers, videographers, video editors, and programmers. If you’re interested in freelance opportunities, reach out on our contact page with your portfolio and area(s) of expertise. We hire freelancers on a project basis throughout the year, with peak demand during election cycles.

At the current time, we do not have an internship program. We share content on internships and listings about political and advocacy internships on our blog and occasionally offer internship opportunities during election years. Check our TCW Jobs page for future opportunities.

Have more questions? Contact The Campaign Workshop today to discuss your campaign or advocacy needs. We’re here to help you develop winning strategies and achieve your goals.

The Campaign Workshop
Est. 2009 | Strategy First | Fully Remote
Serving causes and campaigns nationwide

At this time, we do not accept guest, sponsored, or promotional posts. Our blog is designed to be a practical, evergreen resource for campaigns, organizations, and advocates, and all our content is written internally to ensure it aligns with that mission. That said, we do welcome ideas. If there’s a topic you believe would be useful or might fill a gap in our content, you’re welcome to share your suggestion through our contact page. While we can’t guarantee coverage, we aim to take reader feedback into account when we are planning future content.

We produce approximately 14 episodes per year, plus additional bonus episodes of our “How to Win a Campaign” podcast. We’re always looking for non-profit leaders, campaign professionals, candidates, and advocates with compelling stories and insights to share. If you’re interested in being a guest, reach out via our contact page with information about potential topics you’d like to discuss on the show.