Advertising agencies for politics are a powerful way to market political candidates for local, state and national campaigns. With their vast resources, political advertising companies have the skills and experience to generate positive publicity for candidates.

From print advertising to television advertising to Internet advertising, political advertising agencies use a variety of media solutions to reach voters. Political ad agencies are skilled at effectively positioning candidates within select demographic markets. By utilizing the services of a political advertising firm, candidates can focus more on their campaign and less on the marketing details.

Before embarking on an election campaign, surround yourself with a team of professionals dedicated to your success. Among this team should be a professional political advertising agency responsible for all advertising messages and placement. When selecting advertising agencies for politics, research each agency and evaluate the following:

1. Do the advertising agencies have experience in politics?
2. What services do the political advertising firms offer?
3. How much will my campaign pay for political ad agencies?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire an advertising agency that specializes in politics

Select political advertising agencies who understand political campaigns and have experience advertising successful campaigns. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Jivaldi provides a comprehensive menu of marketing and advertising services specifically designed for politicians and their campaigns. Scott Radio offers political research and political consulting in addition to its radio advertising services. OnPoint Advocacy offers a innovative perspective on advertising by focusing on grassroots efforts.

Choose political ad agencies with proven skills

Review the advertising campaigns produced by each political advertising firm. Evaluate the political advertising agency's ability to target specific demographic markets with relevant messages. Analyze the type of advertising media utilized and its potential effectiveness for your campaign.

I recommend: Scott Radio is a political advertising agency focusing on radio that provides fast script turnaround and placement for local, state and national campaigns. Spot Runner, which focuses primarily on television advertising, offers success stories from previous political candidate clients. GMMB Campaign Group provides samples from more than a dozen political campaign clients.

Select political advertising companies that meet your budget

Many political advertising firms operate on a retainer. Several utilize a commission structure on all advertising fees and others charge by the hour. Your campaign advertising cost will depend upon the scope of your campaign and the number of people assigned to your agency team.

I recommend: Scott Radio outlines their radio advertising contract online, indicating that 15% of the total radio advertising costs will be paid as commission to the political advertising agency. Spot Runner promotes its affordable television ads and economical campaigns.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Inquire about the use of new media, such as blogs and online social networks, when devising an advertising strategy with your political ad agency. Emerging media are cost-effective advertising solutions for campaigns targeting younger demographics.
• •  Make sure that it is written into your political advertising company contract that the advertising firm will not provide services to any competing candidate, issue or campaign during the course of your business relationship.