Political marketing is more than just wearing buttons, posting flyers or pasting a bumper-sticker on your car. Sure, these items increase name recognition and hopefully attract constituents who share your views. Yet, there is more to government and political marketing than simple advertising. In order to make your mark, marketing for government requires careful planning, strategic implementation and drawing upon political marketing resources.

The complex nature of political marketing strategies has changed in recent years. Usually spurned on by U.S. Presidential elections, political marketing ideas have evolved into a well-oiled machine complete with strategists, consultants, media officers and now social marketing specialists. Candidates realize that shaking hands with a small circle of constituents or traditional government marketing alone doesn't win elections. Make the most of your political campaign with these tips:

1. Connect constituents with a government and political marketing platform focused on change;

2. Take advantage of consultants who specialize in marketing for politics; and

3. Enhance your political marketing strategy with social marketing resources.

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

Unite government and political marketing around platforms to promote change

Voters expect elected officials to have an intimate understanding of the issues and a clear plan to fix them. Successful government marketing hinges around a solid platform that inspires change. Understand the challenges constituents face at the grass roots level and communicate your views about them. Get involved with non-profit community organizations that conduct marketing to government activities or create a blog that champions a cause or civic issues.

I recommend: Get involved with volunteer and advocacy groups with national and local reach like United Way of America, which allows you to support a variety of initiatives from education to wellness programs. Communicate your platform with Goggle's Blogger, which shows you how to set-up your online journal in a few easy steps.

Drive your key messages with consultants who specialize in marketing for politics

Consultants that specialize in marketing for politics are vital to a successful campaign. When looking for consultants, do careful research. Look for proven results and the ability to craft key messages into a simple platform that many can relate to.

I recommend: Consider Grassroots Enterprise, a political consulting firm that will transform your key messages into measurable results. Take advantage of other consulting opportunities specialized in online marketing. A one-stop-shop for all of your political marketing needs, Jivaldi LLC is a consulting firm that understands how to integrate your platform with messages that will inspire voters to respond.

Boost political marketing strategy with social marketing resources

Modern-day campaigns are utilizing online resources to broaden their reach. Implement social marketing resources like a webpage to share up-to-date information.

I recommend: Create a personal experience with potential constituents with social marketing resources like Twitter, a social networking tool, which functions as a mini-blog that allows you to quickly communicate with voters. In addition to podcasts and email blasts, use Google Checkout to provide a convenient way to receive campaign contributions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are many things to consider when running for political office. Consider creating radio and television advertisements to run on local cable. Take advantage of civic opportunities and invite the media to cover the event. Convey a genuine attitude toward the causes you believe in, lead by example and demonstrate that you are the best person for the job.