Around The Corner Blog

Texas Primary - Social Media Wins the Race

Governor Rick Perry’s Get-Out-The-Vote effort utilized every new media tool, even Craigslist.  Conservative activist Debra Medina dutifully retweeted every kind word, reiterating her ability to listen to the voters.  The Texas Primary reflects the inclusion of new media tools as a staple in campaign strategy.
 
Understanding the efficiency of new media tools, candidates are tweeting instead of the more traditional avenues of phone calls and yard signs.  “Rick Perry, in addition to trying to lure Facebook to Austin, has adopted a popular tactic of Barack Obama’s presidential run, using social media networks to win Tuesday’s GOP Primary.  In fact, Perry has shunned any notion of using traditional campaign methods, yard signs, phone calls, etc…Going completely personal and virtual.”
 
These new media technologies are inexpensive and quick and allow campaigns to reach a far greater number of in-tune voters in near real-time.  Campaigns are adjusting to the ability to talk to a voter 5 to 10 times a day as compared to the single touch point of older outreach tools.
 
As technology advances and society turn to their cell phones and the internet for their information, campaigns must strongly consider the inclusion of social media into their budgets.  This is an easy way to great a rewarding bang for your buck.
 
In contrast, it is imperative to note that direct mail, telephone calls, radio and TV ads and other traditional campaign tools will continue to reign.  Not all voters have immersed themselves in this technological and societal shift, but the number is rapidly growing.
 
What is your new media strategy for 2010?  How much of your budget are you putting into this technological shift?