Tips for Providing Comprehensive Campaign Services (Political Campaigns as a Niche)

If you find yourself poring over political blogs, clamoring for the latest commentary from political pundits or carrying a campaign sign toward a rally, political campaigns might be the niche for you. It’s one that requires more passion, knowledge and involvement than traditional corporate clients, but for those who can develop a loyal customer base, politics can be a lucrative market.

The biggest key to making political campaigns a successful niche is to provide comprehensive campaign services. Remember, you are vying against the big box companies that stamp out a campaign plan complete with polling, media and all the marketing materials for a number of candidates each year. To compete, you have to be prepared to offer value-added services along with the excellent customer service that only a local professional can provide.

Here are four value-added services that can help you succeed in the political campaign niche:

Market Research and Polling – Providing polling and research services is often how the campaign powerhouses differentiate themselves. Give them some competition by offering research and polling services through a local (or national) market research firm. Integrating research into your service offerings is a big step toward making your business the one-stop solution for their campaign.

Media Buying Services – In order to be successful, your candidates will need a presence on radio and television, and in local publications. Create your media-buying network now by forging relationships with the advertising representatives for your local media outlets.

Public Relations Services – Knowing how to pen a great press release, send out a media advisory or get your candidate an interview is essential. If you don’t feel confident as a PR expert, offer the services through a local freelance professional or agency.

e-Commerce Solutions – Be ready and able to set up an e-commerce site to provide products and printed pieces to multiple campaign locations, or create a fundraising site where supporters can purchase campaign merchandise.

Carol Muller is with Proforma APC in Denver, Pa. She can be reached at carol.muller@proforma.com.