Last week I began a series of videos about the means of disseminating your message. Starting with you. The Candidate. The words that come out of your mouth.
Looking for Help in Your Campaign? Call Jay at (845) 458-1210. The call is FREE.
Today we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of your website.
You should have a website even if you are running for dogcatcher.
What makes a good website?
This is the definition of a bad one. Grainy pictures that don’t flatter you, laden with convoluted copy that is difficult to read or comprehend, with a homepage that looks the same day by day and week by week. Don’t do that. It’s yuko.
What is a good website? I’ll start with the basics. The home page should be updated frequently with news articles, information on campaign events, fundraisers or commentary so that it has a unique look every time a viewer visits. In other words, make your website sticky.
The banner at the top of the home page should clearly display your slogan, links to the social media that you are using, and your phone number.
The buttons on your navigation panel should also include an about page, which should contain an itemized, chronological biography and your story in a narrative form. Once it is on your website it is permanent, so make sure every word of your bio is dead on accurate.
Other must do items on the navigation bar…a button that links to your issue positions and thoughts on matters that are relevant to the voters in your jurisdiction. If you have a record, it is also a good place to list your accomplishments.
I also recommend that all candidates establish a YouTube Channel, and place a link to it on their website navigation bar. Many people prefer watching videos over reading text.
The volunteer/e-mail signup/contribute button should be visible on every page of your website, and also posted as a button on your navigation bar.
Other important matters. Stick with me because this is really important.
You really really want to capture the email addresses of people willing to leave one. Give something away if you have to…a free subscription to your newsletter, an insider’s guide to the campaign, or a bumper sticker.
Make sure that every video and every picture flatters you. If it doesn’t, don’t post it. Pictures and videos should be on every page of your website. You can now easily do high quality video posts using an iphone or ipad.
Make sure you put your website address on every palm card, in every email you send, every sign, every mail piece, in every TV or radio ad.
You want to make it easy for people to find your internet headquarters.
Pay attention to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Make sure to keyword your name and the office you are running for in the title, headline, body of your copy, and images on your website. That lets Google know what your website is about, and it will improve your ranking in Google’s search engine.
Don’t know how to do a website? Easy. Go to Google. Type in ‘how to build my own website,’ and you’ll find plenty of companies that make it easy and inexpensive.
Next week we’ll talk about social media and how to use it.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about what I’ve said, call me at 845-458-1210, or email me at Jay@JayTownsend.com.
Last Week’s Video: Running for Office? Why the Words of a Candidate Trump All Else