Going Mobile

[Robert Willington]

A lot of campaigns for 2010 are going mobile, or at least considering options on how to do it. For those that may be confused I'm referring to using text messages for your campaign.

Currently, text messaging is "cool" and "modern" for campaigning but let's review the real value of text messaging.

- GOTV - it's critical to communicate instantly with your voters on, or near Election Day. However, those that subscribe to your text messaging program are probably the LEAST likely to need a reminder to go out and vote. However, these activists can be reminded about the importance of pulling out additional, like-minded voters to the polls. Don't Vote Alone! People forget about how they can double/triple their impact by simply bringing (or reminding) like minded conservatives to vote.

- Talk Radio - We are always criticized for "owning talk radio." With the introduction of mobile text messaging to campaigns, we can easily influence the debate on talk radio by sending mass text messages with a specific message to a specific radio station: "Call WRKO to expose Governor Smith for giving Tax Breaks to Illegal Immigrnats, call 617-555-5555"

- Deadlines - Does your campaign have an event or a deadline to reach a specific goal? Sending out a text message is a great way to remind your activists about your goal or event.

The advantages of using text messaging are:

- High Open Rate - chances are, your message will be read. People's inboxes are becoming loaded with emails, text messages break through.

- Activists can call by simply touching/clicking on the phone number in the text message.

The options of using text messages are:

The winner: Tatango

After researching these three I found Tatango to be simple and affordable, I didn't like the hidden prices of tagga or mozes (they either had pricing, or hidden info).

I would love to get your feedback if you know of any mobile programs that you use, or that you know of.

[Eric Morgan]

As the owner of a marketing firm, we got frustrated with the SMS options out there so we built our own capabilities for our clients. www.zymeaux.com. And with our political experience we're seeing a lot of interest from candidates in our region. To them the benefits of Zymeaux being extremely customized for their needs and affordable has been a blessing. If you want to learn more, shoot me an e-mail or give me a call. Eric

[Jim Rock]

thinking about the advantage to mobile comms, I spend 20 to 30 hours a week out doing stuff from t parties to pat guard and it is nice using mobile cause I get maps sent to me or directions, maybe a list of names or numbers. Mobile comms are the in way now, talking on phone no good for me cause I cant hear it over the engines

[Jim Rock]

I use a Blackberry and sites that are using applications-like fOX News, face Book , and such are real popular. I prefer it over text mail. Being online cost the same as monthly text.

[Robert Willington]

Samuel, can you recommend particular desktop SMS software? Thanks,

[Paul]

Expand what is traditionally done by campaigns and focus on relationship building with potential supporters, especially at the early stages of a campaign. Good technology is only as good as its management. In addition to the push messages you outline, design specific campaigns around issues and ask supporters to text (insert issue here) to the campaign. The campaign can then use this as an opportunity to build a relationship by asking a series of questions about that issue that each elicit a response from a respondent. The backend work takes time because a decision tree needs to be built to ensure an acceptable outcome based on responses, but that work only needs to be done once.

I've seen numerous studies from corporate brands showing significant increases in brand awareness and affinity, in addition to higher product engagement (i.e. upwards of 40 text messages between a person and the brand on a single campaign). Politicians can use the same strategies to gain support for specific policy/political initiatives.

[Samuel Delgado]

you can also just get Desktop SMS software if you want to go the cheaper route.

[Whitehorse (Robin Ray)]

Excellent post getting to the heart of why we're here - activism, getting people active. Great point in GOTV, we need to make as sure as possible that like minded conservatives get out to the polls!

[Ron Miller]

This is a very timely article as my campaign is just beginning to look into group texting. Tatango is actually less expensive than the one I discovered, VictoryText.

[Robert Willington]

Thanks Stacie, can you send mass text messages through Vlingo?

[Stacia Lemon]

vlingo