How to use a candidate's website to raise money for their campaign. There are twelve low-cost ways to help, such as making a mailing list, getting donations, and getting more media coverage.
Looking for low-cost ways to raise money for a political cause? It's clear that the way campaigns raise money needs to be changed a lot. This article talks about a dozen easy and quick ways for political candidates to raise money online.
It costs a lot of money to run for any kind of local, state, or national office. Because of this, most politicians are beholden to special interest groups that give them a lot of money to run for office and stay in office.
There are many ways for political candidates to raise money the right way, but it takes work, and to be honest, many of them choose the easy way out.
If they used their brains and built grassroots fundraising groups, used the power of the internet, and didn't waste money on advertising that didn't work, they could get elected without giving up on their beliefs.
Remember how Howard Dean's fundraising skills shocked everyone in 2003? Well, that's a big sign that there are new ways to raise money online.
12 tips for raising money for a candidate online:
Website name capture
Your candidate website should be made so that as many people as possible leave their names and email addresses. Use a method called "name capture." This shows visitors a special page that asks them to join your mailing list. So, you can add up to half of the people who visit your site to your autoresponder messages.
Offer RSS feeds
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) tells people who have signed up to get your information about new posts on your website. This is a great way to get the media's attention, build a lot of links to your website, and keep your supporters up to date.
Blogging
Add a blog to your website to talk about how you feel about the issues. Blogs are very popular right now, and having one will help you get more attention in the political world. Be enthusiastic in your posts! Let people post comments, but make sure they have to be approved first.
Podcasts
By making podcasts Another great way to get information out to the public is to explain what you think about important issues and why. Make multimedia presentations for other people to watch, like speeches, hot topics, requests for donations, etc. Less than $100 will get you set up to start a podcast.
Position papers
Put detailed statements on your website about how your views are different from those of your opponents. This will bring in people who want to learn more about the issues.
Press kits
To get more media attention, put a summary of the information in your press kit on your website as a PDF document.
Donations can be made online.
In 2003, Howard Dean's ability to raise money online was a big surprise to everyone. In your race, do the same thing. With one-click donation buttons, you can make it easy for people to give money to your campaign.
Website that's fun to use
Include interactive content on their website, such as blog comments, forums, streaming videos of speeches, audio files, photos, a "Tell a Friend" button, etc.
Sell promo materials
Sell T-shirts, hats, campaign buttons, bumper stickers, polo shirts, supporter kits, lawn signs, banners, placards, and other things. Use the money to help pay for your campaign.
Voter Registration
Give detailed information about how to register to vote in your area. Ask people to sign up for voter registration drives and to show up at the polls on Election Day.
Get excited!
Tell us exactly what you're going to do to make us better.
Use these tips for political fundraising online right away.
