Best Business Practices during Elections for Social Media / Digital Advertising
1. Stay Neutral and Avoid Political Endorsements
Why? Associating your brand with a political candidate or party can alienate a significant portion of your audience. Even if your leadership team holds strong political views, it’s usually best to keep the company’s social media and advertising channels neutral.
How? Focus your content on your business values, products, and customer stories. If discussing current events, do so in a way that is informative rather than opinionated.
2. Avoid Overly Promotional Content
Why? During election season, audiences are often overwhelmed with information and may be more sensitive to marketing messages. Overly promotional content can be perceived as out of touch.
How? Shift your focus towards content that adds value—whether it’s educational, entertaining, or inspirational. Provide useful tips, share customer stories, or offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business.
3. Use Targeted Advertising Wisely
Why? Election season can cause fluctuations in advertising costs, and political ads can saturate digital platforms.
How? Refine your targeting to ensure your ads reach the right audience without excessive spending. Consider retargeting existing customers or focusing on niche markets rather than broad demographics.
4. Highlight Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives
Why? Showcasing your company’s CSR efforts can strengthen your brand’s image, especially during an election season when social issues are at the forefront.
How? Share stories of your company’s involvement in community projects, sustainability efforts, or charitable donations. This can help your brand stand out positively without directly engaging in political discourse.
5. Evaluate and Adjust Post-Election
Why? The post-election period can be just as volatile as the lead-up, with public sentiment shifting rapidly.
How? Consider a brief breathing space for posts to give both sides of an election a chance to settle into their regular routine. Then proceed first with value content like tips and customer testimonials.
Conclusion
Election seasons present both challenges and opportunities for businesses in the realm of social media and digital advertising. By staying neutral, being culturally sensitive, and focusing on your brand’s values, you can navigate this period effectively while maintaining a positive relationship with your audience.
If you have questions about your social media posting for your business, we are happy to set up a review and provide a report and recommendations. Our social media guru, Margie, also teaches classes if you want to improve your skills. Of course, if you want to have an expert handle your social media so you have time to do anything else, we're here to help! Contact Margie today at Margie@342mad.com.