Political Campaign Tips and Strategies
Practical guides for candidates running local and state campaigns. Find advice on starting a campaign, building your online presence, fundraising, messaging, voter outreach, and more.
Essential Articles
How to Prepare for a Run for Local Office
Learn the basics of preparing for a local campaign, including qualifications,
budgeting, fundraising, building a campaign team, filing requirements, and
getting voters to the polls.
Read the guide
Setting Up Your Political Campaign Timeline
See what needs to happen before, during, and after a campaign launch, from early planning and filing through fundraising, voter outreach, and Election Day.
View the timeline
A practical guide to planning, building, and launching a campaign website that gives voters the information they need and supports your campaign goals.
Read the website guide
Find out which pages and content your campaign website should include to inform voters, collect support, accept donations, and keep your campaign active.
See the essential pages
Comparing Political Donation Platforms
Compare common political fundraising platforms and the factors campaigns should consider when choosing a service for accepting online contributions.
Compare donation platforms
Understand how your campaign slogan, core message, and issue platform work together—and the different role each plays in communicating with voters.
Learn the differences
Need a Campaign Website?
Online Candidate has helped political candidates build their online presence since 2004. See our custom campaign website packages and campaign-specific features.
How to Raise Political Donations Online: A Step-by-Step Guide for Candidates
The most effective way for local political campaigns to raise money is still the ‘old-fashioned’ way — by making calls and holding events. Personal contacts and solicitation are still an integral part of the fund raising process. Under no circumstances will the Internet magically bring in money! Your campaign website exists as a conduit through which to raise money, not as a means unto itself.
How Much Money Do You Need to Run a Political Campaign?
Planning a political campaign can be both exciting and challenging. One of the first questions you're likely to ask is, "How much money do I need?" That answer, unfortunately, is: "It depends." Every candidate must develop a robust political campaign budgeting plan....
Free ‘Early Voting’ Graphic Template
Early voting isn't just a convenience for voters—it's a strategic opportunity for political campaigns. As the early voting window opens in many regions, it's a time to rally supporters and gain an edge. To help get the word out, we've created a social media template...
Write an Optimized Political Press Release
A well-written press release in an excellent way to receive publicity for your campaign. Here are some tips to help you get the most of you political press releases.
Gear Up for November – Time to Kickstart Your Campaign!
We hope you're doing well and enjoying the last remnants of summer. But here's a friendly reminder: Labor Day has come and gone, and the political season is officially here. If you're already gearing up for an election in November, great! If if you haven't started,...
3 Online Campaigning Facts and Myths
In the world of online campaigning, it can be tempting and dangerous to make assumptions. When it comes to digital strategies, it's easy to make decisions based on outdated information. So, let's bust a few myths that many candidates have when starting an online...
It’s Summer – Time To Get Your Political Campaign Underway!
For most people, the summer means long, lazy days, fun in the sun and family vacation. But if you have an election this fall or a primary coming up, now is not the time for relaxing by the pool.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Running for Elected Office
Running for local office is an adventure, and it's completely understandable to come across some unexpected challenges. If only you had known a few key things before diving into your campaign, right? Well, here are five friendly tips that could have made your journey...
Should You Fully Automate Your Campaign’s Social Media?
Social media is, well, social. With the many ways to communicate with followers, it can become very tempting to automate you posts through various social media tools such as Hootsuite and SocialOomph. While these tools can help save time and streamline your updates, automation can sometimes work against you!
From Bland to Bold: Elevate Your Campaign Writing with Personal Style
When it comes to political campaigning, communication is like the secret sauce—it's the key ingredient that makes everything else work. One aspect of communication is having a 'voice', which is a unique style, tone, and personality. Candidates who can communicate with...
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