• What’s a website, anyways?

    Posted on September 16 2010 by Megan Jackson in Online Strategy with 0 comments

    My favorite question from a candidate is, “Why is my website so important?” This question has been prompted for various reasons, but the answer remains the same, 1 in 4 voters regularly learn something about campaigns from the internet. The fact that a quarter of the votes in a race could be decided online cannot be ignored, but some candidates are still having trouble admitting that they have a problem online.

    The first and most severe is the non-existent website. Most candidates, and even some elected officials, who suffer from non-existent website syndrome are difficult to spot. Sometimes they are older candidates who try to avoid newfangled devices, sometimes they’re indecisive and sometimes they just don’t think they can afford a website. These are not reasons to possibly give away up to 25% of your votes! The first step to fixing the non-existent website is to admit you have a problem. At that point you should find someone who can help bring you into the 21st century, help you fill it with information about your campaign or simply help you find a website that fits your budget.

    The next syndrome is the I’m beginning to show my age website. This website looks like it was built 10 years ago, and it probably was. The website may have been updated, but it probably has an out of date logo, bio and issues. Websites need a good once over every election. If your website is too expensive or too difficult to update, it’s probably time to invest in new technology. That technology doesn’t need to be intense or expensive, but it is time to help your voters know where you stand today.

    Finally, we have the so cool it’s no longer a website syndrome. Candidates with this website often view it as the pride and joy of their campaign. It is a technological wonder that, with a few more tweaks, has serious potential to wash the dishes and dust in addition to telling voters about your campaign. The sad truth about this website is it doesn’t accomplish anything for people who are trying to figure out who to support. Take a deep breath! It’s time to sit back down and prioritize what you want your website to do. If you can’t find your issue pages, chances are voters won’t be able to either.

    It’s easy to forget how important your website is when faced with a fundraising shortfall. Campaign websites don’t need to be overly fancy or exciting, but they do have a job to do, and that’s get you votes. It’s time to take a good hard look at your website and decide if it’s earning you votes or turning them away.

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