Top 5 Marketing Recommendations in Light of the Presidential Election

We’re in unprecedented political times here in the U.S. Not since Lyndon Johnson chose not to run for re-election (1968) has the incumbent president not run again (when he was able to). Now, it looks like Kamala Harris has the Democratic nomination sewn up. And, with Trump on the Republican ticket, all eyes around the world are on this election.

I’m making my recommendations with that spotlight in mind, so here are my top 5 marketing recommendations through the campaign and to the end of 2024.

1)    Stay away from the month of October/early November 

When there’s an election in November, many candidates will save up part of their war chest to spend at the last minute. Ads are everywhere, hot and heavy, throughout the month of October and through the first part of November, until Election Day (November 5th).

For that reason, it will be hard to compete with the ad spend and the flurry of messaging. People will start to tune out, too, from message fatigue. If it’s possible, I recommend you hold off on critical messaging starting in October, until after the election.

2)    Stay away from politics

Unless you do this for a living (political marketing, that is), I’d steer clear of politics in your marketing. Why? Because emotions are running so high and deep that it will be difficult to keep your eye on the prize. If you’re in B2B marketing, that prize is either your own business or your client’s business.

This political climate creates a “no win” agenda for anyone sticking their toe in just to “be relevant.” Don’t newsjack; in fact, stay as far away as possible. I’m following my own advice and the closest I’m getting is this blog post!

3)    Stick to the program

Why let your marketing be distracted by a campaign? If you’re in B2B, there’s a reason your customers and clients rely on you. That reason probably isn’t affected by a campaign or a political party.

In the long run, the most successful marketing is the campaign that does the best job of speaking to the customer. Anything else is a waste of your prospect’s precious attention.

4)    Be kind

There are going to be a lot of people feeling bad during the election process, and afterwards. That seems to be the reality we live in these days, as both sides are so polarized against one another.

If you can convey any kind of messaging in your marketing at the end of the year, during the holiday season, I suggest being kind. We’re all in this world together and, hopefully, we’ll find a way to move forward, in spite of our differences of opinion (and politics).

5)    Maintain a sense of humor

As I said earlier, tension is running high for many, so anything you can do to lighten the stress in people’s lives will be much appreciated – both before and after the election. That might mean using humor to help people relax; a good chuckle (at no one’s expense) can go a long way.

Here’s my contribution – I’m going to end on some “knock-knock” jokes (thanks to Reddit):

Knock knock

Who's there?

Esther.

Esther who?

Esther bunny. Knock knock.

Who's there?

Samoa.

Samoa who?

Samoa Esther bunnies. Knock knock.

Who's there?

Estelle.

Estelle who?

Estelle more Esther bunnies. Knock knock.

Who’s there?

Consumption.

Consumption who?

Consumption be done about all these Esther bunnies? Knock knock.

Who's there?

Cargo.

Cargo who?

Cargo beep beep, scare away all the Esther bunnies.

Feel free to share your favorite "dad joke" below!