Smallbrain Solutions, Inc. isn’t one of those firms that says they can do anything - then tries to figure it out after you sign the check. Nope, we prefer to stay focused on a few things and do those really well. We’re always learning new things, but we’re honest about what we can and can’t do (at least not yet). As for what we excel at:
“Agile” Online Campaign Management
There sure is a new media labor shortage out there and as a result, most campaigns and organizations have hired people who are learning on the job. Let us craft a campaign plan for you and train them. We’ve been doing this a long time. We’ve been through four political cycles online already and we help build your teams’ skills while providing unparalleled planning, optimization and implementation of your online and social marketing planning. We’ve done most of the important online stuff: Blogging, blogger relations, social networking, search optimization, paid search, online ads, mobile marketing - not to mention website design, traffic analysis and email fundraising, widget-building, and even a little FEC compliance. You’ll want someone else doing your TV ads, mail, press and polling though. Also canvassing… we don’t miss that at all… ok, maybe just a little.
Social Networking
You need someone that can make your organization get more impact out of Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, and your blogging. While it may seem like there is nothing you can do to get attention online, we can show you how to apply social networking best practices to vastly improve your return-on-investment for all the new-fangled media. Why? Well, honestly, we’re dorky and we basically do that all day long anyway. This helps us make your organization a more valuable part of the online conversation - providing incentives for the crowds out there to help spread your message - and answer your calls to action.
Email Marketing and List Growth
Don’t believe people who say email is dead. We’re buried in it too - but solid, data-driven email programs do generate significant returns for organizations and campaigns. Unfortunately, too many organizations spend too much time on unproductive parts of email work - which increases your costs and ruins your return. We can help right your ship and demonstrate serious improvements by implementing a comprehensive strategy and rigorous testing regime. That way you aren’t guessing at what will work. You’ll KNOW.
Ok, there’s nothing wrong with the tactic. Nothing at all. The real reason for this post was to point out that we really need to step back and remember that we aren’t the audience for the appeals. We all know that, but we forget - like I did today. How many non-internet professionals are paying attention to the online outreach of Richardson and Harkin? Richardson supporters in Iowa, I guess… At any rate, just remember - what we think is lame, or tired doesn’t matter. Pay attention to your data. If something works, keep doing it. If not, change. If you are just doing it because EVERYBODY does it (like the message from the spouse) then you should rethink your strategy.