Benefits Political Candidates and Observers can Reap from Social Media

Social media isn't just some trend, it's here to stay. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, these free Internet services (and many others) are how Americans are communicating more and more. Here are three reasons why all political observers and other engaged citizens should be regularly utilizing social media to advance their causes, candidates, and values:

• Stay connected with your favorite leaders. Congressman Jared Polis, for example, does a good job with Twitter and Facebook.
• Give our elected leaders the feedback they need to hear. Good politicians are using social media to listen.
• Make Democrats look more popular! Do you want President Obama to have 10,000 fans on Facebook or 10,000,000 fans? Which makes him - and our party - look better?

Help out our cause, strengthen our democracy, and participate in the never ending conversation that is social media. You might stumble upon an old friend while you're at it.

• John Hickenlooper for Governor: Facebook Twitter
• Cary Kennedy for Treasurer: Facebook Twitter
• Stan Garnett for Attorney General: Facebook Twitter
• Bernie Buescher for Sec of State: Facebook Twitter

As for candidates, anyone running for office in 2010 can reap 10 benefits from properly using social media.

1. Find more volunteers. Different supporters volunteer in different ways. Every campaign utilizes their extroverts for door knocking, as they should. Are you reaching out to supporters who prefer clicking to walking?
2. Find super-volunteers. Super volunteers are few and far between. Good campaigns use social media to uncover additional super volunteers - and then leverage them by making them compete for prizes and candidate visits.
3. Good social media will get you better search engine results.
4. Improve your database. An integrated strategy will help you learn more about your supporters and give you more means of contacting them.
5. Increase your favorability ratings. Young voters in particular are attracted to candidates who "get it."
6. Increase your name recognition.
7. Protect your reputation. If you're in politics, chances are good someone somewhere will say something about you today on-line. Are you responding?
8. Listen to the voters. Hear what your constituents are thinking right now.
9. Get more votes. Yes, social media can help get out the vote.
10. Raise more money. What campaign doesn't need money?

I am happy to answer any questions any Adams County Democrat has, from getting started to advanced strategies. Call me, Michael Scanlon, at 303-929-4503, or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .