Yards Crimson

Campaign Branding: The Golden Arches of Politics

Just like any business, your campaign signs are your logo, the “brand” by which people recognize you without seeing your face.  That is why it is very important to use the same logo for all of your printed materials. Once you decide on a design, stick with it.

A key rule for many marketing messages is “less is more.”  For signage, this translates to “white space isn’t so bad.”  White space is any space on a sign that is not cluttered with words or graphics.  This space gives passersby a chance to “breathe” when reading your sign.  Keep in mind that the average driver will have 3-4 seconds to view your sign, so consider what you want them to take away.

Don’t list your resume, even if you are a Nobel Prize winning WWII vet with 35 years of political experience, there is a time and a place to share this information (brochures, postcards, door knob hangers).  Yard signs reinforce your name.  They don’t layout your life’s work.  Typically, political signs need 3 elements: “Vote” or “Elect,” your name and the office you are running for.  You may also need a political disclaimer.

Many candidates are tempted to add their photo to yard signs.  Is your photo on the ballot?  Remember that voters enter the booth and select a name.

Yard signs don’t have to be created by a high-priced graphic designer with a Masters.  A readable font, splash of bold color, possibly a well-placed star or purposeful line and, BOOM!  You have a presentable, classy piece of art that will distinguish you from the crowd.  Anyone has access to hundreds of fonts.  Stick with standard colors-blue, red, black, green, orange, etc.  Colors like teal, silver, mauve and crimson are usually not standard colors that printers stock.  Graphics can be a useful tool, as long as you remember to leave the white space. For instance, a school board candidate may want to consider adding a graphic of an apple to their design. It’s symbolic and can help differentiate your sign form your opponents.

Think simplicity, think readability and think printer friendly. Don’t make voting for you difficult for your voters. Make your name-sake memorable, but not cumbersome. Your campaign signs should be the most powerful first and last impression voters get. Now that you have signs out of the way, go shake some hands.

About the Author

Wade Baffa, CEO of CampaignPros.com, has been in the print promotional field for 8 years. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree n English/Journalism from Western Illinois University in 2000. He has a philosophy that business practice should be built around solid relationships between company and customer.

Bobby Humphrey 73 Yard Run vs Penn State (1987)

NCAA Magna Coolie Topperscot’s Sports Magna-Coolies are a revolutionary beverage holder that combines powerful magnets with soft but durable PVC to create the perfect accessory for tailgate parties, camping trips and other events. Easily attaches to any steel surface like a car, truck, RV, tractor or motorcycle. The magnets are deep within the PVC Holder so surface scratches are never a concern….

Duck Brand 240077 University of Alabama College Logo Duck Tape, 1.88 Inches X 10 Yards $3.79 SHURTECH-College Logo Duck Tape. Now your favorite college teams are available in colorful duck tape! Use it to make a variety of crafts with school spirit. Perfect for your die-hard fan! This package contains 10 yards of 1.88 inch wide printed College Logo Duck Tape. Caution: Not to be used on heating appliances. Made in USA….

STROHEIM & ROMANN’S COLOR GALLERY CRIMSON Wallpaper -8282B-0333 Wallpaper 60% cotton 40% silk Pattern repeat:6.5 inches Wallpaper. By STROHEIM & ROMANN, sold in LINEAR YARD. Available at American Blinds in WALLPAPER & FABRIC…

Oakley Rx Ophthalmic Eyeglass Frame Yardstick 2.0 Crimson #11-811 $99.99 Model Name: Yardstick * Model #: 11-811 * Frame Color: Crimson * Size: 49-18-135 * This item comes with Oakley soft case/cleaning rag, documentation & Oakley retail box…

Crimson 53 x 12 Yards Seamless Background Paper $28.99 Calumet Seamless Background Paper This high-quality seamless paper has a fine tooth, non-reflecting surface. Available in over 40 different colors, including the finest available photographic black and white. We make an extra effort to make sure your background paper arrives safely. Each 107 x 140 wide Calumet background paper is wound on a tough, rigid core for extra support. It s wrapped in a …

LaserMax J-Max Laser S&W J Rnd Butt Black w/Hammers $185.97 LaserMax J-Max Laser S&W J Rnd Butt Black w/Hammers…

Savage Seamless Background Paper, 53 wide x 12 yards, Crimson, #6 $26.50 Professional quality, fine tooth non-reflecting surface available in an array of vibrant colors. Compatible with a variety of mediums. Ideal for photo background, display banners, drafting and decorations….

NCAA Alabama Crimson Tide Hot Air Balloon Spinner $17.00 Our collegiate Hot Air Balloon Spinners will add color and motion to your festive outdoor areas. They spin easily in a light breeze. The six panels come with the school logo printed on each panel and the tail has alternating school colors. The spinner has a lightweight fiberglass frame. The balloon measures 17″ from the top to the bottom of the basket and is approximately 24″ in diameter. The tail…

University of Alabama Yard Spinner $21.99 Designed to show your pride and gain attention, the University of Alabama Yard Spinner Stake twirls in the wind in crimson and white glory. Unstoppable Big Al is front and center. When a flag just isn’t enough, this yard spinner shows off all the energy and enthusiasm of a true ‘Bama fan….

Alabama Art Glass Yard Sign $160.00 Introducing our first fan-tastic garden accessory! This exquisite new addition is a lavishly scrolled black metal frame surrounding an artistic display of team loyalty, designed to place in the lawn so everyone can see who you root for! A stunning Tiffany-style stained glass oval is the centerpiece, created with amazing artistry. Crafted in team colors to rival Nature?s blooms, with the logo beaut…