Political campaigns such as the presidential race can cost millions of dollars to fund. You can create your own campaign ad for free if you wish to run for office or help a candidate. Use word processing software and some creativity to make a campaign ad. Follow some basic principles of campaigning in this process.
Instructions
1. Choose a slogan and theme for your campaign. Build your name into the campaign to make it memorable. No matter how you use your slogan, it must be short: two to five words. Place the slogan for your campaign in bold, prominent letters at the top of the page.
2. Establish what kind of campaign ad you want and what format. Consider: a banner. Yard sign. Newspaper print ad. Web banner ad. Flyer. Wallet card. A premium--from a beverage "go cup" to a lapel pin. A direct mail piece. You can create nearly all of these campaign ads using a word processing program and templates.
3. For this example, we will use a print ad that can be adapted for newspapers, for a flyer and a direct mail piece. Decide on a platform. Your print ad should contain some bullet points of your objectives if you win the position. Make each point no longer than one sentence. Below the slogan and your portrait, use slightly smaller text to summarize your platform. With print, you can summarize your accomplishments, education, family and memberships. If you have earned valuable endorsements, list them. Campaign positively. Do not attack your opponent. Establish a call to action. "Vote for Democrat John Smith on Nov. 2."
4. Add an image. Use a smiling portrait of yourself well-cropped. Alternatively, you can use a symbol of something that represents your campaign. For example, in a district attorney campaign, you can use a scale of justice to represent fairness and equity. Many campaign ads used traditional red, white and blue to invoke patriotism and American values. Use your school colors if campaigning for an academic office. Do not use images that are copyrighted or trademarked. Do not use an image that incorrectly suggests you have been endorsed by an organization or a company.
5. Proofread and print ad. Before you circulate it to voters, ask friends and supporters to critique your ad. When you are satisfied, modify your ad for newspapers, for flyers and for direct mail. Observe restrictions on where political ads may be placed. Stores and offices may be off limits. Many states require a political ad to list who paid for it.
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