Ads Too Conventional - Advice from a Successful Marketing Exec
Dear RonPaul2008 Campaign,
With all due respect, your ads are too conventional and thus, unmoving. Sun Tzu, the legendary genius of the "Art of War," recommended using the opponents criticisms to your advantage. For example, the traditional media is rife with assertions that Dr. Paul's supporters are weirdos and cranks. That's great actually. All you need to do is have simple, low budget ads showing real, "normal" but diverse American families from across the country in short spots telling folks, "Hi, we are the ____ family from ____. According to Ron Paul's opponents we are wackos. That's news to us, except we do get a bit wacko trying to make ends meet as we watch our government waste fortunes every day....and maybe we do get a little nuts between shuffling the kids around between school, soccer practice, girl scouts, music lessons and church! So if supporting an honorable and unpackaged American like Dr. Ron Paul makes us wackos, well, we are proud of it."
This sort of ad confronts HEAD ON the slurs regularly heaped on Ron Paul and it does it in a simple, funny and down to earth way that will connect to voters.
By the way, I am a successful marketing executive with a reputation for clever, out-of-the-box strategic and tactical thinking.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Leary
Mountain View, CA
I agree! Let's get creative!
Mike
Who is Ron Paul? I am Ron Paul! We are Ron Paul!
"Fire Team for Freedom" on RonPaulRadio.com
Mondays and Wednesdays 10pm EST
or visit www.mikeandjake.com
Mike
"Fire Team for Freedom"
visit www.mikeandjake.com
Get creative with one of these AWESOME RP Revolution Signs
Check out the photos of the signs: http://ronpaulrevolutionsign.com/signdesign.html
If you cant make one for yourself. You should get one from ronpaulrevolutionsign.com, they are low priced, "priced to light brush fires"
Such an ad already exists
I saw a good video made by a supporter that featured a number of normal looking, clean-cut, enthusiastic Ron Paul supporters of different ages, giving their reasons for making him their choice. It's out there on You Tube somewhere.
Tired of conventional? Go grassroots with a Ron Paul Revolution
Sign from ronpaulrevolutionsign.com
They light up because they are made from Christmas lights. You'll see that this one is huge. http://ronpaulrevolutionsign.com/signdesign.html
There are two sizes available, the one in the above link, and one that is 2x4 feet. Everyone should get one that does not have the time to make their own. They will be boxed and shipped to your door! The two doing it are avid supporters and are attempting to get these signs everywhere, help them out!
Go to this site to view pictures of these AWESOME signs: http://ronpaulrevolutionsign.com/signdesign.html
No need to mention wacko. Real People Idea is great though!
The idea of showing regular Americans is great ESPECIALLY SENIORS. Ron is polling in single digits with senior voters and they are a large voting bloc.
In point #5 on my 12 steps to victory I mention dispelling the top 5 myths about Ron. Like you I work in the ad business and used to be in strategic branding with a small shop in Canada. Ron's latest ad has nice production but it is a bit "normal"...at first sight I was so overwhelmed to see decent production values that I went overboard with my praise....
BUT..
The new ad is the right direction..
Patrick take a look at some of the ideas I've outlined below at
www.dailypaul.com/node/14009
and
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/12684
cheers,
I'll send your comments to press and mail@ronpaul2008.com.
-----------------DO YOU REALLY WANT RON TO WIN------------------
Ron needs more than just money. Send this strategy to mail@ronpaul2008.com and also to press@ronpaul2008.com if these ideas make sense to you
www.dailypaul.com/node/14009
-----------------DO YOU REALLY WANT RON TO WIN------------------
Ron needs more than just money. Send this strategy to mail@ronpaul2008.com and also to press@ronpaul2008.com if these ideas make sense to you
www.dailypaul.com/node/14009
Radio spot for Michigan available to all
Just wanted to share a radio spot which aired on the Michigan Radio Network's 53 stations outside Detroit for 17 daytime rotations starting last Monday and ending Friday. I co-wrote it with a PAC that shall remain nameless so no one here accuses me of spam for trying to "sell" something. I AM trying to get Ron Paul elected, and this is a way to help for those of us maxed out on contribution limits to the campaign.
My package wasn't cheap but placing radio spots at individual stations often is, especially in smaller markets. You can do it through an existing PAC, form your own PAC (not too difficult I'm told), or just buy the ad time yourself. In most cases radio stations will offer their own announcers to record your script in the studio. This script took 27 sec to read; add 3 seconds for a disclaimer for a 30 sec spot, with per-spot cost starting around $8 to $14 at a small station. Keep in mind, though, that repetition is key; if you or a group can't afford at least 15 spots in a week of daytime exposure, it may not be worthwhile.
So here's the text, written to target economic woes in Michigan but there's no copyright; it's available to all for free. Rewrite, edit, or start over as needed. I will reveal the PAC I used if someone asks and I get an OK from our moderator:
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Ron Paul is the only candidate for president who will restore our economy AND stop the housing "bubbles" that help cause foreclosures. Ron Paul will end unfair trade deals like NAFTA and CAFTA, and stop runaway spending. Dr. Ron Paul will bring our troops home and secure our borders. His Congressional voting record proves it. Tell special interest politicians to take a hike! Vote Ron Paul for President, Champion of the Constitution. (Disclaimer follows).
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To be clear, I'm not suggesting anyone do this instead of donating to the campaign. But for maxed out folks like me -- and our numbers are growing with each "money bomb" -- it's a way to write another helpful check.
Hi, Michigan Jack
Please make your idea a bit more actionable, so that someone who wants to invest in it can, and then post a link to your site at the list of Effective Contributions for Ron Paul.
reLOVEution,
Dennis
"The best way to insure implicit obedience is to commence tyranny in nursery." - Disraeli
Don't Vote For Ron Paul for anything less than
Re[love]ution & Renaissance
Dennis
Ok Patrick
I love the idea but now how do we run with it? You must know that us Ron Paul people are not just talkers but the people that get things done. You have and idea and it sounds good but what would the cost be to create such adds? Where do you see it running and how much will that cost? Are you willing to get involved and donate your time for free or is this I have a great idea and want you to pay me for it. Either way would work with some people but we are about the truth and what you really intend to do.
I agree: We are being marginalized and jujitsu is required
Jujitsu is the art of turning an opponent's attacks to your advantage.
Before the RP campaign, I just wanted a bad law revoked or overturned. But everyone in Congress, except RP, was ignoring me and about 100 other guys who also wanted to see some justice.
Now I am a veteran and a business executive who has never been ignored in his life. I am with the RP campaign precisely because of the shock of being ignored by Republicans whom I thought would jump to be on my side over this law.
There's nothing wrong with doing both
I think the current ads are ok, but it wouldn't hurt to also have one or two more unconventional ads. And, as you have suggested, the best way to confront your criticism is to embrace it head-on.
I'd like to see a stronger push on the message of returning to the Constitution. Maybe, something reminiscent of the "I'm gay" auditorium scene from "In & Out" (with Kevin Kline).
We need more memorable ads!
I think the ads are great but how about something a little more in tune with the campaign. Lets throw some money towards some ads.
We need more memorable ads!
I think the ads are great but how about something a little more in tune with the campaign. Lets throw some money towards some ads.
I must agree:
However, in one area of the country almost all I see are the blue signs and blue bumperstickers. This is because the group most active likes the blue ones.
My opinion is that there should be as many different varieties as possible. Blue ones, white ones, thin ones, tall ones, fat ones. The more diverse, the better.
There was once a discussion that verged on causing a sign to not be put up because the 'right place' could not be found! How droll.
Can you understand how much JOY it would bring to my heart if I were to discover a Ron Paul bumpersticker on a tractor in the middle of a field running hay? Or just driving around, to see a Ron Paul sign (of any size) in the middle of nowhere?
I feel that this thread contains valuable information. I say there should be videos such as this made and let the marketplace of ideas which is much smarter than any few hundreds or thousands of us alone determine relative value.
I say, put 'em all out, let the market sort 'em out!
.
Help wanted
I am not sure I am 100% "on board "w/ this idea,but the Advertising folks in the official campaign are not getting it. This latest Ad I saw was better,but we need CREATIVE, unconventional ,humorous,or shock value,Ads that really hit home with the American Voter.
I want the Ads to get someone off of the couch that has never voted before,and has become apathetic towards the process.
We need for the Advertising Gurus to band together and collaborate,so that the best ideas can rise to the surface. I have no doubt that we have a wealth of talent,among us.
Try this ad
Hillary, Obama, Giuliani, and Ron Paul are campaigning in Texas. According to the local paper, the man to convince and will swing the most votes is a cowpoke named R Freddom. Now Mr Freddom is one of the biggest cattle ranchers in the US and has alot of pull amongst ranchers and farmers. They all get excited and rush out to his ranch. When they get there they discover the only way to get to Mr Freddom's front door is to cross a 10 foot wide path of fresh laid cow poop. Obama plugs his nose and looks at his $500 pair of shoes and his $3000 suit and decides it isn't worth it. Gets in his car and leaves. Giuliani tries to get ahold of his campaign for some suggestions but his radio doesn't work (same batch that was used on 9/11 causing the firefighters not to get out of the buildings). Hillary decides she'll give it a try and starts to walk across it in her highheels. She gets about half way and does a "flip-flop" and her butt lands straight in the poop. Ron Paul looks at the situation a minute... then takes his shoes and socks off and walks straight through all the poop. Mr Freddom had been watching them all from his doorway and proudly announced Ron Paul the winner of his vote. Because only Ron Paul can walk through as much poop as he's had to walk through during this election and still be a winner.
Joe
One more vote for NO.
The use of wacky, wacko, fringe, etc. is a bad idea. The first ads were justifiably critiqued as ineffective and uninspiring. It looks as if the new ads are on the right course.
-------------------------------------------------------
The Dr's prescription: Take the red pill.
you're right
You're right. And as for political ads being 'different', that's also the problem, there is this weird breed of specialist which makes them. And I don't think they watch TV much.
We just suffered through an onslaught of these generic soft-focus, sweet-music, here's the nice family, here's the sound-bite pieces of dreck in our off-year election; and they make people turn off the set and leave the room, they are so patronizing.
Now I see 'our' hired guns trotting out the same tired stuff. We cannot compete on the basis of how heartwarmingly bland and patriotic we are, others win that race. We HAVE TO confront head on that all this is DIFFERENT.
I hope you can get some ideas through to the right folks.
i love it
This could be an excellent (and funny) Superbowl ad.
Imagine a garden variety American family having just learned that they are supposed to be wackos (as RP supporters) and going out of their way to comply. Mom dying her hair purple, Dad buying a Harley, kids crash learning how to smoke...
Few hundred threads ago someone mentioned that we could also make a video showcasing variety of Ron Paul supporters: a sequence of people of all professions, creeds and colors saying: "I am a Ron Paul supporter."
Or a sequence in which Americans of foreign origin would say "I am a Ron Paul supporter in their native langiage.
Love your suggestion
I'm sure some minor iterations and it would be great.
It may be "obvious" to some below, but we're not doing it yet (not even see it on YouTube!)
And I love the concept of turning the idea of being out-of-normal politics (e.g., "wacky") meaning that we the people are actually getting something that empowers *us* and not the normal Washington power brokers.
Some people think that I'm radical because I want to be in charge of my child's education, and i don't want to turn my child over to the government. If that's 'wacky', call me 'wacky'!
reLOVEution, Dennis
"The best way to insure implicit obedience is to commence tyranny in nursery." - Disraeli
Don't Vote For Ron Paul for anything less than
Re[love]ution & Renaissance
Dennis
The ads are working.
I just saw another superb ad on full screen TV tonight -- super graphics, super voice over, and super message. The new radio ad is great too.
The ads do show 'normal' mainstream people and graphics and thus Ron Paul is being more and more realized for the mainstream very serious candidate that he is.
This is not the time for circus acts. This is time for class.
I agree, no circus acts
But do you understand the basic theme, which is about using humor and using opponents insinuations against them. Don't be afraid of it. This campaign has great passion, but sometimes this passion can appear to be too strident, which to some is intimidating. No doubt this is a serious campaign with very serious issues, but nothing prevents the use of humor to contribute to spreading his message. There is nothing unclassy about humor, tastefully down. Dr. Paul has a sense of humor and he is not a firebrand. His campaign can and should leverage humor.
Patrick J. Leary
Patrick J. Leary
I heard a great radio ad a night ago on Coast to Coast 640am
the Nevadans for Ron Paul put out an amazing radio ad and it was thrilling to hear it hear in Los Angeles!
If you're reading this, killer job, guys!!!
I wish the campaign would listen to these experts
Regardless, the message is getting through and Ron Paul is an irresistible force.
Plano TX
I think this is worth
looking into. Keep the ideas coming everyone it keeps the campaign fresh.
Prepare & Share the Message of Freedom through Positive-Peaceful-Activism.
Use the medias comments against them
Think about this, it works.
No it doesn't.
You don't recognize and thus reinforce a word like w***** by using over and over again yourself, thus making it stick in their minds. You do what I've said over and over with these foolish attacks, you ignore them. Rise above it. That's what's been done and what has worked.
Email Ron Paul
and tell him to hire this guy. That would be an excellent in your face ad.
Go to the ronpaul2008 site and send an email now and attach this forum.
Gloria
Consider my family as "kooky" RP supporters
My husband and I are both retired business owners. We have a severely mentally (regressive autism) and physically challenged 47 year old son living with us. We are also the grandparents of 2 beautiful grandsons, 7 and 6 years of age. The 7 year old has a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome.We can't qualify for the "normal" American family, but our unique situation has motivated us to become a "Ron Paul Family." Dr. Paul's stance on alternative health care and educational choices is a huge issue with us. Our one son is in the TV production business, and we could make our own commerical. As a business owner, I also have experience in TV marketing. Anyone interested in pursuing this kind of advertising?
"Nothing is as it appears; everything is smoke and mirrors"
Your family IS "normal"...
Dear M'am,
You are normal in my view, since you are a real family. Your circumstance is just a bit more poignant than most must endure, but normal none the less. I can empathize a bit with your struggles. My mother- and father-in-law are small business owners (coincidentally also a big Ron Paul supporter) who lives a continent away in FL raised (and is still raising) six kids, only two of which are hers by birth. The others were mostly foster kids that they adopted, one of which has some serious disabilities. Their youngest child is actually the birth child of one of the adopted kids. My inlaws should be retired, but circumstances still have them working their butts off.
So, you are "normal" and please forgive me if my original post seemed to exclude good people like you.
Patrick J. Leary
Patrick J. Leary
Just go ahead and make some
Just go ahead and make some "no budget" ads and post them on YouTube. If nothing else, you'll provide a great forum for feedback, and if things go well, you may get additional work out of them.
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"The main thing that I learned about conspiracy theory is that conspiracy theorists actually believe in a conspiracy because that is more comforting. The truth of the world is that it is chaotic..." —Alan Moore