It’s election season again. Every screen, every scroll, and every click seems to be overflowing with campaign ads, political debates, and candidate promotions. For small businesses in St. Louis, that means one thing: breaking through the noise to reach your customers just got harder (and more expensive). But don’t stress—there are ways to keep your business visible, relevant, and engaging without blowing your budget.
If you’re ready to make the most of your marketing efforts during this wild election season, here’s the lowdown on why election years impact digital marketing, plus some practical, affordable tips to stay in the game.
Why Election Years Shake Up the Digital Marketing Landscape
Higher Ad Costs: Political campaigns are big spenders, which means the cost of digital ad space skyrockets. Suddenly, getting your message in front of the right audience becomes pricier.
Audience Fatigue: People get worn out seeing ad after ad, especially with strong political messaging. This fatigue can lead to lower engagement, making it tough for your business to cut through.
Changing Ad Rules: Platforms like Google and Facebook tighten their rules to prevent misinformation, and these changes can impact targeting for everyone, including small businesses.
Sound like a lot? It can be. But with some strategic moves, you can still make a splash—even in an election year.
5 Tips to Keep Your Marketing Strong (Even in the Election-Year Chaos)
Let’s dive into some straightforward tactics that’ll help you stand out and reach your St. Louis audience without breaking the bank.
1. Double Down on Local SEO
Local SEO is your best friend when ad costs are on the rise. Optimizing for local searches is like planting your business’s flag in St. Louis—it makes sure locals can find you when they need you. Update your Google My Business profile, sprinkle in keywords like “affordable digital marketing for small businesses in St. Louis,” and keep your location-specific content fresh. It’s all about making sure you’re easy to find, even if bigger brands are gobbling up national ad space.
2. Create Content That Helps, Not Just Sells
When everyone else is shouting, a helpful, friendly voice really stands out. Focus on content that adds value instead of just promoting your products. Maybe it’s a quick guide on navigating digital marketing during an election year, or a checklist for St. Louis small businesses to stay visible. Content that educates or offers practical tips builds trust—and keeps people coming back.
3. Get Social, Organically
Ads may be pricey, but organic social media is still fair game. Don’t be afraid to have some fun with it. Share stories, customer testimonials, and a peek behind the scenes. Show off what makes your business unique. Engage with local hashtags (#STLsmallbusiness is a great one), post regularly, and encourage your audience to interact. It’s a great way to stay connected with your customers without paying for every click.
4. Lean Into Retargeting and Email Marketing
Retargeting is a smart way to remind people about your business without the heavy ad costs associated with finding new customers. Pair it with email marketing to stay top-of-mind for past customers. Share updates, promotions, or seasonal tips tailored to your audience. An email about your best tips for the season or a quick “hey, we miss you!” note can go a long way in keeping customers loyal and interested.
5. Keep it Real and Consistent
In a season where many voices are pushing hard, staying consistent and authentic is key. Let people see your business’s personality, especially your local roots. Mention St. Louis events or share a quick story about how your business supports the community. Being real builds that human connection, which is the secret sauce for engagement and loyalty.
Budget Wisely for the Election Season
Budgeting becomes more important than ever during an election year. Figure out where you get the most bang for your buck, and don’t be afraid to switch things up if one channel is getting too costly. Whether it’s organic social, local SEO, or retargeting ads, be mindful of what works best for you. And if the budget’s feeling tight, reaching out to a local digital marketing consultant can help you make the most of every dollar without sacrificing results.
Election years may bring unique challenges, but they also offer an opportunity to strengthen your brand, connect with your audience in a meaningful way, and stand out in the St. Louis market. So go on—dive into this election season with a fresh approach, a little creativity, and a lot of St. Louis pride. You’ve got this!
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