Prepare for vote. Photo: Tara Winstead
The 2025 local body elections are fast approaching, so candidates need to be planning how they’ll market themselves to their community.
Local Government Elections 2025
Running for local office is as much about visibility as it is about policy. So effective marketing is essential.
The Local Electoral Act 2001 sets strict limits on how much you can spend during your campaign. That means every dollar must work hard to build awareness and trust. People need to see your name and face multiple times in different ways before they will vote for you.
Josh Moore
One of the easiest wins you can give yourself is getting a professional photo taken. Too many candidates last time opted for DIY pictures – some even submitted what looked like passport photos where they weren’t smiling! That doesn’t convey confidence or approachability. A professional headshot will go a long way to looking competent and trustworthy. Use it consistently across all your campaign material, including when submitting your nomination, as this is used in the official voting packs.
Social media will likely be part of your strategy, but keep in mind that unless you already have a strong following, posts won’t reach far organically. Running ads is the best way to increase reach – but there’s a catch. Facebook (and Instagram) have strict requirements for political advertising. You’ll need to go through an approval process that includes identity verification, page disclaimers, and other admin hurdles. It’s not something you can do last-minute, so start this process well in advance.
Don’t underestimate the value of local print newspapers. They remain highly trusted by many voters, particularly older demographics. Advertising in them can boost your visibility, especially if you manage to secure a front-page ad. These premium spots are limited and book out quickly, so get in early if you want to lock one in.
Traditional fence signs still play a big role in name recognition. Focus on placing them along high-traffic routes and think strategically – can someone encounter your signs three or four times in a single trip across town? That kind of repetition sticks. Digital billboards are also useful and more affordable than traditional billboards. Again, book early.
The profile blurb in the voting packs is critical. When writing your blurb think, “Does my blurb present me as someone credible and trustworthy who can help tackle the issues people care most about?”
Finally, if you want to run for mayor, you should also have a website to share more about what you stand for, and link to from your social media ads. (This isn’t as crucial for councillor candidates, but it will help you stand out). I recommend using Rocketspark for a cost-effective and easy website.
Ultimately, you’re asking voters to trust you. A well-presented, well-planned, professional campaign is important for earning that trust.
See: Rating the candidates by their picture
- Josh Moore is the Managing Director at Hamilton digital marketing agency Duoplus.
Prepare for vote. Photo: Tara Winstead
