Tips and Samples

When crafting your messaging campaigns in Buzz360, it's essential to know what to include in your messages and how to efficiently gather response data. Here are some universal tips to ensure your campaign's success:

1. Concise Messaging: Keep your texts brief but clear. Avoid lengthy messages as they are often ignored. Note that messages exceeding 160 characters, your plan with Buzz360 will affect your costs.
2. Adding Media: You can include images in your messages, just remember that MMS messages have a separate rate.
3. Avoid Links Initially: Refrain from using links in your message to reduce the risk of it being marked as spam.
4. No Generic URL Shorteners: Avoid using services like bit.ly or TinyURL. These can trigger spam filters.
5. Foreign Characters: You can use foreign characters like emojis and accents in your texts, but they can increase character count and segment your messages.
6. Survey Questions: Use the Buzz360 form builder to ask 'Survey Questions' to collect data, assess campaign success, and plan follow-up actions.
7. Requirements: You must tell the recipient how to opt out of your texts “Stop to End”, “Text Stop to Quit”, or “Stop to End”. You must also identify who the text is coming from. 

Below are sample scripts for different scenarios you may encounter.

Ballot Chase

The goal of ballot chase is to track down voters who've received a vote by mail ballot and remind them to turn in their ballot. The basic principle here is to ascertain that they have received a ballot quickly and to inform them where they can drop it off or (if they have not yet received one) tell them what they will need to do to obtain one if legally entitled to one.

Objective: Ensure voters have received their mail-in ballots and remind them to submit them.

Initial Message:
"Hey %FirstName%, it's %SenderFirstName% with the Bartlet Campaign. Your ballot should have arrived by now. Have you received it? Stop to End

Recommended Replies:

• Yes, has received: "Great! Be sure to mail it in before Election Day to ensure it gets counted!"
• Yes, has received (alt): "Great! Be sure to mail it in before Election Day. Find the nearest drop box at – %Sec of State%."
• No, hasn't received: "Okay, some ballots are still in transit. If you haven't received it by next week, please let me know! When you get it, be sure to mail it in by Election Day!”

Additional Message Samples:

 Have you returned your Ballot? Think about it this way, you can help your favorite candidate money by returning your ballot quickly.

 Returning your Ballot now will bring peace to you, because candidates will leave you alone 😃

 Hey [Name], your vote could be the one that makes the difference! 🗳️ Have you sent in your ballot yet? Let us know if you need help, and let’s WIN this together!"

It’s go time, [Name]! 🚨 Make sure your voice is heard by returning your ballot today. Need assistance with drop-off? Just reply, and we’ve got your back!"

 The finish line is near!  Your vote is essential to this race. If you haven’t returned your ballot, now’s the time. Need help? We’re here to support you!"

 Reminder: Don't forget to return your mail-in ballot! Make sure it is postmarked by the <date> deadline to ensure your vote counts. Every voice matters!

Get Out the Vote Example

SMS messages are powerful tools for mobilizing voters to participate in elections and cast their ballots. Align get-out-the-vote texts with key points in the voter journey, such as prompting voter registration, sharing early voting information, and prepping voters for Election Day.

GOTV (Get Out The Vote)

Objective: Maximize voter turnout by encouraging voting. 

Initial Message:
"Hey %FirstName%, it's %SenderFirstName% with the Bartlet Campaign. Just reminding you that Election Day is Tues. Nov 5th! Find your Polling Location at <link> Polls close at 8 pm! Stop to End"

Recommended Replies:

• If Yes,: "Great! We expect a big turnout. Do you know when you will vote and how you will get to your polling location?"
• Already Voted: "Thanks for voting! Can you remind five friends to go to the polls?"
• Not Voting: "I'm sorry to hear that. What issues do you care about?"
• Voting For Opposition: "Got it. Thanks for letting me know. Have a nice day!"
• How Did You Get My Number?: "We got your number from the list of registered voters, which is publicly available information."

Mail in Ballot

Make your voice heard from the comfort of your home! Request your mail-in ballot today and ensure your vote counts. It’s quick, easy, and secure. Request your ballot here <link>Don’t wait—every vote matters!

Additional Message Samples:

 Voting is your power! It shapes your community, impacts your life, and influences your future. Make your voice heard—your vote matters! #Vote2024

 Reminder: Election day is approaching. Exercise your right to vote and be a part of shaping our collective future. Make your voice heard on Nov 5, 2024

 Reminder: Your absentee b‹aIIot is on its way. Vote early and make sure your voice is heard, no matter where you are on Nov 5, 2024.

 Early voting starts on <date>. Cast your vote and avoid the last-minute rush. Every vote counts towards shaping our community's future.

Event Recruitment

The goal of an event recruitment text campaign is to maximize turnout. Engagement is key! Start by asking open-ended questions to get buy-in from your constituents, then follow up with event details (ideally as a recommended reply). Later, launch a follow-up campaign to remind RSVPs about the event. A common practice is to recruit 7 days out, followed by reminders at 3, 2, and/or 1 day before the event.

Objective: Maximize turnout at campaign events by engaging potential attendees.

Initial Message:
"Hi %FirstName%, %SenderFirstName% here with the Bartlet Campaign. There's a great campaign event on Thursday near you in %City%. Are you interested? “Stop to End”.

Recommended Replies:

• Event Details: "The event starts at 7 pm at 123 Main Street. We'll discuss campaign strategies and have a Q&A with the candidate. Can you make it?"
• RSVP Yes: "Great! I'll mark you down as attending. Please spread the word and bring friends!"
• RSVP No: "No worries, we'll keep you posted about other ways to get involved. Meanwhile, we'd appreciate a like/share on Facebook! LINK

Additional Message Samples:

 Join us for an exciting <event name>! Hear inspiring speakers, connect with like-minded people, and make a difference. Don't miss out—see you there!

 Join us for a virtual town hall meeting on <date>. Discuss the issues that matter most to you and learn about our plans for a better community. RSVP now. <add a link to your RSVP form>

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Volunteer Recruitment Message Example

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any campaign, and recruiting them is essential. Mobilize your supporters by inviting them to volunteer. This is an excellent option for those who wish to support your campaign but may not have the financial means to donate. Instead, they can contribute their time and energy to make a difference.

Volunteer Ask

Objective: Recruit volunteers for campaign activities.

Initial Message:
"Hey %FirstName%, it's %SenderFirstName% with the Bartlet Campaign. We're working hard, but we need your help. Can you volunteer? stop to end"

Recommended Replies:

• Yes, Will Volunteer: "Great! We have phone banking tomorrow and Thursday evenings, and block walks Wednesday evening and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. What works for you?"
• More Info: "We phone bank on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and canvass on Wednesday evenings and weekends. Interested?"
• No: "That's fine, hope you can join us some other time! We have opportunities every day!"
• Volunteer Commitment Confirmation: "Thanks for your support! See you on (date)! Please bring (walking shoes/phone/headset/etc.)"

Additional Message Samples:

 Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Campaign Name]. Ready to make a difference? Join our volunteer team and help [Candidate's Name] win! Reply YES to get involved!

 Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Campaign Name]. Saturday is Super Saturday! Let's get all our friends to gather to canvas the <name of the neighborhood> with Super Treats when we meet our goal.

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Fundraising

The goal of a fundraising campaign is to raise money for the campaign. Unlike most texting campaigns, you should not include a hard ask in the initial message, as it can be alienating. We also suggest avoiding dollar signs ($$) in the initial message. The initial message should ask something more generic such as for "support." 

Objective: Raise funds for the campaign without being too direct in the initial message.

Initial Message:
"Hi %FirstName%, this is %SenderName% with the Bartlet Campaign. Thanks to supporters like you, we've been able to spread our message statewide! Can you support us? Stop to End"

Recommended Replies:

• Yes, Support: "Excellent! Could you help us with a gift of %DonationAmount%?"
• No: "That's okay. Would you be interested in volunteering?"
• Yes, Donate: "Great! Thank you for your support, %FirstName%. You can donate here: LINK"
• No (alt): "That's okay, thanks for your time!"

Additional Message Samples:We need your support! Help us continue our campaign for a better future by making a donation today. Every dollar counts. Contribute at <link>

 We need your support to bring about the change our community deserves. Make a donation today and help us reach our fundraising goal.

 We need your support to bring about the change our community deserves. Make a donation today and help us reach our fundraising goal.

 Together, we can create a society with opportunities for all. Contribute to our campaign and be a part of the movement for progress. Donate now

We're grateful for your support, but there's still more to be done. Help us secure victory by contributing to our campaign today

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