People that work in online politics know that a massive email list is the most valuable asset you can have.  A big email list equals fundraising clout and influence.

Yesterday, the Barack Obama campaign announced that they would be revealing his pick for Vice President to supporters via email and text.  The campaign is urging supporters to sign up to receive an email alert to be the “first to know” who the pick is, moments after the decision is made. 

Frankly, the language is a bit vague, as it could be read to mean he will announce his VP exclusively via email and text or simply that they will send an email out as they announce the pick on television or elsewhere, which would be nothing new. 

Regardless, this is a brilliant and novel list building stunt.  The story immediately jumped to the front page of sites like Digg and word of the special VP announcement list is undoubtedly spreading via email and text.  Indeed, after signing up for the list on both text and email you are encouraged to tell your friends and family about the exclusively opportunity to be the first to know about the pick (screen shot below – click for full size). 

I can guarantee you this stunt will help Obama build his list by reaching people who normally wouldn’t sign up for a political list.  A really smart move. 

obama_email

About the Author
Todd Zeigler
Todd Zeigler serves as the Brick Factory’s chief strategist and oversees the operations of the firm. In his sixteen year career in digital, he has planned and implemented campaigns for clients including the Pickens Plan, International Youth Foundation, Panthera, Edison Electric Institute, and the American Chemistry Council. Todd develops ambitious online advocacy programs, manages crises, implements online marketing strategies, and develops custom applications and software. He is bad at golf though.