First off, this is not a thread for you to slam anyone from the other side of the aisle.

However, the presidential elections are running hot and heavy here in America, and as I read a number of international news sites, I see that politics is everywhere.

So, do you think it’s a good idea to use your political beliefs in social media to attract new prospects? Or will that turn off to many other prospects?

Do politics and political beliefs have any place in social media marketing & communications, and if so, when and where?

I agree with you Trudy………If this is what you are asking without really asking………Rich would be walking on egg shells over the decision to introduce the open forum to the up and coming election.Way too much peril involved.  Rich, you have done a lot of work here and I think it could get destroyed overnight…………..TOO EMOTIONALLY CHARGED MY FRIEND !!!!!!!!!

I agree with all of the above. Social media marketing and politics don’t mix.

@dfriesland Had no plans on adding specific politics to this group. In fact, that’s why I started with that opening paragraph!

Rather, I wanted to start a discussion on whether people felt it was appropriate or not. There was a Pinterest thread last week (can’t find it right now) where someone included a board about their politics and people suggested maybe removing it.

These days, coming out on one side of the aisle or the other can alienate half your audience. 

Even if you live in a blue or red state, the nature of social media is global. What plays well in Portland, Maine, may not play well in Portland, Oregon. (Or as we like to call it, “the OTHER Portland.”

I wonder if the flip side of this would be playing/pandering to your audience. By taking a stand (like Chik-Fil-A or Oreos) you may be strengthening ties.

The TOPIC OF THE WEEKs are usually meant to spark conversation, and I’m always open to a wide variety of opinions.

I’ve found that nothing translates right in social media when it comes to politcs or religion. Debates and discussions are never beneficial, in fact, I believe they are harmful. Hold firm to your core values but don’t use or exploit them. @rich-brooks IMHO  

so many  great points  above….

my  customers  are here for a  fun day out , not to hear   my  views about  fox news or   sara p……i really  care about politics and  my  core  values but i   try not to   have them on   my page or  business……..  im not ashamed of them  but it would  be , imho,  out of place and maybe  even  costly……  and  i dont want to  know  that about my customers …

.  i  would never go  to  chick fil a…  he lost my little  amount of  yearly  purchases……that  seemed   pretty  dumb  to me…

 i want and need all kinds of   customers  for my store…. im not   in a niche selling  something   relating  to  a  political   idea…..

but  if  they get to know  me and   can  read   my  bumpersticker sitting  out in the parkinglot everyday,  they pretty well know  where i stand…

Some interesting views here given the pending US election and issue of using social media for marketing. Having experienced first hand of religious culture and politics whilst developing and delivering local policy within communities here in the UK,  it can isolate both individuals, groups and organisations from purchasing goods or services because of political beliefs and values – to the point of forcing people/parties to retreat from talking to each other and operating in isolation. 
Overall, I would try not to bring politics into the marketing of the business, If you understand  politics, religion and sex will always influence people’s behaviour and attitude in business activity – depending on your view and who your target audience is. 

@michelle-martin Hello Michelle! Politics is my field of expertise, I am all but dissertation at this point, and have done numerous  speaking engagements, discussions, think tanks, etc. I enjoy politics!

However, even then: politics has no place in the private work place. My political views, as well researched as they are, will still just be seen as opinion. As a political scientist, I’ve long accepted that my field is one in which everyone sees themselves as an expert!

As a result, I just don’t talk about it any longer. My current boss found an old article of mine (how I have no clue – it isn’t available online), and wanted to talk about it. I said “No.” And she has the same political values I have!

Just isn’t worth it.

If you’re in marketing, just avoid it. Period.