With the upcoming UK election, businesses in the EV industry have some opportunity to influence policy decisions and draw attention to the initiatives that will impact the future of electric vehicles. We recently conducted a successful mini election PR campaign, and here’s what we advise if you are planning the same.
Identify core messages and objectives
Determine what you want to achieve with your PR campaign. For example, we were advocating for accelerated EV adoption and infrastructure support from the next UK government. We emphasised the critical need for government prioritisation of EV infrastructure, highlighting environmental and economic benefits and aligned our client’s message with public concerns about climate change and sustainable growth.
Research and understand policy frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the current political landscape and the positions of various parties on issues relevant to your industry. Our EV client studied existing policies and the stances of different political parties on green energy and transportation, allowing us to tailor their message to resonate with current political debates.
Craft a compelling narrative
Develop a story that highlights the importance of your cause. For instance, the urgency of adopting EV infrastructure to meet environmental goals and support the green economy can be a compelling narrative. For our EV company client, we crafted a narrative emphasising the urgent need for EV infrastructure to meet the UK's environmental goals and support economic growth. They asked their engineers what they wanted to see from the government to increase the rollout of EVs and EV infrastructure. This input helped shape a narrative grounded in practical, industry-specific insights.
Use media and online news sites
Use media outlets to amplify your message. Publishing a compelling article in a relevant media outlet can reach a broad audience and position your organisation as a thought leader in your sector. For our EV company client, we targeted leading publications focused on fleet and automotive news to publish an article on urging the next UK government to accelerate EV adoption. This strategic media targeting ensured their message reached a relevant audience of stakeholders interested in EV developments. Additional coverage was gained through New Electronics and Batteries News, among others. Furthermore, an upcoming interview will continue to amplify their message.
Monitor and adapt
Keep track of the campaign’s progress and be ready to adapt strategies based on feedback and changing political dynamics. Flexibility is crucial in a dynamic election environment. We monitored the campaign's impact, and will be adapting our PR strategies in response to feedback and the evolving political landscape, ensuring our message remains relevant and impactful.
Conducting election PR requires a strategic approach that combines clear messaging, targeted outreach, and adaptability. By following these steps, organisations can ensure their voices are heard and their issues are prioritised in the policy discussions that shape the future. Targeting the right media with engaging content is key to a successful election PR campaign. The recent example from the EV infrastructure sector illustrates how these strategies can be effectively implemented to influence policy and public opinion during an election period.
Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay
