The content of your political campaign website always appears stronger when it’s backed up by credible sources. Credible online sources include newspaper websites, magazine sites, large organizations and prominent think tanks.
When writing about a particular news article or event, link directly to the newspaper article or web page about the event. When citing evidence or facts, link back to the source that backs your statements. Don’t worry about using too many citations. Not everyone will click every link, but for those that do, they will find proof behind your statements and will give greater weight to the rest of what you have to say.
When creating a link to a relevant source, use the full phrase of text rather than a click here.
A well-cited, rational content will win out over opinionated screed any day. Voters that have come to your site to learn more about you are more likely to appreciate well-cited material, so they can investigate themselves and make their own decisions.
Even if they don’t investigate for themselves (and, honestly, few will), the fact that you have done so will lend credibility to you as a candidate.
Tip: Have links to outside content open in a new window with a “target_blank” tag. That way you won’t lose your readers if they check out your source material.
For more tips and ideas for online campaigning, check out our ebook Running for Office as an Online Candidate. You can download a book sample.
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