Using Triggers or “How can Actions have Consequences”
Triggers are used to create a Tag based on an action. “Actions” are based on Ballot related action data from the RNC (like Ballot Requested, Ballot Return, Ballot Sent, Early Voted) or other Actions (sending of a templated message, completion of a form). An action trigger defines a sequence of operation.
The Trigger consists of
- An action type is selected (Ballot Requested, Ballot Return, Ballot Sent, Early Voted, Form, Message)
- A Ballot Code, Form or Message Template is selected
- A Tag to be added to the contact can be selected
- A Tag to be removed from the contacts can be selected
The Trigger can either be run manually (one time) or it can be set to run automatically whenever a new synchronization with the RNC data has been prompted.
Set Up
1. Create Tags you want to add to Contacts based on Actions in “Setting-Tags”
2. Create your target audiences in “Contacts-Filters”
3. Create message templates in “Outreach-Templates”
4. Create Trigger in “Triggers”
Triggering the Trigger
- Prompt an update of the RNC data in “Triggers-Action Data Service Status”
- Prompt the action
Practical Application
Igniting the Vote or Ballot chasing
Before Ballots have been requested create an audience you want to drive to requestion absentee ballots. Once they have requested the ballots, message them to return the ballot
Specifics
- Create a set of Tags
o “Get you Ballot”, “Ballot Requested” (more as needed)
- Create one or more “Audience” with the Tag “Get your Ballot”
- Create one or more “Audience” with the Tag “Ballot Requested”
- Create a series of templated messages to the “Get your Ballot” Audiences by creating the message and timing them to be pushed out to the target audience on specific dates
- Create a series of templated message to the “Ballot Requested” Audiences by creating the message and timing them to be pushed out to the target audiences on specific dates
- Create a trigger that is prompted by the “Ballot requested” Action and adds the “Ballot Requested” Tag and removes the “Get your Ballot” Tag.
- Create a trigger that is prompted by the “Ballot Return” Action and removes the “Ballot Requested” Tag.
You can also create a trigger that creates a Tag following the sending of a particular message or completion of a form. For example, if you want to create an escalation in the urgency of your message, create a first Message that is email based, once that message went, have the sending of the message change the Tag to “2nd mail”. Create the next message for the audience that has “2nd mail” in it. It may be a more strongly worded message or a text message, or a Friend to Friend message. Obviously, you can create multiple instances of this same thing.
Or, for other applications, if you have invited people to an event and they completed the registration form, you can have the completion of the form change the Tag on the contact from “Invitee” to “Registered”. You would set the Trigger to be based on a Form and add/remove the tags accordingly. Those who have not registered yet you would continue to email/txt or have their friends contract them.
Step by Step 202X Ballot Chase Setup
The Buzz360 system has a very effective and easy to use Ballot Chase functionality. It allows you to use the RNC ABEV files to identify and contact Voters how requested an early ballot with a few clicks.
The different elements needed to set up a Ballot chase operation depend on each other, so we recommend to set them up in the following sequence:
Create the following Tags
202X G Ballot requested (add this to the first trigger to indicate a ballot was requested)
202X G Ballot returned (add this to the 2nd trigger to indicate the ballot was returned)
202X G Early Voted (add this to the 3nd trigger to indicate the ballot was returned)
(Tags are set up under Settings)
Create the following Audiences
202X G Ballot requested 1st contact (use this to connect to the voter right after they requested a ballot. Create a templated message for this and include tag: 202X G Ballot requested with this audience)
202X G Early Voted (Use this audience for all your follow up to voters who requested and did not return the ballot. Use a templated message for this and include Tag:202X G Ballot requested with this audience)
(use this for your thank you message and include Tag: 202X G Ballot returned )
(Audiences are set up from Filters under Contacts)
Create the following Template Messages
1st contact message - this is the message you send after the voter first requested the ballot. We recommend that you do NOT let them know that you know they requested the ballot. it could freak them out. Create multiple instances of this message and time them to go every other of every 3rd day.
Audience: 2024 G Ballot requested 1st contact
2nd and further messages - these messages can be timed based on the latest return date for absentee ballot. So .."only 10 days left to return your ballot could work." or "please return your ballot so we can stop bothering you..." Create specific DATES for these messages to be send.
Audience: 20X4 G Early Voted
Final message should be a "thank you" message. Create a few instances of this message and time them to go every 10 days or so to let people know you appreciate them.
Audience: 202X G Ballot Returned
(Messages are set up under Outreach)
NOW Create the Triggers
1st Trigger
Action Type: Ballot Requested
Ballot Code: VH2X G
Add Tags: 202X G Ballot requested
2nd Trigger
Action Type: Message
Message Template: 202X G Ballot chase 1st contact
Add Tags: 202X G Early Voted
Remove Tags: 202X G Ballot requested
3rd Trigger
Action Type: Ballot Returned
Ballot Code: VH24 G
Add Tag: 202X G Ballot returned
Remove Tags: 202X G Ballot requested, 202X G Early Voted
(Triggers are set up under Triggers)
Operation
Once you are comfortable with the set up, set the triggers to automatic operation. If they are set to "Automatic", they run during the night.
Either way, you have to manual trigger the "update now". Note: once you clicked "update now", it may take a few seconds before the text turns grey. This indicates that the system is processing. It can take a while for the trigger count to start counting up. The system also shows you when you last updated. FYI, most of the ABEV files come in the morning, so check after noon if you should trigger the next update.