Introduction
A county commissioner’s office in DeKalb County, Georgia, faced significant challenges in delivering critical messages to their constituents, particularly when urgent notifications were required. While the office utilized social media and email campaigns, these traditional methods proved insufficient in reaching all residents. The limitations became apparent when targeting residents who were not active on social media or lacked reliable internet access. Recognizing that important government services and programs were not reaching those who needed them most, the commissioner’s office sought a more comprehensive communication solution that could ensure equitable access to vital information.
The Solution
The DeKalb County commissioner’s office partnered with Ascendant to address their communication challenges through an innovative SMS-based approach. Ascendant provided the office with verified contact information and geo-targeted messaging capabilities, enabling precise outreach to specific areas within their constituency. Key features of Ascendant’s solution included:
- Verified contact database: Ascendant supplied accurate, up-to-date mobile phone numbers for targeted residents.
- Geo-targeting capabilities: The platform enabled the office to focus messaging on specific geographic areas where services were most needed.
- Rich data sets: Ascendant’s comprehensive data allowed for the identification of residents who could benefit from specific government programs.
Hyper-personalized services: The platform facilitated tailored messaging that addressed individual resident needs and circumstances.
Implementation
The commissioner’s office implemented Ascendant’s solution to address a critical community need: reaching residents struggling with water bill payments who could benefit from available hardship programs. Using Ascendant’s rich data sets, the office identified individuals facing financial difficulties and sent targeted text messages informing them about assistance programs. The messages were delivered with perfect timing, allowing residents to access the hardship program before it was too late to apply.
The Results
The impact of Ascendant’s SMS solution exceeded all expectations
Successful program enrollment
Residents received timely information about water bill hardship programs, enabling them to access crucial financial assistance.
Positive community response
Recipients expressed gratitude for receiving the helpful information, with no negative feedback or complaints about the unsolicited messages.
Expanded reach
The campaign successfully reached residents who were not subscribed to the office’s traditional notification systems.
Enhanced service delivery
The office demonstrated that residents appreciate proactive government communication when it provides genuine value and assistance.
Improved response rates
SMS outreach significantly outperformed previous email campaigns in both reach and engagement.
Conclusion
The Illinois State Senator’s collaboration with Ascendant demonstrates how modern communication technology can transform both immediate campaign success and long-term constituent relations. By leveraging Ascendant’s data-driven approach and interactive platforms, the senator’s office not only achieved their immediate goal of connecting families with needed resources but also established a robust foundation for ongoing community engagement.