Marketing the Census--Social Media Involvement

Today the US Census form arrived in my snail mailbox. If I didn't know anything about the Census, I'd know the form was on its way because of the Super Bowl commercial plus print ads and media coverage during the past few weeks.

The Census is putting a bit of marketing muscle behind this April 1 population count, including advertising, special events, PR (see photo), and a LOT of media outreach. Lots of online videos too.

I was struck by the amount of "involvement" activities via social media, including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and more. The Census wants people to not only raise their hands to be counted, but remind others and encourage cooperation.

Will all this marketing work? Will people fill out and return the questionnaires? Will they answer all the questions? Will they count everyone who should be counted? According to the Census Countdown Clock, there are only 15 days and 6 hours to go (as of the time I wrote this). Stay tuned.