How 11 brands joined the #GE2015 conversation on Twitter

A huge and lively conversation took place on Twitter last week as the UK went to the polls to elect a new government. Voters sent millions of Tweets over the course of the election – and many brands joined in as #GE2015 played out on Twitter.

Brands adopted a variety of approaches and voices across sectors to make their presence felt. Among others, they ranged from telecoms and FMCG to travel, retail and gambling.

As polling day dawned, a number of brands took the opportunity to remind Twitter users to get out and vote. In doing so they echoed some of the hashtags that trended on 7 May, including #IVoted and #votingmatters.

With a host of lookalikes on board, mobile operator @EE humorously speculated in this video over how party leaders might have prepared for the big day.

Gambling brand @paddypower had a strong election showing and several of its Tweets gained large amounts of attention on and off Twitter. They included Vines – and this one addressed to members of Parliament:

For its contribution, @mrkiplingcakes used Twitter to echo one of the most famous Conservative poster ads from 1979 in its Election Day offering.

Other brands made their own appeals to consumers, including @Ryanair, @marmite and @Wickes, reminding them of the choices on offer.

A variety of election-themed hashtags trended after the polls opened, and brands were quick to join in. @innocent triumphed as it created conversation around #DogsAtPollingStations, which went on to be the number one UK trend and was dubbed ‘awesome’ and ‘magnificent’ by @WalesOnline and @buzzfeed respectively.

The mental health charity @MindChartiy summed up so much of the conversation of polling day with its Tweet featuring an image comprising a single word.