
When should I start?What should I do first?What social media platforms should I be on?How do I deal with a social media fail?
Mariah Craven and Betsy Hoover know about digital strategy—just ask their ex-bosses. Craven, a consultant for the Sea Change Leadership PAC, oversaw digital strategy for Senator Kamala Harris’ campaign, and Hoover, a founding partner of 270 Strategies, was director of digital organizing for the 2012 Obama for America campaign. Here, the two share their advice on how to nail the social media game from start to finish.
When should I start?
ASAP. “Make it part of initial thinking,” Hoover says. “At your campaign launch, you want to have a website and a social media presence.” That’s where most voters will get to know you for the first time, she explains. But no need to overthink it: “Your website can be simple on day one, just make sure there is a place where people can sign up to join your email list and donate.”
What should I do first?
Tap into your email inbox. Don’t think of your contacts list as just family, friends, and coworkers—it’s your network of supporters. “Put them in a spreadsheet or start a small MailChimp account,” Craven says. “Get those names and e-mails together as soon as possible, so when you need folks to do something, spread word about your announcement, or help you fundraise, you already have that in place.”
RELATED STORY
What social media platforms should I be on?
It depends on your target demographic. “Almost every voter is on Facebook, so you should have a presence there,” Hoover says. “Twitter tends to be a little more of your influencer class—think reporters, communities, etc.—so it’s a great way to get messaging out. With Snapchat and Instagram, you get into younger voters.”
How do I deal with a social media fail?
Have a game plan. Discuss the possible online errors that can be made as a team before anything actually happens, Hoover says. That way, you can skip panic mode and go straight into crisis management. “Being able to move quickly and clearly is the most important thing,” she adds.
This article is part of our "Women Running for Office" series, which originally appeared in Marie Claire's November 2017 issue, on newsstands October 17. To view the full package, click here.
Kayla Webley Adler is the Deputy Editor of ELLE magazine. She edits cover stories, profiles, and narrative features on politics, culture, crime, and social trends. Previously, she worked as the Features Director at Marie Claire magazine and as a Staff Writer at TIME magazine.
-
The Cannes Film Festival 2022: The Best Red Carpet Looks
Here's what everyone wore for the festival's 75th year.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 30 Best Black TV Shows Ever
Clear your schedule. You have some binge-watching to do
By The Editors
-
Take a Tour of Ali Wentworth's Personal Library
The author and actress shares her favorite reads in 'Shelf Portrait.'
By Neha Prakash
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.
Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
By Dr. Devin J. Buckley and Erin Regan
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water
"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
By Amanda L. As Told To Rachel Epstein
-
30 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, show them these statistics.
By Megan Friedman
-
Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson's Relationship Is No More
After three years of dating, the power couple have decided they're better off as friends.
By Marie Claire Editors
-
Education for Women and Girls Is Crucial for Climate Justice
In an excerpt from her new book, 'A Bigger Picture,' Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate discusses the impact educated African women and girls can have on solving the climate crisis.
By Vanessa Nakate
-
It’s Time to End Equal Pay Days and Pass the Equal Rights Amendment
The passage of the ERA is a chance for our country to prove it truly values women.
By Hala Ayala
-
In Conversation: Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Emily Tisch Sussman
“It’s ridiculous that we’re the only advanced nation on the planet that doesn’t help families with childcare.”
By Emily Tisch Sussman