Planning a great event is only half the battle; the other half is getting people to show up. A multi-channel promotion strategy is the key to filling the room, informing the public, and ensuring your hard work has the maximum impact. Start promoting early and use every channel at your disposal.
Your Digital Hub: The Website
Your website should be the central source of truth for all of your election-related activities. Your website does not need to be elaborate. Even a simple free Linktree landing page or free Google Sites works.
- Create a Dedicated Election Hub Page or Section: This page should be easy to find from your homepage. It should list all of your upcoming events, link to your candidate questionnaire responses, and feature any video or podcast interviews you've produced.
- Write a Blog Post for Each Major Event: A blog post allows you to go into more detail than a simple calendar listing. For example, write a post announcing your candidate forum or explaining the purpose of your community bike ride. This creates content that is easy to share.
The Power of Email
Your email list is your most direct line of communication to your most dedicated supporters.
- Announce Events Early: Let your members be the first to know about upcoming events.
- Send Reminders: Send at least two reminder emails for each event: one a week before, and one the day before.
- Share the Results: After you publish your questionnaire responses or post your interview videos, send a dedicated email to your list to drive traffic to the content.
Social Media: Your Megaphone
Use your social media channels to create a steady drumbeat of promotion.
- Create an Event Page: For major events like a forum or a community ride, create an event on Facebook. This makes it easy for people to RSVP and share the event with their friends.
- Design a Simple Flyer: Create a visually appealing digital flyer for each event. This is more engaging than a simple text post. Make sure it includes the date, time, location, and a brief description.
- Tag, Tag, Tag: When you post about an event, tag your co-sponsoring organizations and the official campaign accounts of the participating candidates. This increases the reach of your post.
- Use Photos and Video: Share photos from past events to show people what to expect. Short video clips are also highly effective.
Traditional Media and Press
For your largest public events, like a candidate forum, don't neglect traditional media.
- Send a Press Release: A few week before the event, send a press release to local newspapers, radio stations, and TV news desks. Keep it concise and highlight what makes your event newsworthy.
- Make Follow-Up Calls: A day or two after sending the release, make a follow-up call to the news desk to pitch the story.
Leverage Your Network
- Co-Sponsors: Require all of your co-sponsoring organizations to share the event with their members and on their social media channels.
- The Campaigns Themselves: The candidates have a vested interest in a good turnout. Coordinate with their campaigns to ensure they are promoting the event to their own lists of supporters.
By using a mix of these strategies, you can ensure that your events are well-attended and that your message reaches a wide audience.