What Should Local Candidates Post on Social Media? (30 Days of Campaign Content Ideas)
- Scarlet Strategies
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
Running for local office means building visibility, trust, and name recognition in your community. One of the most effective ways to do that today is through social media.
But most first-time candidates quickly run into the same problem:
“What should I actually post?”
If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen trying to figure out what to say, you’re not alone. This guide breaks down exactly what local candidates should post — and gives you a simple 30-day content framework to follow.
Why Social Media Matters in Local Campaigns
Local campaigns don’t always have large budgets or widespread media coverage.
Social media helps candidates:
Build name recognition
Communicate directly with voters
Share positions on local issues
Promote events and updates
Reinforce messaging consistently
In many local elections, visibility alone can make a meaningful difference.
The Biggest Challenge: Knowing What to Post
Most candidates don’t struggle with why they should post — they struggle with what to post.
Common challenges include:
Running out of content ideas
Posting inconsistently
Only sharing announcements
Not knowing how to engage voters
Feeling unsure about tone or messaging
Without a plan, social media becomes reactive instead of strategic.
The 5 Types of Posts Every Candidate Needs
A strong campaign social media presence includes a mix of content types. Here are the five categories every candidate should use:
1. Introduction Posts
These posts answer the question: Who are you, and why are you running?
Examples:
Your background and experience
Why you decided to run
What you care about in the community
2. Issue-Based Posts
These focus on local issues that matter to voters.
Examples:
Property taxes
School quality
Public safety
Development and zoning
Keep these posts clear, practical, and focused on your community.
3. Community Engagement Posts
Show that you are actively involved in the community.
Examples:
Attending local events
Visiting small businesses
Supporting community organizations
These posts build familiarity and trust.
4. Personal and Story Posts
Voters connect with people, not just platforms.
Examples:
Family and personal background
Volunteer work
Experiences that shaped your views
These posts help humanize your campaign.
5. Call-to-Action Posts
These posts encourage voters to take action.
Examples:
Asking for petition signatures
Promoting events
Reminding people to vote
Sharing early voting information
Every campaign needs clear, consistent calls to action.
A Simple 30-Day Campaign Posting Plan
Consistency matters more than perfection. A simple plan helps ensure you stay visible and organized.
Here’s a sample framework:
Day 1: Introduction post
Day 2: Local issue
Day 3: Community engagement
Day 4: Personal story
Day 5: Call to action
Day 6: Issue post
Day 7: Recap or reflection
Repeat this cycle weekly with fresh content.
This approach ensures your campaign remains consistent, balanced, and visible throughout the month.
Common Social Media Mistakes Candidates Make
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your campaign:
Posting only announcementsVoters want connection, not just updates.
Being inconsistentPosting once a week is not enough to build recognition.
Overly formal toneSpeak like a real person, not a press release.
Ignoring comments and messagesEngagement builds relationships.
Waiting too long to startThe earlier you begin, the stronger your presence will be.
Want a Done-for-You, 30-Day Social Media Plan?
Creating content every day can be time-consuming, especially for first-time candidates.
To make this easier, we created the Social Media Starter Pack for Candidates, which includes:
30 ready-to-use social media posts
A complete 30-day posting plan
Content designed specifically for local campaigns
This allows you to stay consistent, save time, and focus on connecting with voters.
Final Thoughts
Social media is one of the most accessible and effective tools available to local candidates. But like any part of a campaign, it works best with a clear plan. By using a structured approach and posting consistently, candidates can build visibility, strengthen connections with voters, and reinforce their message throughout the campaign.
Also consider our FREE Pre-Announcement Checklist here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Campaign Social Media
How often should candidates post on social media?
Most candidates should aim to post at least 3–5 times per week, with daily posting being ideal during active campaign periods.
What platforms should local candidates use?
Facebook and LinkedIn are often the most effective for local campaigns, though some candidates also use Instagram depending on their audience.
Do you need professional graphics for campaign posts?
Simple, clean graphics can improve engagement, but clear messaging is more important than design complexity.
What type of content gets the most engagement?
Posts that are personal, local, and relevant to community issues tend to perform best.
Important Note
Campaign strategies and communication approaches can vary depending on the office, community, and election cycle. Candidates should tailor their messaging and outreach to their specific audience.
This guide provides general campaign communication strategies. Candidates should ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal election laws.
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