Starting your political campaign is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of logistics—especially when it comes to technology. A well-structured digital presence can make or break your outreach efforts. Here’s a to-do list specifically focused on setting up your campaign website, email, and phone systems.
1. Campaign Website: Your Digital HQ
Your website is your campaign’s home base. It should be professional, easy to navigate, and optimized for voter engagement.
☐ Register a Domain Name – Choose a short, memorable domain like [YourNameForOffice].com
☐ Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider – Look for secure, fast, and scalable hosting with real person support (e.g., GoDaddy,).
☐ Design a User-Friendly Website – Use WordPress, Squarespace, or a website builder optimized for political campaigns.
☐ Include Essential Pages:
- Home: Introduce yourself and your campaign.
- About: Share your background, values, and why you’re running.
- Issues: Clearly outline your platform.
- Get Involved: Volunteer sign-ups and donation links.
- Events: List rallies, town halls, and community meetings.
- Contact: Provide multiple ways for people to reach you.
☐ Optimize for Mobile & Accessibility – Many voters will access your site via their phones.
☐ Set Up Secure Online Donations – Use platforms like Anedot or PayPal for contributions.
☐ Ensure Site Security – Get an SSL certificate and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for admin access.
☐ SEO & Google Indexing – Ensure your site appears in search results by using Google Search Console.
2. Email: Professional & Campaign-Compliant Communication
A solid email system keeps your campaign organized and looking professional.
☐ Get a Custom Campaign Email Address – Avoid using personal Gmail or Yahoo accounts. Use a domain-based email like:
- info@[YourCampaign].com – General inquiries
- volunteer@[YourCampaign].com – Volunteer coordination
- press@[YourCampaign].com – Media inquiries
☐ Use an Email Marketing Platform – Services like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Sendinblue help manage email lists and outreach.
☐ Set Up Proper Compliance Measures – Follow CAN-SPAM rules, including an easy unsubscribe link.
☐ Create an Email Signature – Include your name, campaign website, contact information, and social media links.
☐ Use Email Automation – Set up auto-replies for inquiries and welcome emails for new supporters.
☐ Secure Your Email Account – Use 2FA and a strong password.
3. Phone & Text Messaging: Direct Voter Engagement
Your phone system is critical for voter outreach, fundraising, and campaign coordination.
☐ Get a Dedicated Campaign Phone Number – Use Google Voice, Grasshopper, or OpenPhone to separate personal and campaign calls.
☐ Set Up Voicemail & Call Forwarding – Have a professional voicemail greeting and route calls to the right team members.
☐ Use SMS/Text Messaging for Outreach – Platforms like Hustle, EZ Texting, or Twilio enable mass texting.
☐ Enable Call & Text Logging – Keep track of voter interactions for follow-ups.
☐ Ensure Compliance with Election Laws – Follow texting and robocall regulations in your state.
Summary
Building a strong technology foundation ensures your campaign runs smoothly and maintains credibility. Prioritize security, professionalism, and accessibility to maximize engagement and trust.
Got any questions or need recommendations? Let’s discuss in the comments!