When to Launch Your Campaign Website

The best time to launch a campaign website is before you announce. The first thing a voter or reporter does when they hear a new name is search for it, and an empty result hands the first impression to someone else.

Quick answer: Launch before you announce, or on the same day at the very latest. A day-one site only needs your name, the office, the election date, a short bio, a sign-up form, a contact path and the required "Paid for by" text. Everything else can be added later.

Why early beats polished

• Searches happen immediately. The day you are mentioned in the news or at a meeting, people look you up.
• Search engines need time. A brand new site often takes weeks, not days, to be found and understood.
• Supporters need somewhere to go. Early interest that has nowhere to sign up usually fades.
• The name needs to be yours. Secure the domain and the social handles before you announce.

What a day-one site needs

• Your name, the office and the election date.
• A short bio and a real photo.
• One form for volunteers and supporters.
• One way to reach the campaign.
• The required "Paid for by" text. See disclaimer basics.

What can wait

A full issues platform, a long list of endorsements and event pages can come in the weeks after launch. What cannot wait is a site that is current. A thin site that is correct beats a big one with mistakes. When you do build out the rest, see what a local candidate website needs.

Check your own calendar

Filing dates, the rules on when communications must carry a disclaimer, and election dates differ by place and office. Confirm yours with your local election office, then count backward. If the answer is "now," tell us about your race.