First, thank you! I have had an explosion of new followers, and I humbly thank you for listening. I firmly believe working together is good for us and our democracy, and I’m glad you’ve joined us!

You know, I would have loved to work as a political strategist. How was this not who I became (see father murdered, that’s what did it, dammit). The strategists get to think, ask questions, and argue. I was groomed to be that person by my lawyer father. With my political upbringing, I can’t think of anything more important than fighting for our country.

Campaign strategists use data from tools like Google Trends in several key ways to fine-tune their efforts, improve messaging, and allocate resources more effectively. On video, I’ll show you some images, but for readers, here’s where I want you:

Bookmark this page. It’s awesome! Now scroll down just a bit and you’ll see this flag and the title, US Elections in Search 2024. Click it.

Now you’re right where I want you. I’ll go through a few of these pages on video, but if you’re reading, just click around, there’s cool stuff. On the states, you can drill down to county level! And for the trends they have both “top” and “rising,” which is fascinating.

Campaign strategists use these insights to stay agile and informed, constantly optimizing their approach to maximize voter engagement and support. We can be both the campaign strategist and a grassroots volunteer, which could be super helpful as we start mobilizing the vote in the coming weeks.

Here’s how to leverage this kind of data:

1. Refining Messaging Based on Trending Issues

Strategists analyze search trends to understand what voters are currently most concerned about. If specific issues—like healthcare, immigration, or the economy—are gaining traction in specific areas, the campaign can adjust its messaging to address those concerns directly. Strategists can craft speeches, ads, and talking points that align with the most searched topics to ensure the candidate’s platform feels relevant and timely to voters.

Activists (that’s you!) can use this to be relevant. Every morning, I take (way too long) to catch up on the day’s conversations. I let go of the things that don’t have traction right now and focus on those that do. I won’t take the bait on Trump/Vance nonsense. But regulations are big today because of Boar’s Head, SpaceX (Elon), having a fit because they’re being held accountable, and the consequences of Trump rolling back over 100 environmental rules.

2. Targeting Geographical Hotspots

Strategists use data to identify where interest in specific candidates or issues is strongest. This helps them focus resources—like rallies or ads—on areas where they can make the biggest impact. They’ll know exactly where to send volunteers, focus advertising, or host events likely to sway undecided voters.

Activists can use this same data to target your efforts locally. Is your county worried about healthcare? Focus your conversations on Harris’s healthcare policies when talking to neighbors. Are climate issues spiking in your state? You’ve got your talking points right there. Knowing what your community is most concerned about allows you to have conversations that matter, increasing the chance of turning out voters who care about the same issues you do.

3. Optimizing Digital Ad Campaigns

Strategists create hyper-targeted ads based on trending searches. If healthcare is spiking in a key swing state, you’ll see ads that highlight Harris’s healthcare plans. This approach ensures that the ads voters see are relevant to their current concerns, boosting the effectiveness of the campaign’s outreach.

Activists don’t have ad budgets, but you have social media. You can use trending issues to make your posts more impactful. Share articles, videos, or personal stories that relate to what’s currently on voters’ minds. For instance, if your state is searching for more info on climate change, this is your cue to share Harris’s environmental policies. Staying on topic is key to getting more engagement and, ultimately, more votes.

4. Monitoring Competitor Interest

Strategists track searches for opposing candidates to gauge their performance. If Trump suddenly has a spike in searches after a rally, the campaign knows to push out counter-messaging or double down on Harris’s strengths to keep the momentum on her side.

Activists can do this, too! If you notice a surge in searches for Trump or his latest ally (say, JD Vance), it might be time to refocus your efforts. Instead of reacting to their nonsense, stay centered on what matters—policy issues, voter turnout, and the things that will help Harris win. Please don’t get distracted, and don’t let them dictate the conversation.

5. Assessing the Effectiveness of Campaign Events

Strategists use search data after rallies or speeches to measure whether those events resonated with voters. If Harris has a rally and searches for her policies spike afterward, it’s a sign that the event made an impact.

Activists can do this by watching what happens after they’ve had a conversation with someone. Are they engaging more with your posts? (Like all of you—thank you!) Are they sharing information about Harris or joining events? It’s not always measurable, but you’ll understand how your efforts resonate with your community. Keep the pressure on—every conversation matters!

6. Identifying Emerging Issues

Strategists are always looking for emerging concerns in search data. This helps them address voter worries before they become a major issue, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve and seem proactive rather than reactive.

Activists can spot these trends, too. If you notice new issues bubbling up in your area—maybe it’s something like education reform or local environmental concerns—you can be the one to bring it into the conversation early. By staying on top of local issues, you’ll always have something relevant to talk about when knocking on doors, sharing on social media, or making phone calls.

7. Testing Messaging for Relevance

Strategists use search data to see how well new messaging is working. If Harris releases a policy and searches for her spike, the campaign knows it’s resonating. If not, they may pivot to a different approach.

Activists can use this trick, too. Watch how your community reacts to different messages. If your posts about the economy are getting traction, keep at it! If your healthcare posts aren’t gaining interest, maybe it’s time to shift gears. Like the campaign, you want to keep adjusting until you find what works with your audience.

8. Enhancing Grassroots Mobilization

Strategists share this kind of data with grassroots volunteers so that everyone’s on the same page about what matters most in each area. This ensures that campaign efforts are aligned and relevant, keeping everyone focused on the most important issues.

Activists (that’s you!) already have access to this data. Use it to connect with other local volunteers and form a unified front. Share information, coordinate your talking points, and make sure everyone knows which issues to prioritize. This way, you’re pushing the same message when you’re out canvassing or talking to friends.

Now is the time to unleash your political BEAST!

BEAST! Becoming Empowered Activists Supporting Transformation

Like campaign strategists, you can use tools like Google Trends to stay on top of what matters to voters, sharpen your message, and make your activism more impactful. Whether you’re posting on social media, having conversations with neighbors, or organizing a grassroots event, you now have the power to back your actions with data.

We are all part of this movement and play a role in shaping the future. When we combine strategy with heart, we can reach people in a way that truly resonates. So go ahead—be the campaign strategist in your community, use the insights available, and let’s mobilize like never before to help Harris win!

And remember, the campaign only works if you do. Let’s get out there and make sure our voices are heard. Together, we’re unstoppable. See you out there!