Cause to flex the social media muscle: Newport bidding to host the 34th America’s Cup race
Since I live in Newport, R.I., now I’m compelled to apply my social media skills to Newport’s quest to host the America’s Cup race.
My mission is to share news that’s pertinent to members of a committed social media community, be they:
- Rhode Islanders
- Newporters
- Visitors and anyone else who could like to see the Cup return
- Businesses and organizations that could also benefit
I’ve set up a Facebook page “Bring the America’s Cup back to Newport RI” (there’s one already that has 8,000+ followers) and a Twitter feed. I’m differentiating by focusing on the economic impact and the newsworthiness surrounding the America’s Cup.
I enlisted help from world-reknown Newport sailing photographer Onne van der Wal via Facebook messaging; he graciously shared nearly a dozen photos.
The current call to action is to spread the word about events happening in Newport on July 1st. I believe a significant turnout will boost Newport’s bid to get the America’s Cup races back in 2013 or 2014. There has been minimal publicity and no media mentions since the schedule was announced a couple weeks ago.
As reported in Tweets like “America’s Cup venue to be decided by Oracle CEO Ellison, the current America’s Cup defender,” The winning team — BMW Oracle — owner decides which city will host. Since Ellison’s home club is Golden Gate Yacht Club in San Francisco, there’s a strong leaning it’ll be held there. The case is far from closed and New England has a great shot at demonstrating we want the Cup races back in its ancestral home.
Gentle readers, I wondered if you’d compare these social media efforts with the official site on behalf of the city. Which do you think is more likely to garner the public’s participation?What do you think we could be doing better in these social media efforts? Thanks, in advance, for your support!
More details at http://twitter.com/@americascupnpt. I’ll be sure to report successes and strategies as they unfold.