Common Mistakes New Political Influencers Make

I get it. You’re fired up. You’re watching the chaos unfold, online, in politics, on the ground, and you want to speak up. Maybe even do something big. But before you launch into daily videos or a hundred takes on TikTok, let’s hit pause.

I’ve been building Call to Activism for years. And believe me, I’ve made just about every mistake a new political influencer can make. That’s why I’m writing this. Because if you’re serious about using your platform for good, you need to know what not to do and how to course-correct before you burn out or lose people’s trust. Here are some common mistakes new political influencers make that you should watch out for.

Mistake 1: Talking More Than Listening

One of the most common mistakes new political influencers make is assuming that every post needs to be a declaration. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time for bold takes. But the real strength of your voice comes from knowing when to listen.

When I first started out, I was constantly reacting. But over time, I realized that the most effective posts weren’t the loudest. They were the most grounded. I started scanning, researching, and holding space for the stories that weren’t trending yet. That’s how you become useful to your audience, not just loud.

Mistake 2: Posting for Engagement, Not Accountability

It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing numbers. But if you’re posting without verifying facts, or worse, bending them, you’re feeding the very disinformation cycle we’re trying to dismantle.

Everything I put out through Call to Activism goes through fact-checking. We don’t post unless we can prove it. And that discipline? It builds trust. So ask yourself before every post: Is this true, and is it helpful? If not, it’s just noise.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the Long Game

The people I see flame out fastest are the ones who expect immediate results. They want viral status by week two. But that’s not how this works. Building a digital platform rooted in activism takes consistency, focus, and a willingness to show up when no one’s watching.

I’ve been there. I know how discouraging it is when something important only gets 500 views. But I also know that the right 500 views, legislators, organizers, and journalists, can shift a conversation. So don’t give up too soon.

Learn From the Start

These are just a few of the common mistakes new political influencers make, but they’re big ones. If you’re ready to lead, you have to build like a leader. Show up with purpose. Stay grounded in facts. And remember: this work isn’t about being popular. It’s about being useful. If you’re still here, why not check out my platform, Call to Activism, and what it stands for?