Top 25 Pageant Girls to Follow on Social Media (Sep 2014)

Who are the Top Pageant Girls to Follow on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook? Here is thePageantGuy.com's Top 25 Pageant Girls to Follow on Social Media for September 2014.

This month's list includes 2 newcomers and a brand new #1 to top our Top 25 list! With the new Miss America 2015, Kira Kazantsev, crowned and the pageant and non-related pageant coverage that soon followed, it was a no brainer that Kira should top the list. Take a look at current and former pageant girls relevant in today's pageant world, those succeeding outside of pageantry, up-and-comers to keep an eye on, and a few who are way too entertaining not to follow!

Again, not included in the rankings are celebrity icons such as Oprah or official pageant accounts like @MissUniverse, @MissUSA, or @MissAmerica.

Agree? Disagree? Do you know someone that should be on this list for next month? Let me know here! (photos courtesy of Twitter)

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KiraKazantsev1) Kira Kazantsev Twitter | Instagram (NEW)
Newly crowned Miss America 2015, Kira Kazantsev, tops this month's Top 25 list, rightfully so as the 3rd Miss New York in a row to win the coveted Miss America title. As is the case with nearly every new national titleholder, scrutiny follows close behind. This year it was Kira's "red cup" talent performance and sorority hazing allegations. However, if Kira's follows her previous New York predecessors, she too will have an incredible year of service and promoting her platform across the country.

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NiaSanchez2) Nia Sanchez Twitter | Instagram (DOWN 1)
Recently crowned Miss USA 2014, her personal social media accounts are exactly that...a glimpse into her personal life. Follow her as she lives her dream as Miss USA, her relationship with her pageant sisters and her close friends, an upbeat positive attitude on life, and her unwavering faith.

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MariaMenounos3) Maria Menounos Twitter | Instagram (DOWN 1)
This former Miss Massachusetts Teen USA is undoubtedly one of the more accomplished women in entertainment today. After spending over 10 years working as a host/correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and Extra!, Maria recently signed on with E! Entertainment to host her own show, Untold with Maria Menounos.

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AmyWillerton4) Amy Willerton Twitter | Instagram (DOWN 1)
As the first British woman to place in the Top 10 at Miss Universe in over 30 years, the popularity of this former Miss Great Britain Universe continues to rise. With nearly 1 million followers on her social media accounts, could this Darling of the UK become the next British Invasion?

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KenyaMoore5) Kenya Moore Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
From movie roles to television appearances, there's been no stopping this "Real Housewife" and former Miss USA. Since 2012, Kenya has been the shining star of Bravo's hit show The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Be prepared to watch more of Moore (couldn't resist) as a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice 7 airing sometime in 2014.
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ShannaMoakler6) Shanna Moakler Twitter | Instagram (DOWN 2)
Even after a career in entertainment spanning nearly 2 decades, who still doesn't enjoy watching what Shanna does next! Always speaking true to her heart on social media and on her VH1 hit show, Hollywood Exes, this former Miss USA has crowned 2 Miss USA's in the past 4 years serving as a Miss USA state director.

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AliLaForce7) Allie LaForce Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
This former Miss Teen USA is the new face of female sports reporters whom you'll now see on the sidelines of SEC college football games on CBS. Effortlessly comfortable on camera, coupled with her love of sports, Ali's meteoric rise to the top is no surprise!

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HoneyBooBoo8) Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
I'm not a huge follower of the children's pageant system, but over the past year "Honey Boo Boo" has undoubtedly captured the attention and laughter (often times ridicule) of America. Love it or hate it, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo has established itself as one of the most popular reality shows on television.

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GretchenCarlson9) Gretchen Carlson Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
This former Miss America served as the co-host of Fox News Channel's Fox and Friends since 2006 until her departure last year. Gretchen now hosts her own weekday daytime news program on Fox called The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson. Follow her to stay updated on all of the country's pressing news stories.

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MeganAlexander10) Megan Alexander Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
This former pageant girl from Washington has been a correspondent for Inside Edition since 2007 and has not looked back! Aside from traveling across the country for the latest news story, not only does she remain active in pageantry as an emcee for NAMiss, this woman of faith also finds time to volunteer for numerous charities. Along with her usual duties at Inside Edition, you can also find her covering NFL Football this fall on CBS.
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SusieCastillo11) Susie Castillo Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
One look at Susie's resume over the past 10 years will reveal that she is one of the most successful Miss USA's to work in Hollywood. From her beginnings on MTV as a VJ and host on TRL, to countless television, movie, and hosting roles, to her current role as Oxygen Network's on-air personality, Susie doesn't stop there, She's still involved in pageantry as one-half of the pageant coaching duo, Pageantology.

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KatherineWebb12) Katherine Webb Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
Last year, then Katherine Webb would've easily topped our Top 25 list. After rising to celebrity stardom since being spotted in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, Katherine was featured in Sports Illustrated, starred in a celebrity reality show, and recently married AJ McCarron, famed Alabama quarterback. Now as Katherine McCarron, I'm curious to see what's next for this former Miss Alabama USA.

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Kim Gravel13) Kim Gravel Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
Kim Gravel debuted and starred in her reality show last year on Lifetime, Kim of Queens. Apart from her show, this pageant entrepreneur also runs a full-service coaching/cosmetics business. So what's next for this former Miss Georgia? Well she's back on Lifetime for a 2nd season of her hit reality show. A positive reality show about pageantry? Really!? That's why I'm a fan of Kim!
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AlyssaCampanella14) Alyssa Campanella Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
If you follow Alyssa on social media, you would think that this former Miss USA is still in reign. Whether it's traveling the world, making red carpet appearances, wearing the latest in fashion, and even making it to a few pageants...Alyssa does it in true style. The best part is that she now shares it with you in her new lifestyle and fashion blog, JumpersAndJasmine.com.

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KirstenHaglund15) Kirsten Haglund Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
Since giving up her crown as Miss America 2008, Kirsten has been busy helping educate and increase awareness about eating disorders through her organization, the Kirsten Haglund Foundation. In addition to her tireless efforts battling this disease nationwide, Kristen frequently appears as a panelist on multiple Fox News Channel programs weighing in on women's health and celebrity issues.

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BrittanyOldehoff16) Brittany Oldehoff Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
A Top 5 finalist at Miss USA 2014, not only has Brittany graced the covers of GQ and FHM, walked the runway for the top fashion houses, appeared as the face for Conair Hair, but she recently signed with Trump Model Management in New York. Follow Brittany to find out what's next for this former Miss Florida USA.

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OliviaCulpo17) Olivia Culpo Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
Still dating pop star Nick Jonas, this former Miss Universe still remains in the headlines in her post pageant life. Like everyone else (including her nearly 500k social media followers), aren't you interested what this power couple is up to next?

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KandicePelletier18) Kandice Pelletier Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
This former Miss New York and Radio City Rockette was featured on MTV also competed on The Amazing Race...twice! What is she up to now? She's the creator of own swimsuit line, Kandice Pelletier Swimwear and is the official swimwear sponsor for the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants.
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AmyDiaz19) Amy Diaz Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
Amy Diaz is a winner. Not only was this former Miss Rhode Island USA and Miss Rhode Island Teen USA successful in pageantry (she also won Miss Earth 2009), but she also won The Amazing Race last year, sharing the $1 million grand prize with her partner.

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JoanneNosuchinsky20) Joanne Nosuchinsky Twitter | Instagram (NEW)
This former Miss New York USA debuts on our Top 25 list and is certainly one to follow in the months to come! First appearing on Fox News' Red Eye just over 1 year ago, this New Yorker is now the co-host and featured panelist on the cable news network's late night show. What's next for this former off-Broadway actress and pageant girl turned Fox New contributor...follow Joanne to find out!
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KristenDalton21) Kristen Dalton Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
A true beauty on the inside and outside, this former Miss USA does it all. Modeling, hosting, guest appearances, speaking engagements, and blogging. Kristen is the current national spokesmodel for LA Fitness and the founder of SheIsMore.com, a women's empowerment blog sharing stories of encouragement, inspiration, and faith.

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SydneyRobertson22) Sydney Robertson Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
The sixteen-year-old, current Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA 2014 is one of the youngest to appear in our Top 25 list, yet holds her own with some of giants in our industry. Since her recent placement in Top 5 at the Miss Teen USA 2014 pageant, this blonde, pixie cut darling has been featured in the Hairstyle Guide magazine and in Teen Vogue. Follow Sydney to see what's next for this rising star!
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KamieCrawford23) Kamie Crawford Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
Whether shes talking music, TV, sports, pop culture, or pageants…this former Miss Teen USA is truly entertaining to follow on social media. Make no mistake, Kamie ALWAYS spits real talk! Still highly involved in pageantry, Kamie works closely with the Miss District of Columbia USA pageant with her mother, who serves as the state director.
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SydneyGraus24) Sydney Graus Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
A former Miss Wyoming Teen USA, currently signed with Elite and Wilhelmina, this up and coming model was one of a handful recently invited to Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Casting Call. Will she be in the 2015 issue? Follow Sydney to stay updated as she ascends in her modeling career.

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ShandiFinnessey25) Shandi Finnessey Twitter | Instagram (SAME)
Shandi IS the reason why #WCW is in existence. This former Miss USA has enjoyed success on the pageant stage and in Hollywood. From numerous television hosting roles, acting roles, modeling, and even a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, what's Shandi up to now? Well, she's currently a correspondent for OK! TV, and remains active in pageantry as the co-founder of Pageantology, a pageant coaching business.
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Top 25 Pageant Girls to Follow on Social Media (Aug 2014)

Who are the Top Pageant Girls to Follow on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook? Each month thePageantGuy.com will publish the Top 25 Pageant Girls to Follow on Social Media.

This list includes current and former pageant girls relevant in today's pageant world, those succeeding outside of pageantry, up-and-comers to keep an eye on, and a few who are way too entertaining not to follow!

Not included in the rankings are celebrity icons such as Oprah or Halle Berry or official pageant accounts like @MissUniverse, @MissUSA, or @MissAmerica...Oprah would top the list every month 🙂

Agree? Disagree? Do you know someone that should be on this list for next month? Let me know here! (photos courtesy of Twitter)

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NiaSanchez1) Nia Sanchez    Twitter | Instagram
Recently crowned Miss USA 2014, her personal social media accounts are exactly that...a glimpse into her personal life. Follow her as she lives her dream as Miss USA, her relationship with her pageant sisters and her close friends, an upbeat positive attitude on life, and her unwavering faith.

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MariaMenounos2) Maria Menounos   Twitter | Instagram
This former Miss Massachusetts Teen USA is undoubtedly one of the more accomplished women in entertainment today. After spending over 10 years working as a host/correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and Extra!, Maria recently signed on with E! Entertainment to host her own show, Untold with Maria Menounos.

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AmyWillerton3) Amy Willerton   Twitter | Instagram
As the first British woman to place in the Top 10 at Miss Universe in over 30 years, the popularity of this former Miss Great Britain Universe continues to rise. With nearly 1 million followers on her social media accounts, could this Darling of the UK become the next British Invasion?

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ShannaMoakler4) Shanna Moakler   Twitter | Instagram
Even after a career in entertainment spanning nearly 2 decades, who still doesn't enjoy watching what Shanna does next! Always speaking true to her heart on social media and on her VH1 hit show, Hollywood Exes, this former Miss USA has crowned 2 Miss USA's in the past 4 years serving as a Miss USA state director.

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KenyaMoore5) Kenya Moore   Twitter | Instagram
From movie roles to television appearances, there's been no stopping this "Real Housewife" and former Miss USA. Since 2012, Kenya has been the shining star of Bravo's hit show The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Be prepared to watch more of Moore (couldn't resist) as a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice 7 airing sometime in 2014.
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NinaDavuluri6) Nina Davuluri   Twitter | Instagram
Nina redefined the Miss America standard by being the first Indian American to win the coveted crown. Upon her crowning, Nina was met with harsh bigoted and racist comments on social media, then followed by an outpouring of nationwide positive public support for the new Miss America. With this support, Nina continues to promote her platform of spreading cultural awareness and combating ignorance.
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AliLaForce7) Allie LaForce   Twitter | Instagram
This former Miss Teen USA is the new face of female sports reporters whom you'll now see on the sidelines of SEC college football games on CBS. Effortlessly comfortable on camera, coupled with her love of sports, Ali's meteoric rise to the top is no surprise!

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HoneyBooBoo8) Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson   Twitter | Instagram
I'm not a huge follower of the children's pageant system, but over the past year "Honey Boo Boo" has undoubtedly captured the attention and laughter (often times ridicule) of America. Love it or hate it, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo has established itself as one of the most popular reality shows on television.

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GretchenCarlson9) Gretchen Carlson   Twitter | Instagram
This former Miss America served as the co-host of Fox News Channel's Fox and Friends since 2006 until her departure last year. Gretchen now hosts her own weekday daytime news program on Fox called The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson. Follow her to stay updated on all of the country's pressing news stories.

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MeganAlexander10) Megan Alexander   Twitter | Instagram
This former pageant girl from Washington has been a correspondent for Inside Edition since 2007 and has not looked back! Aside from traveling across the country for the latest news story, not only does she remain active in pageantry as an emcee for NAMiss, this woman of faith also finds time to volunteer for numerous charities. Along with her usual duties at Inside Edition, you can also find her covering NFL Football this fall on CBS.
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SusieCastillo11) Susie Castillo   Twitter | Instagram
One look at Susie's resume over the past 10 years will reveal that she is one of the most successful Miss USA's to work in Hollywood. From her beginnings on MTV as a VJ and host on TRL, to countless television, movie, and hosting roles, to her current role as Oxygen Network's on-air personality, Susie doesn't stop there, She's still involved in pageantry as one-half of the pageant coaching duo, Pageantology.

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KatherineWebb12) Katherine Webb   Twitter | Instagram
Last year, then Katherine Webb would've easily topped our Top 25 list. After rising to celebrity stardom since being spotted in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, Katherine was featured in Sports Illustrated, starred in a celebrity reality show, and recently married AJ McCarron, famed Alabama quarterback. Now as Katherine McCarron, I'm curious to see what's next for this former Miss Alabama USA.

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Kim Gravel13) Kim Gravel   Twitter | Instagram
Kim Gravel debuted and starred in her reality show last year on Lifetime, Kim of Queens. Apart from her show, this pageant entrepreneur also runs a full-service coaching/cosmetics business. So what's next for this former Miss Georgia? Well she's back on Lifetime for a 2nd season of her hit reality show. A positive reality show about pageantry? Really!? That's why I'm a fan of Kim!
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AlyssaCampanella14) Alyssa Campanella Twitter | Instagram
If you follow Alyssa on social media, you would think that this former Miss USA is still in reign. Whether it's traveling the world, making red carpet appearances, wearing the latest in fashion, and even making it to a few pageants...Alyssa does it in true style. The best part is that she now shares it with you in her new lifestyle and fashion blog, JumpersAndJasmine.com.

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KirstenHaglund15) Kirsten Haglund   Twitter | Instagram
Since giving up her crown as Miss America 2008, Kirsten has been busy helping educate and increase awareness about eating disorders through her organization, the Kirsten Haglund Foundation. In addition to her tireless efforts battling this disease nationwide, Kristen frequently appears as a panelist on multiple Fox News Channel programs weighing in on women's health and celebrity issues.

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BrittanyOldehoff16) Brittany Oldehoff   Twitter | Instagram
A Top 5 finalist at Miss USA 2014, not only has Brittany graced the covers of GQ and FHM, walked the runway for the top fashion houses, appeared as the face for Conair Hair, but she recently signed with Trump Model Management in New York. Follow Brittany to find out what's next for this former Miss Florida USA.

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OliviaCulpo17) Olivia Culpo   Twitter | Instagram
Still dating pop star Nick Jonas, this former Miss Universe still remains in the headlines in her post pageant life. Like everyone else (including her nearly 500k social media followers), aren't you interested what this power couple is up to next?

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KandicePelletier18) Kandice Pelletier   Twitter | Instagram
This former Miss New York and Radio City Rockette was featured on MTV also competed on The Amazing Race...twice! What is she up to now? She's the creator of own swimsuit line, Kandice Pelletier Swimwear and is the official swimwear sponsor for the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants.
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AmyDiaz19) Amy Diaz   Twitter | Instagram
Amy Diaz is a winner. Not only was this former Miss Rhode Island USA and Miss Rhode Island Teen USA successful in pageantry (she also won Miss Earth 2009), but she also won The Amazing Race last year, sharing the $1 million grand prize with her partner.

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MelindaBam20) Melinda Bam   Twitter | Instagram
This former Miss South Africa Universe placed Top 10 at the Miss Universe pageant and continues to work with the Miss South Africa Universe pageant securing new sponsors and preparing their titleholders for Miss World and Miss Universe. Did I also mention she was South Africa's FHM's Sexiest Woman in the World 2013. Any more questions?
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KristenDalton21) Kristen Dalton   Twitter | Instagram
A true beauty on the inside and outside, this former Miss USA does it all. Modeling, hosting, guest appearances, speaking engagements, and blogging. Kristen is the current national spokesmodel for LA Fitness and the founder of SheIsMore.com, a women's empowerment blog sharing stories of encouragement, inspiration, and faith.

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SydneyRobertson22) Sydney Robertson   Twitter | Instagram
The sixteen-year-old, current Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA 2014 is one of the youngest to appear in our Top 25 list, yet holds her own with some of giants in our industry. Since her recent placement in Top 5 at the Miss Teen USA 2014 pageant, this blonde, pixie cut darling has been featured in the Hairstyle Guide magazine and in Teen Vogue. Follow Sydney to see what's next for this rising star!
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KamieCrawford23) Kamie Crawford   Twitter | Instagram
Whether shes talking music, TV, sports, pop culture, or pageants…this former Miss Teen USA is truly entertaining to follow on social media. Make no mistake, Kamie ALWAYS spits real talk! Still highly involved in pageantry, Kamie works closely with the Miss District of Columbia USA pageant with her mother, who serves as the state director.
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SydneyGraus24) Sydney Graus   Twitter | Instagram
A former Miss Wyoming Teen USA, currently signed with Elite and Wilhelmina, this up and coming model was one of a handful recently invited to Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Casting Call. Will she be in the 2015 issue? Follow Sydney to stay updated as she ascends in her modeling career.

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ShandiFinnessey25) Shandi Finnessey   Twitter | Instagram
Shandi IS the reason why #WCW is in existence. This former Miss USA has enjoyed success on the pageant stage and in Hollywood. From numerous television hosting roles, acting roles, modeling, and even a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, what's Shandi up to now? Well, she's currently a correspondent for OK! TV, and remains active in pageantry as the co-founder of Pageantology, a pageant coaching business.
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12 Reasons to Follow @thePageantGuy

Howdy!

I thought I'd share with you a few reasons -- if you are a fan of pageants -- why you should follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

In just 12 reasons, I will provide you with irrefutable and compelling evidence on why your social media "pageant diet" should consist of high doses of thePageantGuy.com 🙂

If you don't believe me then maybe these ladies can convince you, but still take a glance below!

-Will the Pageant Guy

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1)  He has over 200+ videos of titleholder interviews, exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage, and hours of originally produced pageant content

2)  He drives a truck

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3)  His contributing writers are successful, accomplished pageant professionals willing to share their experience and knowledge with you

4)  He has a dog named Champ

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5)  He conducts groundbreaking interviews with today's biggest names in pageantry, revealing more about the woman and less about her crown

6)  He likes bacon

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7)  He's also a well-respected pageant director in Texas with a winning track record that brings a keen perspective on pageant dynamics from the inside

8)  He once ate 12 tacos in one sitting

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9)  He has direct access to the premier pageant programs and systems across the country and consistently brings you exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage

10)  His weakness is hot sauce and water slides...separately, not together

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11)  He has over 10 years of experience as a pageant director, producer, consultant, judge, and blogger and is excited to share his understanding, appreciation, and philosophy on pageants with YOU on thePageantGuy.com

12)  He's just a normal guy

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A Bit of Clarity: Using Social Media for Pageants

Welcome to the guest blog we’re cleverly calling “A Bit of Clarity” by Claire Buffie.

Claire3[Not so] Quick intro:  In addition to being Miss New York 2010, one of Will’s video interviews featuring Miss America contestants , I am a photographer and graphic designer—visual communicator, if you will. I grew up in Indianapolis, IN where I graduated from Ball State University with a BFA in Visual Communications.Ball State is also where I learned of the Miss America Organization and began competing. After college, I moved to New York where I held a variety of jobs including graphic designer for a dance magazine, working at Apple fixing iPhones and more, and the entrepreneurial endeavor of pursuing my own business full time. I was hired in my most favorite job of all when I became Miss New York 2010 through which my advocacy for equal rights became increasingly public and allowed me to make the real and lasting change I had only hoped to make by the end of my lifetime. To do it by 25 years old was incredible and only motivation to continue myself, and to inspire and help others to do the same.

At Miss America 2011, I finished in the Top 12 and was voted America’s Choice Finalist. I want to share a bit with you about what I did to prepare for the opportunity and shed some light on the branding necessary of a “pageant girl” to stand out in this day and age of oversaturated communication, reality stars, gossip-seeking people and of course the constant interconnectedness of social media. I’ll share a bit of my experiences in addition to some of the amazing insights I have gained and continue to gain daily as a Masters student at Georgetown University in Public Relations and Corporate Communications. I’ve joked that this degree is just really an extension of being a state titleholder, but that’s not far from the truth. You’ll see…


Let’s start with the basics: Social media vs. social marketing

 

Are they different? Are they the same? Do they go hand in hand? Do I need it?

Media is an instrument of communication, so when you add the social component, you add the dialogue and the interaction rather than the pushed communication through a media channel. Social networking is the infrastructure, the channel, through which you communicate the content of social media. It’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, even MySpace if anyone still uses it.

Social marketing is powerful. Social marketing seeks to influence social behaviors not to benefit the marketer, but to benefit the target audience and the general society.

So as I see it, social media and networking are imperative parts of maximizing the effect of social marketing AND social marketing is what the Miss America Organization and the concept of a platform is all about. As individuals in a non-profit arena, we should all be utilizing the free platforms of social media.

Social media is necessary to spread any message and create awareness in today’s society. The key to social media is not bombarding your friends’ twitter feeds or having thousands of friends on Facebook, it’s about sending the right messages to the right people to enact the right action. Granted, there is a lot to messaging, and I’ll focus on that in future blogs, but for now, a few starter tips:

Connect your social media tools.
Tweetdeck is a great tool to sync your Twitter with personal Facebook and Facebook fanpages. With Tweetdeck, you can send one message to multiple accounts or choose to only select one account. I didn’t necessarily wish my friend Happy Birthday via Twitter AND my Miss New York Facebook page, but instead left social comments to my personal pages and relevant info to my fan pages. Tweetdeck also allows you to create columns to follow trends or groups of people. I have an MAO sisters column and an #equality column.

Be present, but not overwhelming.
Buffer is another helpful Twitter tool. Buffer allows you to create a queue of 10 tweets at one time that will be filtered out to your followers throughout the day. Buffer analyzes when your followers are most active and sends your messages out accordingly. This gives you a constant presence on social media, hitting your key publics and audience at the times when they are most apt to listen.

Use your 140 characters wisely.
Craft your messages with care and remember that everything you put on the Internet is out there for anyone to read, to take out of context and to save forever. Include websites and links, hashtags and Twitter handles of friends and colleagues. The more you include others in your messaging, the further it will spread. Have a call to action in your messaging, not just information.

Timing is everything.
There are tons of studies out there that map out when people are most active on social media, when they check their emails and when they’re just focused and busy at work, missing your tweets about Sally’s cute jacket at dinner last night. Here’s an easy rule of thumb to remember: Tweet with coffee, Tweet with chocolate, Tweet with wine.  May you don’t drink coffee or wine or eat chocolate, but what the means is tweet in the morning (7-8am), the afternoon when people are finishing up lunch (12-1pm) and in the evening after dinner (7-8pm).

Maintain your privacy.
The day you win a title—local or state—make a fan page. Direct people to your fan page rather than your personal page and provide them with what they want: photos, updates, news articles, etc. Fan pages allow you to accept requests from middle schoolers and political lobbyists equally. When your year of service is up, you want to be able to maintain the incredible relationships you’ve formed, but you will undoubtedly find that you have more “friends” you don’t know than do. After your year of service, check in to that fan page regularly and acknowledge the people who have supported you.

Those are my tidbits to starting a strong social media presence. It will build the foundation to launch social media campaigns when it really matters—like America’s Choice for Miss America, or better yet, changing a law in your state in regards to social justice and equality.

I’m super excited for the opportunity to share a little “Bit of Clarity” with you all each month! Thank you, Will, and thank you all for reading!

Claire Buffie
www.clairebuffie.com
Twitter: @clairebuff