Mark Pack

1. Be a tortoise, not a hare

The fast-moving story that sweeps round the world may catch the headlines, but the reality of most internet campaigning is very different: it’s the gradual, consistent and sustained effort that reaps the reward. Unless you’re very lucky, it’s a commitment to building up email lists, web visitors and so on over time which brings results.

2. Don’t expect people automatically to come to you

It’s easy to stick something online – a Facebook page, a blog, a simple website or whatever. But that won’t make people come to it. Just as there’s no point printing a leaflet without having thought about how to deliver it, it’s only sensible to create a new online presence if you also think about how to get people to come to it.

3. Being online isn’t the same as campaigning

Being online can certainly help with campaigning, but don’t confuse bunging up press releases with actual campaigning. Even if you’re doing an excellent job at providing people with good, interesting and timely local news, then that’s doing a good service – but isn’t the same as campaigning.