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# Social media at Islington Now: Week 1 of 3.
- URL: https://interhacktives.mymagic.page/social-media-at-islington-now-week-1-of-3/
- Published: 2012-03-10T23:00:15.000Z
- Updated: 2012-03-10T23:00:15.000Z
- Author: msantoniak
- Tags: Audience & Social, analysis, islington now, social media, strategy, website, #Migrated-1793717950415, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-11-03 14:59

So, week one of *Islington Now* from the perspective of social media.

Just to give it some context we started with 858 Twitter followers, 15 Likes on FB and a Klout of 12\. We finished it with 959, 33 and 37 respectively.

Islington is a social media-savvy borough. The population is young and it is home to a multitude of cutting-edge companies, not least around Old Street (AKA the Silicon Roundabout). Lots of things, of London-wide and national importance, happen here. All this means it’s possible to both source and promote stories by digital means.

I decided it was best not to launch headfirst, “hi, we’re here now!” way – so a few days before we officially started the news service, I put out some teaser tweets and concentrated on all the logistical stuff; for example setting up lists on Twitter, identifying prolific local tweeters, registering us for Hootsuite and Klout.

The first Twitter success was locating a local boxer, which led to an exclusive [interview.](http://islingtonnow.co.uk/islington-boxer-morgan-vies-for-england-spot-after-double-knockout/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page)

![](http://www.interhacktives.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/boxer.jpg)

A key pillar in our strategy was not to use social media as an adjunct to the newspaper, but to make it a living and breathing part of *Islington Now*. We definitely achieved this. Over the course of the week, using social media, we found and/or amplified stories on [Cycle to School](http://islingtonnow.co.uk/islington-schools-shun-national-cycling-competition/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page) week, protests against the NHS bill (involving local luminaries such as MP Jeremy Corbyn), a new signing for Arsenal and land sell-off by Islington Council. From the opening of a new gastro pub to the trial of a local solicitor, social media was a lynchpin in many stories.

We wanted to be personable and encourage connectivity; and that’s definitely been a feature of *Islington Now* 2012’s first week. We located a witness to commuter fisticuffs at Highbury & Islington station, new street graffiti by the enigmatic [Grafter](http://grafter.bigcartel.com/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page), and even got mistaken for the council (which means we must be doing something right);

![](http://www.interhacktives.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/council.jpg)

According to Google Analytics our social media referral rates were pretty good too;

![](http://www.interhacktives.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/referrals.jpg)

It’s probably no coincidence that statistically the most popular article, on the Blacksmith & Toffeemaker pub, garnered tweets and was shared on FB.

![](http://www.interhacktives.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/blacksmith.jpg)

Oh and top marks for getting a FB share from Jeremy Corbyn for Andrew’s [NHS protest pics](http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150589440159998.389756.54647169997&type=1).

Onwards and upwards for next week!