That is a good point. I have written to my congressmen and women and gotten a written reply. It was written by someone in the office, probably not the congressperson, but it still got them thinking and I think the congress person was made aware of it and okayed the letter. Also letters to the editor get read and have some weight. It shows the public is paying attention and that is what politicians care about. If the public is asleep as usual they can do whatever pleases the lobbiest but if the public is motivated they have to take that into consideration or risk not being reelected.
A website is a good part of the plan but only part.