How to Make an Effective Church Website
Consider the purpose of having a church website., Decide on the most effective web address., Understand the people who use a church website., Pick the most effective content for the website.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Consider the purpose of having a church website.
A website is simply a tool that we use to communicate information on the internet.
Websites are a way that a Christian church can fulfill Christ’s command to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20; “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” A church website will both direct people to visit the church and give information to the members of the church. -
Step 2: Decide on the most effective web address.
How to choose the best web address.
Make it Easy to Remember .
Consider how a web address gets communicated:
Word of mouth:
A church might have a terrific website but it will do no good if a member can’t remember the domain name to tell their friends.
Signs:
A church might have a terrific website but it will do no good if no one can remember the domain name they saw as they were driving by a sign in their car.
T-shirts, flyers and business cards:
A church might have a terrific website but it will do no good if no one can read or remember what they read on the media Keep it simple.
Consider:
Spelling Make it easily able to be typed. Length Memorable words Reject Hyphens and Numbers Only Choose Dot-Com Available Domains Keep the Name as Short as Possible Create and Fulfill Expectations.
A properly worded web address can create expectations.
It could possibly entice a hesitant visitor to check it out.
Likewise, the words in the web address should fulfill the created expectation through the content on the sight. , Knowing the audience of a website helps a church focus on ways to make it most effective for the audience.
With the image of their website’s audience a church must consider the specific needs when designing the site.
Perspective visitors are… searching for a church wanting to anonymously investigate the church looking for a positive first impression of the church will likely only understand clear language with familiar vocabulary attracted to an appealing style appreciate easy-to-use layout wondering the whos, what's, wheres, hows and whens of the church trying to contact a person from the church to answer questions wondering if the church will be friendly, welcoming and relevant Existing church members are… Looking for one online source to find church documents and calendars Concerned about their privacy Hoping their church is appealing to non-members Preaching and need a place they can direct people to explain their beliefs , What content do people want to see on a church website? The Essentials Times of the services and regular classes Beliefs Where the church building is Contact details The Extended Options:
Upcoming special events notices Blog Church Members Profiles Audio and Video of classes Links to other relevant websites.
Twitter Feed Photos of past activities The church's Facebook page link Live video feed of services A password-protected members only tab with address lists and specific calendars -
Step 3: Understand the people who use a church website.
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Step 4: Pick the most effective content for the website.
Detailed Guide
A website is simply a tool that we use to communicate information on the internet.
Websites are a way that a Christian church can fulfill Christ’s command to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20; “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” A church website will both direct people to visit the church and give information to the members of the church.
How to choose the best web address.
Make it Easy to Remember
.
Consider how a web address gets communicated:
Word of mouth:
A church might have a terrific website but it will do no good if a member can’t remember the domain name to tell their friends.
Signs:
A church might have a terrific website but it will do no good if no one can remember the domain name they saw as they were driving by a sign in their car.
T-shirts, flyers and business cards:
A church might have a terrific website but it will do no good if no one can read or remember what they read on the media Keep it simple.
Consider:
Spelling Make it easily able to be typed. Length Memorable words Reject Hyphens and Numbers Only Choose Dot-Com Available Domains Keep the Name as Short as Possible
Create and Fulfill Expectations.
A properly worded web address can create expectations.
It could possibly entice a hesitant visitor to check it out.
Likewise, the words in the web address should fulfill the created expectation through the content on the sight. , Knowing the audience of a website helps a church focus on ways to make it most effective for the audience.
With the image of their website’s audience a church must consider the specific needs when designing the site.
Perspective visitors are… searching for a church wanting to anonymously investigate the church looking for a positive first impression of the church will likely only understand clear language with familiar vocabulary attracted to an appealing style appreciate easy-to-use layout wondering the whos, what's, wheres, hows and whens of the church trying to contact a person from the church to answer questions wondering if the church will be friendly, welcoming and relevant Existing church members are… Looking for one online source to find church documents and calendars Concerned about their privacy Hoping their church is appealing to non-members Preaching and need a place they can direct people to explain their beliefs , What content do people want to see on a church website? The Essentials Times of the services and regular classes Beliefs Where the church building is Contact details
The Extended Options:
Upcoming special events notices Blog Church Members Profiles Audio and Video of classes Links to other relevant websites.
Twitter Feed Photos of past activities The church's Facebook page link Live video feed of services A password-protected members only tab with address lists and specific calendars
About the Author
Kimberly Bailey
Enthusiastic about teaching hobbies techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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