more than an online bulletin board: creating an engaging church website
TRANSCRIPT
More than anOnline Bulletin Board
Creating an Engaging Church Website
1904 World’s Fair
Developing software for churches since 1984
“…The word of the Lord remains forever.”
1 Peter 1:25 ESV
While the message remains the same, the communication methods have changed.
Communication revolves around two things*:
Audience Message
* Mediums factor in later
Who is your audience?
Why are you communicating?
What do you want them to do?
The who, why, and whatof communication must be decided
before the where and when.
Does this look
familiar?
Why bulletin boards are not effective:
1. The audience is everyone
2. The purpose is unclear
3. The message is everything
Why some church websitesare not effective:
1. The audience is everyone
2. The purpose is unclear
3. The message is everything
Effective Communication Checklist
Identify the audience
Define the purpose
Focus the message
Who is the audience foryour church website?
Visitor Members
The Lost
Family Member
Church Shopper
Event Visitor
Staff
Students
Active Members
Parents
Ministry Leaders
Homebound
Purpose = Goal of Audience
The Lost
Family Member
Church Shopper
Event Visitor
I am visiting this website because I want to…
…learn about the church, what they believe, when they worship, and what their worship service is like
…learn about the church, what they believe, and why it matters to me
…know where the church is, what time the service starts, and where I should park
…know where the church is, what time the event starts, and where I should park
Focus the Content
Visitor Members
• Address / Directions
• Worship Times
• Beliefs
• Building Information
• Public Events
• Church Staff
• Member Directory
• Prayer Requests
• News & Announcements
• Calendar
• Ministry Pages
• Documents
9 Strategies for
Engaging Visitors
1. Optimize Your URL
Common Strategies
Including the full name:
www.christcommunitychurchbakersville.org
Keeping it short with initials:
www.cccb.org
Using a creative phrase or tagline:
www.livingchristslove.org
Recommended Strategy
Exclude:
The denomination or affiliation
The word “church”
www.christbakersville.org
Promote it as:
ChristBakersville.org
2. Make Your URL Known
Include it on:
Bulletins
Newsletters
Business Cards
Letterhead
Outdoor Signs
Flyers and Posters
T-Shirts
Put it in place of your phone number
Use it to announce special events“Learn more about our Easter services at
ChristBakersville.org/Easter”
Talk about it frequently
Make your members aware
Put it in their vocabulary
3. Utilize Your Members
Share events on social mediaEnsure every event or story has a site page
Encourage members to “Share” or “Retweet”
Create a badge for other websites
Windows clings or other car decals
Take feedback surveysHow familiar are your members with your site?
4. Keep it Simple
Minimize the number of clicksFlat site structure, not necessarily fewer pages
Make most important information prominent
Avoid scrollingMinimize the amount of text
Use images wiselyUtilize page anchors if necessary
Minimize the clutterAlways ask yourself “Does this support our goals
or distract from the main point?”
Don’t be afraid of white space
Limit hoveringMake sure all navigations are clickable
Think mobile
5. Create a Strong First Impression
Add an “I’m New Page”Use 2nd person writing
Show a Welcome VideoShow real people
Feature pastor
Keep info updateFocus on what’s new
Write it for the visitor
6.
Display basics clearly and conciselyWhere is the church located?
What are the service times?
When is Sunday School and Bible study?
State what your church believes
Summarize your doctrine
Explain your worship practices
Tell visitors where to goWhere should they park?
What entrance should they use?
Where in the building should they go?
Show them what it will be likeDisplay a virtual tour of the building
Show how people dress
7. Introduce Your Pastor
Provide info about pastor and staff
Provide sermon samplesAudio or Video
Full Text
It’s not about the pastor, it’s about the visitor
8. Don’t Forget the Basics
“The church website just needs to show the worship times and the church’s address; nothing else is
really that important.”
Church Name and Location
Worship Times
Changes to Calendar
9. Give a Clear Invitation
Worship Services“We invite you to worship with us this Sunday.”
Christian Education“See you at Sunday School, starting Sunday at 9:00.”
Fellowship Events“Join us for fellowship at the BBQ this Saturday.”
Service Opportunities“Sign up to help at our soup kitchen Monday night.”
5 Ways to Engage Members with Your Website
1. Give Exclusive Access to Members
Update Contact InformationEmail Address
Phone Numbers
Address
View Member DirectoryIncluding Pictures
View Protected Pages
2. Share Relevant and Timely Content
Sermons
News and Announcements
Prayer Requests
Community Care Requests
3. Encourage Participation in Groups
Small Groups and Bible Studies
Ministry Teams
Music Ministries
Church Boards
4. Display the Church Calendar
Separate Public and Private Calendars
Share Calendar Management
5. Personalize Mass Communication
Mailing Lists
Event Reminders
Group Notifications
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