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Web Technologies for Churches
Why is a website important?• A website is like an online version of the sign
outside your building.
• Most potential visitors will do a search online before visiting your church.
Planning for a Website• Purpose: Why are we creating a website? • Content: What should we say? • Function: What do we want it to do? What
features are we looking for? • Organization: Determine the structure. • Create: Write out the content. • Build: Create the website!
Purpose: Why are we creating a website?
• Is our purpose to: • reach non-Christians/non-members? • facilitate communication with current
members? • to connect with outside supporters? • something else?
Content: What should we say?• Brainstorm information that you could have on
the website • Put it into categories
• These may make up your navigation menu • Include content that makes your site visitor
friendly • “What to Expect” page
Content Suggestions• Domain name: www.yourchurch.org • Basic info: service times, directions, office
hours, contact info, etc. • Listing of ministries & how to get involved • Info about the church: beliefs, history, values,
mission, etc. • Pictures, focused on people, not facilities
Content Suggestions• Links to other ministries or organizations • Simple way for people to contact you • Devotionals • Resource page: downloads, audio or video
content • Email newsletter sign up • Registration forms for events
Function: What features should it have?
• Related to, but not the same as, content • Examples:
• Scrolling homepage banner • Events calendar • Photo gallery • Contact form • Email address based on domain name
More Functions• Site statistics • Files to download (bulletin, newsletter, etc.) • Links to other ministries or organizations • Sermon player • Blog • Map of your location • Online giving
Mobile Friendly• Responsive: site adjusts to the
size of the screen it is viewed on
• Mobile version: essentially a second version of your website that it optimized for small screens
Organize: Determine the navigation structure
• Home • About Us
• What We Believe • Denominational Information • Pastor
• Ministries • Children’s Ministry
• Calendar • Contact Us
Create: Write out your content• Use visitor friendly language • Use headings to break up text • More content is better, but don’t add fluff • Add in links to pages
on your site or other websites when relevant
• Aim to have at least one image per page
Build: Now you’re ready to create the website!
• Free options: • WordPress.com • wix.com • steeplesites.com
Build: Now you’re ready to create the website!
• Cons to free options: • Limited size (data and or # of pages) • Include company branding • Must use a subdomain name
(yourchurch.wix.com)
Other Online Resources• Facebook Pages • Google Places, Google +, Maps • Video sites: Youtube, Vimeo • Email Newsletters: MailChimp • Online Donations: PayPal • Online Forms: Google Forms, wufoo.com
Facebook Pages
Google Places, +, Maps
Youtube, Vimeo
MailChimp - Email Newsletters
PayPal - Online Donations
Wufoo, Google Forms - Online Forms
