As technology drives us ever in the direction of an electronic society, many churches are attempting to reach out to members and visitors alike through a medium they use and understand: the Internet. A vast majority of these churches, despite their good intentions, tend to find their websites falling short of the grand expectations set for them. Why is that? What is it about a church website that might make it less popular than had been hoped? More importantly, how can a church make their website more user friendly?
1. Focus – One common tendency for churches just beginning a web presence is to provide too much content and not enough focus. The website tells more about the church than even founding members knew, but it’s not focused or organized. Less is often more. Start small, simple and focused and grow out from there.
2. Add current content – Many church websites would attract more visitors (and more repeat visitors) if they would provide up-to-date content that gives instant answers to their main questions. Activity calendars, online event registration, and current contact information will make a website a viable tool for repeat visitors.
3. Consider e-Giving – Many churches are hesitant to switch over to electronic forms of donations. But in today’s society, credit and debit cards are the preferred forms of payment. Consider providing your members with a place where they can donate electronically to your church.
4. Promote your site – Your site is only as successful as it is known. Be sure your members and visitors realize you have a current church website. Print the url with the contact information on bulletins, prayer sheets, visitor packets, etc. Also, be sure to tell your people that they can utilize the current content you placed up there, whether it’s online event registration or electronic donations.