We all know the many benefits that websites can offer us. They help us to promote our brands to a global audience and give us a voice on the Internet.
These days, churches are benefiting from an online presence too.
You might not think it, but churches are investing a lot in today’s modern technology. In some ways, churches aren’t too dissimilar to businesses.
They have to evolve with the times to attract their target audience. If they don’t, they could end up with a small congregation!
Do you have the task of setting up a new website for your church?
If so, here’s what I would recommend you do.
Source: Pixabay
Opt for a responsive design
Many people these days go on the Web using their smartphones and tablets. It might shock you to learn that their use for Web browsing will soon take over desktops and laptops!
That’s why it is crucial your new church website has a responsive design.
In case you didn’t know, a responsive design is one where the page layout adapts to a device & screen size “on the fly.” That means you don’t need to build separate desktop and mobile websites for your church.
I recommend you take a look at www.churchdev.com to see an example of what I mean.
Here are some other reasons to convince you why a responsive design is such a good idea:
- You make your website more accessible;
- It’s beneficial for SEO purposes; and
- It’s easier to maintain, as you are working from just one “code base.”
Incorporate a section for donations
Churches depend on donations from their congregation to sustain itself. Without them, churches won’t be able to operate!
When you design a church website, you should make it easy for churchgoers to donate money.
In your case, a section that allows online donations is a must. You could offer a system that uses PayPal, for example.
Or you could get a merchant account and payment gateway set up on your website.
Set up a blog – and keep it updated
Blogs are brilliant because they give people a voice on the Internet. They are easy to edit and update, and can get set up in minutes.
Free software like WordPress gets used by millions of bloggers worldwide. What’s more; you can add it to your church website.
Your church blog could offer people the latest news and details of any events you may be running.
It’s also a way to show people what you do, in case they wish to be a part of your church.
You should make sure that it’s updated on a regular basis.
There’s nothing worse than setting up a blog and only updating it once a year!
Add an events calendar
Last, but not least, your church website should also incorporate an events calendar.
They give your congregation online access to events details.
Of course, they are also useful for keeping you reminded about events you have to set up or attend!