Your website is your front door

These days, most congregations have a website. But quality of congregational websites vary widely. Some offer a rich sensory experience of words, images, sound and video. Others are little more than a perfunctory brochure and an outdated one at that. Like a magazine, a website is made up of words and images. But it is also built on hyperlinks. Just as photos can communicate values in a nonverbal way, links on websites communicate a great deal about the congregation. What aspects of the congregation’s life are so significant that they get a prominent link on the home page, a link with bold print or perhaps a graphic? What activities get links on lists, menus, or navigation bars? Which outside organizations does this congregation value highly enough that a link is provided on the home page? Are newcomers appreciated enough that a prominent link is provided with information just for them? Are potential questions significant enough that there is a link to frequently asked questions?

Everything on a website communicates what the congregation values, and those values inform and nurture both members and visitors.

What do your members need? Ask them!

Next: Home pages matter

Table of Contents
Your website is your front door (Above)
Home pages matter
Congregational websites have 3 audiences
Look at some megachurch websites for ideas
Think Visually
A word about images
Consult some "critical friends"
5 practical ways to improve your website 
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What else I cover in my book Reaching Out in a Networked World
About Lynne M. Baab

This resource was written by Lynne M. Baab, author of the book "Reaching Out in a Networked World: Expressing Your Congregation's Heart and Soul"  (The Alban Institute).