Churches today need a strong online presence. However, creating a website can be challenging, especially for little churches with limited resources. Here are seven ways small churches can create a website that’s effective, engaging and easy to manage.
1. Keep It Simple.
One of the biggest mistakes small churches make when building a website is trying to do too much. A cluttered website can be confusing for visitors. To avoid this, it’s important to keep your website design streamlined.
* Limit the number of pages to what’s necessary.
* Use a simple color scheme that’s consistent throughout your website.
* Avoid using too many images or graphics.
* Use clear, concise language.
2. Make It Mobile-Friendly.
People are accessing the internet through their mobile devices more than ever. It’s important to create a website that’s optimized for mobile.
* Use responsive design, which automatically adjusts website layout based on the size of the screen it’s being viewed on.
* Optimize images and videos for mobile.
* Use easy-to-read fonts.
3. Highlight Your Church’s Personality.
Your website can help visitors get a sense of what your church is all about.
* Use photos of your church, congregation and events.
* Include testimonials from current members.
* Write messaging that reflects your church’s mission.
4. Keep Your Website Up-to-Date.
It’s important to keep your website fresh and relevant in order for visitors to keep coming back.
* Create a content calendar that outlines what you’ll be publishing and when.
* Delegate website maintenance tasks to staff members, such as updating events or posting new sermons.
* Regularly review information posted online to make sure it is accurate.
5. Make It Easy to Find Information.
Make your website easy to navigate to keep visitors from becoming frustrated.
* Create a clear and concise menu that outlines the main sections of your website.
* Use a search bar to make it easy to find specific information.
* Use clear and descriptive labels for your pages and sections.
6. Incorporate Social Media.
By incorporating social media into your website, you create a more engaging and interactive experience.
* Add social media icons that link to your church’s social media profiles.
* Embed social media posts on your website to showcase what’s happening in your community.
* Use social media to promote events and share updates with your congregation.
7. Optimize for Local Search.
When someone searches for a church in your area, you want your website to show up at the top of the search results. To do this, you need to optimize your website for local search.
* Use local keywords, such as the name of your city or neighborhood, to help search engines understand where your church is located.
* Embed a map on your website that shows your church’s location.
* Use local business directories, such as Google My Business, to create a listing for your church.
* Encourage your congregation to leave reviews on your website and local business directories.
