The creation of a new church website was a priority for us, as it is often the first online impression that potential guests will have of the church. In fact, the website can be seen as the digital entrance, serving as the primary communication hub for the church. Thus, it is crucial to carefully plan and execute the development of the website as a key part of the overall communication strategy. With this in mind, we contacted Blue Whale Media to build our new website, which helped to construct our new church website, ensuring its success as both a digital doorway and a well-integrated part of our communication plan.
Here are 5 things you should do before you create a website:
1. Develop a communications strategy on how your church will use the Internet to reach more people and build online community. This is the first and most important thing you need to do before even thinking about a website design and development project.
2. Go out and get 3-4 quotes from legitimate web companies. (Contact Me for a list of great web companies.) Hire the experts.
3. Spend the money. You really do get what you pay for. This is the most important communication tool you have. Do what it takes. Cut your budget elsewhere. Ask a church member to help fund it.
4. Know the basics. Yes. You are hiring experts. But you should still be familiar with the basics of what every website should have.
5. Designate one person or a team to be responsible for the maintenance of the website.
Develop a strategy on how you want to use the Internet as part of your overall church communication strategy. Utilize all it has to offer to communicate with, connect with, and build relationships with your audience.
