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Creating a Strong First Impression on Your Church Website

Jun 18, 2014 9:00:00 AM

Statistics show that more than 50 percent of your visitors will never go beyond your homepage. Consider these ideas for creating a homepage that will captivate your audience and encourage them to engage with your website:
  • Feature a Welcome Video. Introduce your church in a 60-second or shorter video, and be sure to invite viewers to join you for worship at the end. A short welcome video is a great way to draw attention, introduce the pastor, and inform visitors about your church.
  • Add an “I’m New” Page. Have a specific page dedicated to visitors, and make sure it is clearly visible. If a user has to search for the information, they most likely won’t even try. Make it clear where they should go, and put all the important information front and center.
    Helpful Hint: Use second person voice when writing (e.g., “We would love to have you visit us” rather than “We love visitors.”). A slight shift in your writing style can make a big difference.
  • Display a Picture of Your Church. Whether your photos are of the outside or inside of your church, give visitors an immediate impression of your church.
    Helpful Hint: If you choose to show the inside of your church, try to capture a moment that represents your church on a normal Sunday (e.g., no seasonal decorations like Christmas trees or Easter lilies).
  • Keep Information Up-to-Date. A church website that is current and updated says that the church is alive and active. Whether you choose to post the latest sermon or link to the most recent newsletter, keep your content fresh and relevant.

 

This is an excerpt from “9 Strategies for Engaging Visitors with Your Church Website.”

For more tips, download this FREE ebook to learn 9 simple and effective changes you can make today that will make your church website more engaging and welcoming to potential visitors and new members.

See the 9 Strategies

Peter Frank

Written by Peter Frank

Peter Frank is full-time student at Concordia Seminary who also serves part-time at Concordia Publishing House as the Digital Product Owner. His responsibilities include leading Concordia Technology Solutions (CTS), the church management software division. A graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin, his background in theology, business, and technology gives him a unique perspective on technology in the church. He is married and the father of two young children.