Many churches still struggle with their websites. I get it. The technological side of designing and building a website can be intimidating. For churches on a tight budget, the cost might seem high, too.
But choosing to ignore the web isn’t a smart option. Here are a few reasons why.
- Your online presence is your first impression. I continually hear from churches of all sizes that new visitors are coming to church because they found the congregation online first. If you’re not online you’re at a disadvantage. An investment in your online presence is much like spending money on building upkeep or signage. It’s your front door to people online.
- It’s the only online platform you actually control. Social media is a key part of any communications strategy, but you have no say on the changes they make. Just look at Facebook over the past several years. Changes to algorithms and business models have made it tougher to reach your users. At least with your website, you’re in charge of any changes.
- Bulletins don’t make it home. People love to make a stink when there’s no bulletin during a service. But honestly, how many sheets of paper make it home, out of the minivan or the sanctuary itself? Having a website that’s a central hub of information makes it a reliable source for your members. Over time, if users can depend on your site to be useful and updated, it can become a primary communication tool.
- It’s a basic expectation, not something special. Many people can probably remember a time when just having a church website of any sort meant you were cool. Now, the average person has an expectation of what makes a good website. If they visit an out-of-date church website, it only perpetuates the perception that churches are out of touch with what’s going on in the world today. This is especially true for a younger generation.
So the challenge is to find a way to make your website happen. If you don’t have the tech savvy, find someone who does. Shuffle money to make the web a higher priority. Change your mindset on the overall importance of having a good, realistic representation of your church online.
Are you wondering what makes a good website? Here’s an article we wrote to get you started: “What Makes A Good Church Website.”
(Vector illustration of mobile and desktop website courtesy of Shuttershock.)
