Media Outreach

In December, we introduced the idea of 5 key elements to creating a good website geared towards outreach. The first two keys are design and structure/navigation. While having a site that is both visually appealing and easy to navigate is crucial for a good website, there are three more important factors for you to consider as you evaluate your own website.

Interactivity
By incorporating good interactive elements into the website, you send the message that your ministry is up-to-date on current technology and there-by relevant to the culture of the average user. It also provides an opportunity for a user to be engaged by the site and come to feel even more at home with the church the site is representing. Some great ways to create memorable interactivity to achieve your outreach goals are:

• Make it possible to listen or view member testimonials – This puts a face on the congregation and draws away the mystery. The people of the church show potential visitors that they are human and flawed but also the reality of God’s saving grace.
• Give visitors a peek inside the church with flash photo galleries – These combine the design elements of flash photos with the interactivity of giving users a virtual tour of the church.
• Be sure your site’s information is printer friendly- The church helps users to quickly print out the beliefs or map to make coming into the church that much easier.
• Present users with access to a site search – This allows them to quickly find exactly what information they are seeking without having to filter through the navigation.
• Provide each ministry’s contact information and make small groups easy to search – Some visitors may feel more comfortable in a smaller setting to start before they actually want to step into the crowded sanctuary.
• Keep information about upcoming events or news items easy to access – A great way to do this is with sign-ups for emails or e-newsletters. By sending this information to new users, the church makes them feel as though they are part of the community of believers.

As you work to create a great online presence, you will also want to consider two more elements: functionality and content. To learn more about how they can contribute to your site and insight on how to improve them, join us over the next few days.