Let’s be honest – church websites are not exactly the best examples of usability and design out there, at least not in terms of the majority.
But, we’re getting better, and as we do, let’s not forget the essentials as it pertains to simply providing the right and relevant information to your congregation and new visitors. Sure, there’s a lot that you could put on your site, but have you minimized the most important?
Here are 5 absolute essentials to content that should be on all church websites:
- Name of Ministry – And make sure that it’s prominent, easy to read, and branded well throughout all pages.
- Time of Gathering – Make it obvious and not confusing, especially if you have multiple times.
- Location and Maps/Direction – Easy to understand, download, print, and use.
- Contact Us – Phone, email, and any other way you use to connect and contact people.
- Staff – Help people connect to people. It’s fascinating that some sites don’t seem to show that these ministries are actually attended or staffed by people.
What would you include in an “absolutely essential” list?
Brian N. says
We always try to include some reference to what the experience is like. IE, can you wear a t-shirt, will there be electric guitars or drums or robotic lights?
Other than that, less is more so I like your five.
Brandon Cox says
Pictures of the church cemetery. This is a must. People must know that we care for the dead…
Jonathan Franzone says
I always like to see a quick page of “What We Believe” that includes the foundational doctrines of the church. This will let people know what they’re getting into.
Another really nice feature is when church’s provide audio sermons online so that you can take a listen before hand and see if you at least like what’s being said. Not that I actually need to “like” everything that a pastor says, but I probably wouldn’t attend/visit a church if their audio sermon included a 20 minute lecture on the evils of the NIV translation of the bible.