Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Simply Effective Church Websites

 Click here for the entire Powerpoint Deck on Google Drive: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UWEWVgaSw_anwYLC3ZdckT7lcVQOM0kO/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110624967174873690415&rtpof=true&sd=true

Wiles will bring you hope and a laugh as he guides you through simple effective website platforms and the “must-haves” for your church’s online identity.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." – Colossians 3:23-24

Worst Websites! You have got to see these!

Bad church site:   http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/

Bad Non Profit Website: https://www.art.yale.edu

Bad Business Website: https://www.lingscars.com

Worst Navigating Site & Mobile: https://arngren.net

CofC Networks Polled

Harding’s Preacher Stuff: DWilliams@Harding.edu

http://www.thejenkinsinstitute.com/

Facebook Private Group: Compadres





Most Used Platforms

·     39% - Wordpress

·     11% - Squarespace

·     8% - Cloversites

·     5% - Wix

·     5% - Weebly

·     5% - Congregate

  • 5% - Dreamweaver
Most Valuable Website Parts

  • Contact & Address Info – 119 Pts.
  • Media Page with Video or Sermons – 98 Pts.
  • Leadership Info of Elders, Deacons, etc – 97 Pts.
  • Worship Expectations & Experience – 87 Pts.
  • Theology & Beliefs – 81 Pts.
  • Updated Calendar – 71 Pts.
  • Online Giving – 68 Pts. 

Legit Book Resources

Available on Amazon for Kindle Download

A Simplified Guide to Church Websites

by Brian Jaeger in 2015

WordPress All-In-One for Dummies

By Lisa Sabin-Wilson in 2019

Building Websites All-In-One

by David Karlins in 2012

Web Design Platforms and Content Management Systems

  • 39% - Wordpress
    • $300 per year to get plugins.
    • Or $96 annually for basic website
    • Can host in multiple places like hostgator.com
  • 11% - Squarespace
    • $144 annually for basic with 2 contributors
    • $216 annually for donation or selling add-on
  • 5% - Wix
    • Tons of templates
    • Easiest to edit
    • $168 per year
  • 5% - Weebly
    • Choose professional package - No Ads & unlimited storage
    • $144 per year
    • Beginner Friendly
  • 8% - Cloversites
    • Designed Just for Churches
    • $1000 website migration fee at Central in 2016, YIKES!
    • $408 annually
    • $500 setup fee
  • 5% - Congregate
    • More than a website - It's a directory, website, messaging service, all rolled into one.
    • $240 annually for most basic (storage at 5GB)
    • $540 annually for Classic (Storage at 25GB)
    • $499 setup fee
  • 5% - Dreamweaver
    • Professional Designer Software - $232 annually for design
    • Does not include hosting fees

Topher’s Other Tech Tools

      Sharefaith.com – Website, Graphics, Giving, Curriculum, App

      Text-em-all.com – Mass Texting & Phone Calling

      InstantChurchDirectory.com – I found out about it at Harding Lectureships 2015!

      Buffer.com – Post to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest

      Boxcast.com – Livestreaming Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV