Website Checklist: 8 Reminders

While a perfect website is a pipe dream, there are certain best practices and trends that can set yours apart. Website design and content is truly critical, since it only takes .05 seconds for a web visitor to form an opinion. One bad experience, and web guests are likely to give up and not try again.

To keep from losing web visitors make sure your church website covers these bases.

Is your website:

1. Current? Nothing says "we don't care" about our church or nonprofit as outdated information; It literally screams 'neglect.'
2. Optimized for mobile devices?
3. Loading quickly? Reduce the image file sizes where possible, and investigate plugins and other tools to improve speed for this impatient culture.
4. Branded with your color scheme? Think of the most popular coffee brand. Do you ever see any communication about this cult-like hangout spot in primary or pastel colors? No, always green and black. That consistency goes a long way to enhance a brand image.
5. Easy to navigate? Most sites have a simple menu with navigation running along the top of every page. The fewer choices on the 'menu' the quicker the decisions will follow.
6. Easy to read? Are your sentences and paragraphs short? Is your text in bulleted phrases that are easy to scan?
7. Promoting a clear call to action? Whether you want site guests to CONTACT you or LEARN MORE, make sure the text is big and bold or a next steps button is easy to see.
8. Showing or telling? People comprehend faster through visuals than long explanations. Give guests a preview of your church experience. Videos are terrific additions to websites due to their popularity, which also benefits search engine rankings.

Don't be overwhelmed by trying to be perfect, but do keep these qualities 'top of mind' on behalf of your audiences.