Creating Content for Your Website

There are several key points in creating the content for your visitors:

1) Will your site address both members and non-members? You may be able to tackle this question by providing a small section of the web site to members which will specifically address the questions that members that members ask.

2) Since you are likely to have non-member visitors, try to refrain from using extensive "religiouesque" language. Remember that the terminology you may use in your congregation may not be universal so visitors may need an explanation of the meaning of "discipleship ministry."

3) Be sure that you content follows the same pattern as your navigation. Additionally, make sure navigational titles and page titles are one in the same so as to not confuse newcomers. For example, if your navigation offers a link to "ministries" make sure the page that comes up reads "ministries," not "opportunities to get involved." Those terms may not be one in the same for everyone.

4) Write clearly so that those reading your content can make a visual picture of your congregation. This allows for both members and non-members to feel as if they are part of the congregations events even outside the physical building.

5) Finally, try to link your content to other portions of your site that are relevant. For example, if you offer a pastor's greeting, try to link the applicable words in his speech to other portions of your site such as "we are host to couples ministries, singles ministries, and a food pantry" with each of those links pointing to the correct page that contains more information.

Most importantly, keep in mind that the visitors, members or not, will be reading your content on a computer monitor which is not the same as being able to lay down a brochure and come back to it later. Be sure that your site is not too content heavy leaving your guests to feel overwhelmed by the amount of reading available. Also, a certain amount of white space is desirable to allow readers to focus on the text provided rather than be distracted by other text surrounding pertinent information.