Do you know what it takes to prepare your church and your church website for fall outreach?
Welcome to September!
It’s that season when most people are back from vacations, kids are going back to school (or preparing to do so), and other activities start back up. People are figuring out their fall schedules and more open to getting connected with a church.
Many churches recognize this opportunity and focus their efforts on outreach during August and September.
To help, we are making our theme this month Church Outreach Month, and we’re kicking off a blog series designed to help you better use your website and other online communication tools to support your efforts to reach people in your community.
Now more than any time in history, potential visitors to your church start by visiting your church’s website before visiting the actual church (in person). Which means…
Your church website is your church’s front door.
It is absolutely crucial that your website is accessible, attractive, and includes all the information that first time visitors are looking for when they come to your site.
They want to see what the church is about, what the people look like who attend and work at the church, when services are, and where you are located.
6 Things You Must-Have on Your Church Homepage
We’ve been building church websites for more than 25 years. Over that time, we’ve talked with thousands of prospective church visitors to gain a good understanding of the information they’re looking for and the content that will help them decide to visit a church
Here 6 things we believe a church must have on it’s website homepage to give a great first impression to those who are considering visiting your church in person.
1) Church Logo
Many church websites have the name of the church in plain text in the header. However, a church logo communicates more than just its name but also the culture, values, and mission of the church. Additionally, once you have a church logo, you can use it on all other print and digital media to create a brand that will be recognizable in your community. Click here to view some of the logos we have created for clients.
2) Large image, image slider or video “above the fold”
Whether you use a single image, an image slider, or a video, having a visually appealing element people see immediately when they visit your website is important.
You’ve heard it said, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” but it’s even more than that. People connect through images much more quickly and deeply than with text. Text alone is boring and academic, but images bring your organization and your words to life!
3) Welcome message
Every church homepage should have a written welcome message. The written welcome should be accompanied by a picture of the pastor, so the visitor can associate the welcome coming from the pastor.
A welcome video is great too!
4) Pictures of people who are a part of your church
As mentioned earlier, we are a visually oriented society; most people would rather view an image that read text.
Additionally, prospective visitors want to know, “Does this church include people like me?” So, instead of using stock images or images generated by AI, use images of people who actually attend your church.
5) Church service times
One of the main reasons that a visitor comes to your church website is to see when the services or gatherings are. Make it easy for them to find this information by including it on your homepage. If your church live streams its services, make sure to note that as well with a link to the live stream.
6) Contact information
For someone to visit your church, they’ve got to know where it meets. Include the physical address and a map (or link to a map) on the homepage. Additionally, it’s helpful to include a phone number and email address or contact form so people can ask any questions they may have.
Bonus #1: Most recent sermon
People frequently site the pastor’s messages as being one of the most important factors in choosing a church. Therefore, it’s helpful to have a section on the homepage with your most recent sermon or service. Audio is ok, but video is even better as it helps people become more familiar with the what sermons and services are like.
Bonus #2: Testimonials
What are people really looking for in a church? Usually, they’re looking for genuine community, a way to connect with God, and life transformation. To see and hear stories from real people of how their lives were impacted through your church is powerful!
This can be done through testimonial videos or testimonial slider that “slides” multiple testimonials across the screen.
The website is the church’s front door. Keep it clean, well maintained, and easy to access. – Mark Steinbrueck
More Tips and Ideas for Church Outreach
- Could This Be Killing Your Church Outreach?
- Too Many Churches Make This Mistake with Their Website
- 12 Church Fall Festival Ideas
- 7 Ways to Promote Your Church Outreach Event Online
- 7 Church Website Design Mistakes that will Scare Visitors Away
- How Online Reviews Help Offline Church Outreach
- 7 secrets to keeping your church informed
- How Use a Blog to Amplify Church Outreach
Comment and discuss
- What do you think of these elements for your church’s homepage? Are there any others you think are important to have on the homepage?
- Share your thoughts and ideas about church outreach in the September Listening Post survey.
Beautiful, Affordable Church Website Design
Do you want a better church website that helps your church connect better with people in your community? OurChurch.com can help with our DIY Church Website Builder, custom church website design, and church SEO (to improve search rankings and bring more people to your website).
Fill out the consultation request form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop) to schedule a call!
President at OurChurch.Com
Mark has served as the President of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, leading the Custom Website and Sales departments with dedication and expertise.
Over the years, he has managed hundreds of custom website, graphic design, and marketing projects for churches, non-profits, businesses, and schools.
Beyond his professional work, Mark is deeply committed to serving his community. He coordinates and packs over 700 meals each week for children through One Community Now’s Pack A Sack for Kids program, volunteers in the Children’s Ministry at Generations Christian Church, and participates in a weekly Bible study.
