Assessing church websites

May 24th, 2022
by Jim LaDoux

Like ministry plans and programs, church websites never completing done. Most churches do significant revamps to their website every few years with the understanding that constant tweak and updates every month are necessary to ensure that then site serves as a useful tool for members and visitor alike.

As you explore possible updates to your website and other communication platforms, use the list of questions below to consider changes in your website might be needed to have a greater impact on its visitors. Write a summary of your responses and share with your team members in the near future.

Overall Design | Ease of Navigation

Is navigation within the website is easy and intuitive?
Are there links to the home page on all pages?
Are the graphics clear, easy to understand, and engaging?
Are the images and videos of high quality?
Are directions to the church are easy to find? Do they include a physical address and map?
Do the main navigation menu include links to worship, ministries, mission, giving, resources, and contact us?
Are links to the church's social media sites are displayed prominently on the home page?
Can people can donate, pledge, and manage their financial giving through the site?
Does the site allow people to sign up or volunteer at upcoming events?
Are there "Call to action" buttons are used throughout the site to encourage people take immediate action?
Does the site include a search feature where visitors can easily find what they're looking for?
Is there a section on the site that's focused on first-time visitors?

Content | Point of View

Is the information on the site accurate?
Is the information on the site timely? Is there any old information that needs to be removed?
Are there any broken or non-working links on the site?
Is there any information or language that would be hard for first-time visitors to understand?
Is the site designed from a visitor's perspective or a member's point of view?
Is it clear who can or cannot attend upcoming events?
Could a member or inquirer schedule a time to meet with a pastor or church staff member via an online appointment scheduling system?
Does the site explain how people can/will benefit by their potential involvement in a program or activity?

Questions to ask yourself after viewing website

What was your overall impression of the site upon viewing it?
Are you proud of your church's website?
Who does the site seem to be designed for? How did you come to that conclusion?
What did you like about the site?
What would a long-time members like about the site?
What would a first-time visitor like about the site?
What's missing from the site?
What content should be removed, or perhaps located elsewhere?
How do you feel about the sites graphics? Color schemes? Fonts? Overall look?
How does the site make you feel?
Is there anything about the site that makes it seem unprofessional or outdated?
What would you hope a first-time visitor would feel after viewing the site?
What would you hope a first-time visitor would do as a result of viewing the site?
Is the site more about who you are as a church or more about the needs of a guest?
Who would you need to talk to to find out how many people visit the site? Which pages they spend the most time on, and which pages people never visit?