November 19, 2020

New Online Focus: 5 Things to Get Your Church Website Ready for Christmas

More than ever before, your church's online presence is vital, especially as we approach Christmas. Since 2015, we've offered a quick list of details to check on your church website in expectation of visitors during the Christmas season. In 2017 we expanded to Ten Things for Your Church to Check on your website, and if you're not familiar with the post be sure to give it a quick glance for some still-helpful tips. This year we're offering a new, more specific list that's focused on your online presence.

1) Check Domain Expiration/Update Contact Email
Your website is your contact point, and if your domain name expires that means your website is inaccessible to everyone. We've talked before about how important it is that you manage your church domain name and update your contact email with them. The quick take is:
a) make sure to renew your domain name before it expires, and
b) check that your contact email is up to date with the domain registrar (we're your webhost and not a domain registrar).

2) Test Menu Links
Click through all your menu items on your website to make sure they actually go to a webpage. You'd be surprised how often this gets overlooked, and an important page may be left out in the cold.

3) Review Email and Group Texting Lists
Email and text notifications are essential during this season of special services or bad weather cancellations. Now is a good time to review your church contact lists for duplicates, updates, or deletions.

4) Focus on Live Video Streaming
Watching church live online has grown in demand, and your church may already be streaming. Give your stream a quick review for any issues (image quality, audio level, framing the image, lighting, etc.). When live streaming extra Christmas services, remember you'll be using more bandwidth than normal with a larger online viewing audience.

5) Update the "What to Expect" Page
We've talked before about creating a special page to help visitors understand what to expect at your worship service (child care, dress, parking). Be sure to update your page so new visitors are aware if your church has made changes.