Posts

Churches Need a Website Too

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As an administrator working in the church world for many years, I know there are a couple schools of thought on this topic.   Some think you need a website for your church, others don't. (But even those that didn't think it was necessary at one time, are now coming around to acknowledge that it is proven as a credible resource for a church.) Even  waaay  back when i graduated from college (don't ask) it was believed that organizations needed a website, even churches.  Think about it -- your website provides a resource, a central location for all those announcements, schedules, and upcoming events.  Being a true technology nerd, that made sense to me back then and I dug in, learned "dbase+" code and researched as much information as I could find about computers and this  new thing  called "internet service."  So years later, when i was employed by a state office for a church organization, it was natural for me to help with getting their first website set

4 THINGS TO KEEP READERS COMING TO YOUR WEBSITE

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Content should be consistently current.  Keep your customers, your readers, your followers regularly coming back for new and updated information.  If they come to your site and they only find the same information that was available a month ago, they are not tempted to stay and browse.  With nothing current going on and no new information to glean, they will get tired of making the effort to click on your homepage bookmark.  They were impressed once and they set that bookmark, let us keep them coming back and keep them as intrigued as they were with their first visit to your website.   Content should be creative .  Don’t underestimate your imagination and your “fresh” ideas.  We can all be our worst critics, at times. Allow the creative juices to flow as your create content for your website.  Be CREATIVE. Just because it hasn’t been done before, doesn’t mean it is blah and boring. If it has been done too many times that is when something loses its enticement.  You can go to the web to g

4 Easy Steps to Get Your Website Started

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  1. Decide on a domain name If you have read "Your Website, Your Purpose," then perhaps you are ready to get to work and get the website started.  Your decisions outlined in that post have been written down on paper or typed up in a document.  So now you wish to get the website up and running instead of being just an idea in your mind.  I understand. You are ready so let's get proactive. Your domain name is your choice.  It should be easy to remember, easy to "spell" for the sake of those trying to type it in a browser window, and easy to say out loud.  It may be the name of your business, the product you provide, or a name you have derived that is catchy and happens to be available as a URL for purchase. With some ideas on paper, now it is time to see if indeed they are available for purchase.  You can choose any of the domain purchase websites to do your search, from  godaddy.com  to Bluehost.com or possibly google domains.  Run your list of names through tha

5 BASIC THINGS FOR SUCCESSFUL SEO

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  Search Engine Optimization (SEO), the phrase alone sounds complicated.  It reeks of techno jargon and complex concepts. So let’s break it down in simple terms. You want a potential customer or client to be able to find you when they are looking for that “widget” or service you have to offer. You want them to see your website URL first or at least on the first page of options.  What is the most important thing your website needs to be successful in online search engines? Below I have put together five (5) things that are important to consider to ensure the website that you have created or developed is easily reachable in search engines. ​ If you are reading this, you have probably already created a concept for a website or you have begun the process of creating your website.  If not, consider starting at “ this blog about creating a website.” FIVE BASIC THINGS FOR SUCCESSFUL SEO Content As you consider search engine optimization (SEO), you must come up with words or terms that would n

YOUR WEBSITE, YOUR PURPOSE

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So you think it is time to have a website.  Maybe you have been led to take your story to the masses.  Maybe you have created a new way of doing things or mastered an old way of doing things and the world simply needs to know so they can find you to do it! Whatever the reason, you have stumbled across this site, this blog and need some basic directions or simple instructions of what to do next to have that website. WHAT'S NEXT? The key before you start thinking design or colors or fonts is to decide "who is your audience?"  Ask yourself, "Who am I trying to reach? Who will benefit the most by finding me?" You have started with your "story," your "service," or your "product."  Now it is time to narrow your focus and define your audience.  With that in mind, develop your title.  Will you simply use your name?  Or will you creatively promote your "thing" by your title?  You decide.  This may change 5 or 15 times while you are