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Trends in Internet use... (according to December 2006 poll by Pew Research):
33% of 65+ year-olds are online.
70% of 50-64 year-olds are online.
82% of 30-49 year-olds are online.
83% of 18-29 year-olds are online.
Conclusion: As Internet users get older, they won't give up their "wired" ways.
Race/ethnicity
72% of Whites are online.
58% Blacks are online.
69% English-speaking Hispanics are online.
Every church should have a website!
It often is the "first impression" of your church.
For many, you don't exist if you're not on the Web.
But, like Martin Luther, when he translated the Bible into German, you need to consider your audience!
Church websites have three audiences:
Members
Most "hits" are by members.
"Seekers"
"Seekers" likely will see your website before visiting.
World-wide
Your website is being viewed right now.
What impression are those viewers getting?
Are they finding what they need, quickly and easily?
Is there anything of interest (e.g. a learning opportunity) to hold their attention or bring them back?
Simply "having a website" doesn't cut it.
First impressions are everything! (10 SECONDS TO CAPTURE A VIEWERS ATTENTION!)
It is easy to design a mediocre, embarrassing church website that's uninspired, confusing and out of date.
It is easy to design a website that nobody wants to visit a second time.
Your site is too critical to be designed and run by a volunteer.
It takes planning, knowledge and the right person to develop a good site.
Characteristics of a good church website:
Visually stimulating, good color sense, shows people in action.
Content, content, content (to retain viewers and keep them coming back)
Communicates effectively and quickly.
Builds community within the congregation.
Helps members connect with each other.
Promotes fellowship, discussion, study, prayer and sharing.
Virtual meeting place where relationships can grow.
Doesn't take itself too seriously.
Extension of your community.
Reflects who you are.
Built for visitors and members.
Reaches beyond congregation (world-wide!).