Is your website’s homepage tailor-made for newbies?

Have you ever looked at your website through the eyes of a first-time visitor?

If not, consider taking a few minutes to run a mini site audit. Here are a few things to guide your thoughts:

“I’m new” button (or something similar)

Check out Elevation Church’s website (a mega church near me). Notice the “Let’s tailor your experience” section. Consider adding something like this to give visitors or new members the resources they need without having to dig for them. This works for schools, too.

The 5 Ws

Many websites I’ve visited do not have their address and service times listed anywhere on the homepage. Address the Who, What, When, Where, and Why briefly on your homepage.

Names

Maybe you’re starting a mom group and you add it to your homepage. The graphic says, “Contact Julie Smith for more information.” I’m assuming that, because I don’t know Julie Smith, I’m not invited.

Avoid this by adding contact information for Julie Smith – or simply saying, “Contact the church office.”

Abbreviations

Be careful with your use of “WELS” on the homepage of your site. Always accompany this acronym with it’s full meaning – or a link to the WELS site.

Same goes for other abbreviations:

AGLS – Abiding Grace Lutheran School

BIC – Bible Information Class

…etc.

Remember – there’s a high likelihood that more people visit your site than your church or school. Make sure their online experience mirrors the welcoming in-person experience they’re sure to have.