The hardest part about building a website and how to make it easy (part 5)

The last 4 weeks, we have been discussing the challenge of creating content for a new website.

If you missed either of these articles, I have included links below:

• The hardest part about building a website and how to make it easy (part 1)
• The hardest part about building a website and how to make it easy (part 2)
• The hardest part about building a website and how to make it easy (part 3)
• The hardest part about building a website and how to make it easy (part 4)

Last week we talked about an easy and inexpensive way to get great real images of your church family.

I realize there are some of you who are thinking, “I don’t want to use images of actual people from our church.  Why not use free stock images instead?”

This may be because you are concerned about protecting the privacy of people at the church.

However, the reality is that we live in a society that images of ourselves are available online for nearly everyone to see, no matter how private we think we are.

And although most people and organizations like to put on a mask of who they think others will like, we are all drawn to authenticity and people/organizations who are genuine.

Because of this, I strongly urge churches to use real images of people from your church and not stock images.

Show your church in action. Highlight the people and programs you have.  Jerod Clark

There are only three reasons/sections of your website where it is acceptable to use stock images:

1. Temporary images until you get real images of people at your church:  However, don’t use this as an excuse to have stock images and say, “When I get around to it, I will take pictures of folks at our church.”  That will never happen if you don’t have a plan in place and the plan isn’t in the process of being executed.
2. Where the image is a background to a testimonial or quote:  In the cases of a testimonial or quote, the focus of the image is the text, not the image.  The image is simply there to support the words being used.
3. Modules or clickable icons:  These images would also be supporting header or other text.  Examples of this would be the 6 small images used beneath the slider on https://www.mirandaburnetteministries.org

After these last 5 weeks, creating good content should no longer be the hardest part about building a website.  We have shown you:

• How to create a content map (and gave you a sample content map you can use).
• A recommended schedule of setting aside 2 hours, 3 times per week until the content is done.
• Examples of written content that you are welcome to use in your website (parts or all of it).
• The 3 main reasons that poor images are used on church websites (what to avoid with images on your site).
• How to get great, genuine pictures of your church family without spending a lot of money.
• When it is acceptable to use stock images on your website.

Do you have any other suggestions that will make creating good content easier for a website?  Please post your comments and suggestions below.

If you are interested in discussing your needs for a new website, contact me here.