Erica Couture, Author at Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/author/ericacouture/ A look at how trends in communication technology impact individuals and organizations. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:37:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 Spotlight: Church Reaching Next Gen Through Digital https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/spotlight-church-reaching-next-gen-thru-digital/ Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:37:32 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=64106 Check out how Greater Community FBC is using a new website to reach more people

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At Greater Community First Baptist Church, the mission is clear: to create a place to belong where faith and community thrive.

Located in Oak Cliff, Texas, the church has always sought innovative ways to connect with people and build relationships that reflect Christ’s love.

Originally, the church built its own website using OurChurch.com’s DIY website builder WP-EZ. However, they soon realized that to effectively reach younger generations, they needed a more engaging and dynamic website.

Instead of opting for a fully custom-built website, they found the perfect balance with Custom WPEZ – a professionally built website on the same platform, offering greater customization and expert design at a fraction of the cost of a fully custom website, while remaining affordable month-to-month.

“We Want People to Belong, Not Just Attend”

Pastor LaCedric Williams shared his heart for ministry and the digital shift the church has embraced:

“The church, the community—Greater Community First Baptist Church here in Dallas, Texas—we are a mid-sized church that desires to reach the community. Our focus is creating a place to belong. We don’t want people to say, ‘I go to this church.’ We want people to say, ‘I belong to this church.’ So, we’re really hyper-focused on connection, community, and building relationships.”

This vision of belonging is what led them to invest in a better online presence—one that speaks to both current members and future generations.

Why Upgrade the Website?

The church had an existing website, but it was limited in functionality and did not fully reflect its mission or brand. Pastor Williams explained:

“We had really a basic web page that told just a little bit of the story, but it really didn’t reflect our brand—what we do and how we do it. It was more of a platform-type website that gave just a little bit of information.

We knew that in order to reach this generation and newer generations, we needed to take some steps to think outside of the box, be creative, and build a better website for young adults and young people to interact with.”

This realization led them to seek the assistance of professionals while still maintaining the flexibility of the WP-EZ platform.

The Decision to Work With OurChurch.com

Pastor Williams shared why they ultimately decided to have OurChurch.com build the site for them:

“DIY is good for the moment. But at some point in time, you have to make the decision to use a professional—someone that does this every day, all the time, and understands the trends. What is going to cause people to click on your website? What is going to cause people to stay on your website? What is going to cause people to interact on that website?

When we use OurChurch.com’s professional website service, it helped us achieve our goals of reaching our youth and young adults. And we’re already seeing results from it.”

A Seamless and Impactful Experience

The process of working with OurChurch.com was smooth and stress-free. The team took the time to understand the church’s vision and execute it effectively.

The experience was amazing! OurChurch.com made the process very simple. They already had a lot of information on our church from what we had there and through Facebook and YouTube. The things they didn’t have, they asked us through questions that were very simple to answer and helped give direction.

“We always have an idea of what we want things to look like, but they were able to really put into place what my thought was. They were able to draw it out and build it out exactly how I was envisioning it. That speaks to the synergy and the connection that OurChurch.com tries to have with the visionary of the church. They did a great job.”

Quote: The experience was amazing! OurChurch.com made the process [of getting a new website] very simple. -Pastor LaCedric Williams, Greater Community FBC, Oak Cliff, TX
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Advice for Other Churches Considering a Website Upgrade

For churches and ministries that are unsure whether to invest in a professionally built website, Pastor Williams offers this advice:

“You really need to make sure that you place the website as a high priority in your goals for the church. It’s easy to decide, ‘Hey, we’re just going to build it ourselves and get our name out there.’ But when you just throw anything out there, it reflects your brand.

“We always ask God to give us His best. Well, why don’t we give God our best? And that’s not just in how we conduct service, but also in how we reflect Christ. The website is important because not only does it reflect the church—it reflects the God we serve.”

Looking Ahead

Greater Community First Baptist Church has embraced the digital age with a website that truly represents its heart for ministry. Their new Custom WP-EZ site allows them to connect with people in a way they never could before, bringing more engagement and visibility to their mission.

With the right digital tools in place, the church is excited about what the future holds as they continue to create a place where people don’t just attend—they belong.

Check out their new website at GreaterCFBC.org

Do you want a more impactful online presence that simplifies your life?

If you lead a Christian ministry,  business, or church that want to have a greater impact and reach more people online, and you realize that you’re too busy to do it yourself, talk to a member of our team about a custom website design and/or SEO services.

Complete the consultation request form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop) to schedule a call.

Comment and discuss…

  • What most impacted you about Greater Community First Baptist Church’s story?

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From Vision to Reality: How Mint4More Brings Faith-Based Coaching Online https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/from-vision-to-reality-how-mint4more-brings-faith-based-coaching-online/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:32:14 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=64063 When Matt of Mint4More needed a professional, user-friendly website to bring his vision to life, he turned to OurChurch.com. Here's what happened...

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When Matt of Mint4More needed a professional, user-friendly website to bring his vision to life, he turned to OurChurch.com. We had the privilege of speaking with him about his coaching journey, the challenges of building a website, and how working with OurChurch.com has impacted his ministry.

Who is Mint4More?

At Mint4More.com, faith-based coaching meets personal transformation. Founded by Matt Bomar, Mint4More.com helps individuals—children and adults alike—grow spiritually through self-reflection, faith, and the Enneagram tool.

What challenges were you facing with your website? 

Before coming to OurChurch.com, Matt had built his own website but struggled with SEO, design, and functionality.

“I think I created a website probably a couple of years ago, but I don’t know much about SEO and how to get that kind of catered to what people need, what people want,” Matt explained. “So it was just a decision to let people that are more in the know handle some of those things.”

Beyond improving visibility on Google, Matt also needed a site that could house his collection of coaching videos in a way that was easy for visitors to access.

“It would have been too difficult for me to figure out how to put those on a website and what that would look like,” he shared. “So yeah, definitely more content to fit in. And actually, there will probably be even more content to come in the future. It’s just the process of getting there.”

 OurChurch.com Brought Mint4More to Life

When Matt partnered with OurChurch.com, he needed more than just a functional website—he wanted a site that was professional, engaging, and easy to navigate.

“They took all of my crazy and not-so-thought-out ideas and made them into something that’s a really beautiful website,” he said. “I’ve had lots of people see it and compliment on it, how easy it is to navigate—things that definitely just me on my own, I would have never probably had time to do.”

With OurChurch.com, Matt’s vision became a reality. The new website now serves as a hub for coaching materials, faith-based resources, and future expansion opportunities—all while maintaining a user-friendly and visually appealing design.

What was it like to work with OurChurch.com?

For Matt, choosing OurChurch.com wasn’t just about website development—it was about working with a team that understands his mission and faith values.

“One of the big reasons why I went with OurChurch.com, and I would definitely suggest this to other people, is having other believers, people of faith in Christ, working together,” he said.

He described the experience as an example of the body of Christ working in unity, where different people contribute their skills for a greater purpose.

What would you say to someone considering building a new website?

“If there was something that, like in my case, something I don’t have any kind of expertise in, or something maybe not in my skill set, I can pass it to another part of the body of Christ who excels at that,” Matt explained.

“And that’s what OurChurch.com does—they’re an amazing part of the Church body that makes really great websites.

Quote: OurChurch.com... they’re an amazing part of the Church body that makes really great websites. -Matt Bomar, Mint4More
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To learn more about Mint4More visit Mint4More.com

Are You Ready to Build a Powerful Online Presence?

If you lead a Christian ministry,  business, or church looking for a professional, user-friendly website, OurChurch.com can help. Whether you want a DIY website with our WP-EZ Website Builder, interested in having us build you a custom-designed website, or want better search rankings and more visitors with our SEO services,  we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Complete the consultation request form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop) to schedule a call.

Comment and discuss…

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From Stressful to Seamless: How Living Water Church Revitalized Their Website with OurChurch.Com https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/church-website-design-living-water/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:35:47 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=63646 Read the story of Living Water Church's website transformation

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If you’re a church or ministry leader, you know the importance of a welcoming, informative, and up-to-date website.

Pastor Jerry Fiscus of Living Water Church & Ministry Training Center in Bridgeport, WV, discovered just that.

Here’s how OurChurch.Com helped him build an impactful online presence.

About Living Water Church & Ministry Training Center

Living Water Church & Ministry Training Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-denominational church established in 2006 in Bridgeport, WV. Committed to local and international ministry, they offer a biblically based collegiate curriculum through their Ministry Training Center, with courses designed to equip students for full-time ministry or to deepen their personal study of the Word.

The Challenge: Outdated Technology and a Need for Change

Pastor Jerry explained, “We first joined the World Wide Web with our website in 2012. While our site served us well, by the end of 2023, we realized it needed to catch up with the latest web technology.”

Following a referral from their livestream server, Pastor Jerry connected with OurChurch.Com to explore options for a complete site update.

OurChurch.Com to the Rescue

After contacting us, Pastor Jerry began working closely with Erica Couture, one of our dedicated team members.  As a result of this work Pastor Jerry and Living Water Church experienced:

  • Seamless transition to a modern, user-friendly, easy-to-maintain website
  • Clear communication and support from a dedicated team
  • Reduced stress and greater confidence in managing the website
  • Positive feedback from the congregation and community

Pastor Jerry recalled, “Erica did a fantastic job explaining the process of updating our website and what it would require both financially and work-wise to get the new site up and running.”

The Result: A Smooth Transition and Lasting Impact

Since launching the new site, Pastor Jerry has felt the relief of having an up-to-date, easy-to-maintain website. He said…

Having OurChurch.Com has been a blessing for us, allowing us to maintain a quality website with a lot less stress.

Having OurChurch.Com has been a blessing for us, allowing us to maintain a quality website with a lot less stress.
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Advice for Other Leaders

Pastor Jerry offers this advice for church or business leaders considering a new website:

I would encourage any leader to check out what OurChurch.Com has available for your technology needs. Working with Erica has been a blessing; she is always upbeat and encouraging.

Check out Living Water Church’s new site: LivingWaterChurchWV.com

Ready for a better website experience?

Discover how OurChurch.Com can make a difference for your church, ministry, or business with our DYI church website builder, website design services and search engine marketing services.

 

What resonates with you most from Pastor Jerry’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Sharing Faith Through Fiction: Lori Domingo’s Journey with OurChurch.com https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/lori-domingo-author-website-spotlight/ Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:00:56 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=63616 Lori is a Christian author who was struggling to share her gift with others. Read her story and how her new website is helping her realize her dream.

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Lori Domingo’s journey as an author has been a heartfelt blend of faith, resilience, and a desire to touch lives through her words. With a talent for weaving together Christian fiction and nonfiction, Lori invites readers into stories of grace and encouragement.

Recently, she took a bold step to elevate her work by partnering with OurChurch.com to build a custom website—a virtual home that would allow her to connect with her readers in a whole new way.

In my conversation with Lori, she opens up about her path as an author, the leap of faith in creating her new website, and the impact of having a professional online presence. Here’s a closer look at Lori’s story, her website journey, and her advice for anyone contemplating their own online space for ministry or business.

1. Tell us a little about your organization.

“The answer to this one is a little tricky for me because it’s taken me a while to realize that I am my business. My name is Lori, and I am a Christian/Inspirational author who writes both faith-based fiction and Christian nonfiction. I have self-published two books that are available on Amazon, both as paperback and Kindle editions. Light of Grace is my debut novel, with Journeys of Faith: Two Ordinary People, One Extraordinary God being a collaborative devotional project.”

Lori’s heart is in her writing, and her work is driven by the desire to bring others closer to God’s grace and love. Her journey to reach readers on a larger scale is not just about sharing books but also about creating a welcoming place online where people can feel encouraged and inspired.

2. Describe your situation or main problem you were facing before contacting OurChurch.com.

“I created an author website as part of my MFA program. It was pretty ‘bare-bones’ but it met the requirement. My hosting contract was coming up for renewal, but the price had gone up so much that I decided it wasn’t worth it since all the website was doing was sitting out there, untouched, in cyberspace. Not renewing the hosting meant the site would disappear, and I didn’t really want that to happen, but I wasn’t sure how to proceed considering that I am not tech-savvy in any way.”

For Lori, the thought of losing her digital space was disheartening. As someone who admits to being “not tech-savvy,” the process of maintaining and improving her website was daunting. But she didn’t want to give up—she wanted a place online that truly reflected her voice and mission.

3. What did the OurChurch.com team do for you, and what was your experience like?

“I’d heard about OurChurch.com on the Christian radio station I listened to, so I decided to reach out just to see if they worked with authors. I received a response the same day I made the inquiry, explaining my options (which I’ll admit I still didn’t understand due to my lack of ‘tech’ knowledge). Between multiple emails and a couple of phone calls, I decided to take a leap of faith and spend the money on both having a professional design my author website, as well as hosting it.”

“To say that the young lady assigned to the project did an outstanding job creating my website would be an understatement! It took my breath away when I saw it for the first time. Since then, she has gone what I feel is above and beyond to help me understand what it takes to make the site successful in terms of getting it seen and using it to help promote my books.”

For Lori, seeing her new website for the first time was unforgettable. The design captured her essence, and the OurChurch.com team worked closely with her to ensure the site met her needs and goals. It wasn’t just about creating a website; it was about building confidence and giving Lori the tools to reach her audience.

4. Describe the impact OurChurch.com has had on your organization.

“Determining the impact is what I call a ‘work-in-progress’ in that it’s all still fairly new. But one impact I can relay with certainty is that the beautiful website and all the support I’m receiving has helped build up my confidence level as an author. Having my website professionally done has been the best decision I feel I could have made at this point in my authorial journey.

Quote: Having my website professionally done has been the best decision I feel I could have made at this point in my authorial journey. -Lori Domingo
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For Lori, the impact of her new site goes beyond clicks and visitors—it’s about feeling empowered as an author. The website represents not only her books but her journey, and it’s given her a new sense of purpose in sharing her work with the world.

5. What would you say to a business leader who was considering building a new website for their organization?

“I would say, ‘Go for it!’ When I was faced with making the decision concerning what package would best meet my needs, my budget was small so it wasn’t easy. But once I saw the new website, I knew that I’d made the right choice by allowing the folks at OurChurch.com to design (and maintain) my website for me. I am looking forward to working with them for a long time to come!”

Lori’s enthusiasm shines through as she encourages others to take the leap. For her, partnering with OurChurch.com was not only an investment in her career but in her ability to reach others with her message of hope and faith.

Visit Lori Domingo Online

We invite you to experience Lori’s journey and explore her writings by visiting her new website at loridomingo.com. You can also follow her updates on Twitter and Facebook.

Let us help you shine!

If you are an author and want to take the next step towards building your audience… Maybe like Lori the idea of building your own website seems intimidating, or you built a site and you’re not happy with it… Learn more about our custom website design services and complete the form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop) to schedule a call with one of our experienced web design experts.

Comment and Discuss

  • What about Lori’s story resonates with you most?

Continue reading… Continue reading… How to set and reach your goals in 2025!

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How First Steps Preschool Boosted Enrollment with SEO https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/how-first-steps-preschool-boosted-enrollment-with-seo/ Fri, 15 Nov 2024 18:25:23 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=63461 Read First Steps Preschool's story and how SEO and better search rankings are growing their enrollment

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The OurChurch.com team is passionate about helping schools and ministries enhance their online presence and reach their full potential.

Recently, we had the privilege of working with Glenn Morris from First Steps Preschool, located in Holiday, FL, to improve their visibility and enrollment through effective SEO services. Today, we’re excited to share the story of our collaboration and the incredible journey we embarked on together.

About First Steps Preschool

First Steps Preschool, led by Glenn Morris, has long been dedicated to nurturing young children in a caring and structured environment. With over twenty years of experience in elementary education, Glenn is committed to fostering both the academic and social development of children. The school offers programs for infants up to school-age children, with a special focus on preparing them for kindergarten. The accredited preschool is proud to hold the Gold Seal of Excellence in Florida, which reflects its commitment to high-quality standards.

Glenn shared a bit about the history of the preschool:

“First Steps is actually my third school. I started my first in 1990, and over the years, we’ve expanded to serve infants through school-aged children. We’re proud to be accredited and hold the Gold Seal of Excellence in Florida.”

The Challenge

Before reaching out to us at OurChurch.com, First Steps Preschool faced a significant challenge with enrollment, especially after the pandemic and changes in government funding. As Glenn explained:

“Our main challenge was maintaining full enrollment after federal support post-COVID dwindled. It’s crucial to have full enrollment to sustain payroll, which is about 95% of our costs.”

This situation created a pressing need for better visibility online to attract more families to enroll their children.

The Solution

When Glenn connected with OurChurch.com, we immediately understood the importance of increasing First Steps Preschool’s web presence to help boost enrollment. Through our tailored SEO services, we worked to ensure the preschool’s website was optimized for search engines and easily accessible to potential families in the area.

Glenn appreciated the improvements, mentioning:

“We recently had a parent who found us through the website, and that was affirming. It’s great to see new families coming in because of our increased online visibility.”

Key aspects of our solution included:

  • Keyword Research and On-Page Optimization: Improving search engine rankings to ensure local families could find First Steps easily when searching for relevant keywords.
  • Local Search Listings: Creating, verifying and optimizing local search listings like a Google Business Profile, so people can find the preschool in Google Maps, Bing Maps, Apple Maps, and Yelp.
  • Blogging:  To build First Steps’ authority and relevance for even more keywords, we have been writing, optimizing, publishing and sharing helpful blog articles.

The Impact

Since launching the updated SEO strategies, First Steps Preschool has already started to see positive changes. More parents are finding the preschool through online searches, and enrollment inquiries have been on the rise.

Glenn noted:

“We’re just starting to see the numbers improve, and I’m excited to continue monitoring the impact of our improved web presence. It’s definitely a learning curve, but I can already see the benefits.”

Some of the highlights of the updated SEO and web strategy include:

  • Increased Enrollment: Early signs of growing interest as more parents are discovering the school online.
  • Enhanced Online Presence: A stronger digital footprint that makes the school more accessible to potential students.
  • A Modernized Website: A site that better reflects the professionalism and warmth of the preschool.

A Word of Recommendation

When asked if he would recommend OurChurch.com to other schools or businesses looking to improve their online presence, Glenn was enthusiastic:

“I would absolutely recommend OurChurch.com. They’ve been incredibly helpful and responsive, and I’m confident that as our web presence continues to grow, we’ll see even more positive results for our school.”

First Steps Preschool, Holiday, FL

 

Conclusion

Working with First Steps Preschool was a rewarding experience for us at OurChurch.com. We are grateful for the opportunity to help Glenn expand the school’s reach and support its mission of providing quality early childhood education.

If you’re a school or business leader considering a new website or SEO service, we invite you to experience the same dedication and service that we provided to First Steps Preschool.

Learn more about our Christian web design and Christian SEO services to see how we can help your organization grow or complete the consultation request form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop) to schedule a call to discuss your organization and its goals,

What Do You Think?

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Showcasing Hand of the Master Ministries: A Journey with Lynn Somers https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/showcasing-hand-of-the-master-ministries/ Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:22:37 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=63229 Read Lynn Sommers' story and the impact working with OCC's website design team has had on her Christian ministry

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At OurChurch.com, we are passionate about helping ministries expand their reach and impact through effective online presence.

Recently, we had the privilege of working with Lynn Somers from Hand of the Master Ministries, Inc., to create a new website for her unique puppet ministry. Today, we’re excited to share the story of our collaboration and the incredible journey we embarked on together.

About Hand of the Master Ministries, Inc.

Hand of the Master Ministries, Inc., led by Lynn Somers, is dedicated to spreading the message of faith and hope through puppetry, music, and Christian education. Lynn’s ministry reaches churches, schools, and various organizations, offering engaging programs that combine these elements to inspire and educate.

The Challenge

Before reaching out to us, Lynn’s ministry had an outdated website that no longer represented the growth and dynamic nature of her work. Lynn shared her initial thoughts:

“Our previous website was ancient compared to where the ministry has been and is now. I really felt it didn’t showcase the full scope of what we do.”

Lynn needed a website that could not only display her diverse ministry but also facilitate easy communication and updates.

The Solution

When Lynn connected with OurChurch.com, she found a team ready to collaborate and bring her vision to life. Lynn appreciated the cooperative process:

“It was really helpful to have several phone conferences with Mark. It allowed us to discuss what I wanted for the website, and it was a great give-and-take process. Mark and the team were always ready with suggestions and support.”

Key aspects of our solution included:

  • Collaborative Planning: Regular phone conferences to understand Lynn’s vision and requirements.
  • Creative Input: Providing suggestions on design and functionality to enhance the website.
  • User-Friendly Design: Ensuring the site was easy to navigate for all visitors.
  • Interactive Features: Incorporating music samples, video links, and detailed program descriptions.

The Impact

The new website has had a significant impact on Hand of the Master Ministries. Lynn expressed her satisfaction with the final product:

“I feel really good about the finished product. The website now showcases the history and the multifaceted nature of our ministry. It allows visitors to hear the music I’ve written, see our puppet performances, and learn about our Christian education programs.”

Highlights of the new website include:

  • Professional Appearance: A visually appealing design that reflects the ministry’s professionalism.
  • Enhanced Engagement: Features like music samples and video links that engage visitors.
  • Comprehensive Information: Detailed sections on the ministry’s puppet shows, music, and educational programs.

A Word of Recommendation

When asked if she would recommend OurChurch.com, Lynn responded enthusiastically:

“I would definitely recommend OurChurch.com. The team was incredibly helpful, patient, and collaborative. The new website is a true reflection of our ministry, and I couldn’t have done it without their support.”

Conclusion

Working with Hand of the Master Ministries, Inc. was a rewarding experience for us at OurChurch.com. We are grateful for the opportunity to help Lynn enhance her online presence and support her mission.

If you’re a business or organization leader considering a new website, we invite you to experience the same dedication and quality service we provided to Hand of the Master Ministries.

Learn more about our DIY Website Builder, Christian web design services, and Christian SEO services, or complete the consultation form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop) to schedule a friendly, no-obligation call.

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The Best Church Websites: 5) Are Not Incomplete https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/best-church-websites-are-not-incomplete/ https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/best-church-websites-are-not-incomplete/#comments Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:00:03 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=61121 Could having an incomplete website be holding back your business or ministry?

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Could having an incomplete website be holding back your business or ministry?

Could it be keeping visitors from coming to your church? 

What is an incomplete website?

First, let me stay up front, a website is never “finished.” It needs to be updated regularly. And there is always more content you can add to it – more resources, more photos, more stories.

When we say the best church websites are “not incomplete,” we mean:

  • No blank pages
  • No stock images – all photos on your website are of people in your ministry or business
  • No sample text that hasn’t been customized for your organization
  • No sample videos that haven’t been replaced by your videos
  • No social media icons with broken links

Your website is often the first impression a person gets of your organization. And remember…

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

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What impression do you think an incomplete website gives to your visitors? 

  • You don’t really care about your visitors.
  • You are too busy.
  • You aren’t paying attention to the details.
  • You are not competent enough to manage a website.

People are not going to come back again later to see if you’ve finished your website.

This your one shot – your one shot to make a person feel they are welcome at your church, your one shot to let a person know your ministry can help them, your one shot to let a person know your business offers the solution they are looking for.

Most Important Pages in a “Not Incomplete” Website

Again, your website is never going to be “complete.” You can always add to it. But there are some standard pages which should be on every website.

  1. Home
  2. About
  3. Contact
  4. Plan Your Visit (Recommended for churches)

Remember, Your Homepage is Your First Impression

Your homepage might be your only chance to connect with a website visitor. Their experience with your homepage will determine whether they click to any other pages.

It could also be the only page they see. So, it is better to be redundant than to leave out information the visitor might be looking for.

What this means is that you might repeat the same information on your website multiple times on different pages.

What every homepage must have for Church, Ministry, or Business:

  1. Name of the organization
  2. Operating hours or times of services
  3. Contact information
    1. Phone number
    2. Location address (a map is helpful but not absolutely necessary)
    3. Email address
    4. Social Media Links (People like to get to know you by viewing your social media comments and photos)
  4. Photos. Every website, whether for a business, ministry, or church should include photos showing your customers or members enjoying and benefiting from what you offer.
  5. Videos. A church should also include a sample of the service either with an audio file of the sermon or a video of the whole service. This helps visitors decide if your church is right for them.

Bonus: Plan Your Visit!

If your website is for your church, encourage visitors to “Plan Your Visit“. This is a new tool that churches are utilizing to get visitors to commit to a visit, and can help your church reach more people and grow! (Check out our Fluid theme that integrates the Plan Your Visit tools)

Want help completing your website quickly? 

We want you to have a website that helps you live out your mission online. We understand you may be busy. Maybe you’ve never built a website before. Often good leadership means delegating the tasks you’re not great at so you can focus on more important things.

If you build your website with our WP-EZ Website Builder, we can help you create your website faster.

Or we can build a custom website for your Christian church, ministry or business. Complete the form below to schedule a complimentary call.

Comment and Discuss…

  • Would an incomplete website keep you from visiting a church?
  • Are there any incomplete parts of your website you want to work on?

Read more articles in this series: Best Christian/Church Websites 10 Point Checklist

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The post The Best Church Websites: 5) Are Not Incomplete appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.

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Celebrating Our Collaboration with Valley Bible Church: A New Website Journey https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/collaboration-valley-bible-church/ https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/collaboration-valley-bible-church/#comments Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:00:52 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=63232 The church was frustrated with their website and the lack of communication from their website developer. See how OCC addressed both of those issues with their new church website design.

The post Celebrating Our Collaboration with Valley Bible Church: A New Website Journey appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.

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At OurChurch.com, we believe in the power of collaboration and community. Recently, we had the pleasure of working with Valley Bible Church to create a new website that truly reflects their mission and spirit. Today, we want to share their story and highlight the incredible journey we embarked on together.

About Valley Bible Church

Valley Bible Church, a vibrant and welcoming community, is dedicated to spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Their commitment to faith, fellowship, and service is evident in everything they do. However, like many organizations, they faced challenges with their online presence.

The Challenge

Before reaching out to us, Valley Bible Church had experienced difficulties with its previous website providers. Cynthia, a representative from the church, shared their frustrations:

“We had tried two different places for our website, and half the time, we couldn’t get a hold of them. One of them even required us to be VIPs to contact them! It was a real pain, and we were left waiting for responses that never came.”

Valley Bible Church needed a website that was not only functional and visually appealing but also supported by a team that truly understood their needs and values.

The Solution

When Cynthia found OurChurch.com, she was impressed by our focus on creating websites tailored to specific organizations, especially churches. Our team worked closely with Valley Bible Church to understand their vision and bring it to life.

Cynthia appreciated the customer care we provided throughout the process:

“What I love is that I could talk to Mark anytime. We talked a lot to get the website exactly how we wanted. The customer care you’ve shown is what I would call exceptional.”

We ensured that the website was easy to navigate, professional, and inviting. The transition of content was seamless, and the new design gave Valley Bible Church a fresh and warm online presence.

church website design - Valley Bible Church

The Impact

The new website has significantly impacted Valley Bible Church. Cynthia noted:

“Our website looks so much better than the previous ones. It’s more professional, appealing, and even warm. We’ve had a couple of people comment that they really like it, and we’re now being found more easily online.”

The enhanced visibility and professional design have not only impressed their members but also attracted new visitors. The church’s online presence now accurately reflects their welcoming community and dedication to service.

A Word of Recommendation

When asked if she would recommend OurChurch.com, Cynthia didn’t hesitate:

“Oh yes, definitely. Check out OurChurch.com. They are amazing and get the job done quickly. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to build a new website.”

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Conclusion

Working with Valley Bible Church was a rewarding experience for us at OurChurch.com. We are grateful for the opportunity to help them enhance their online presence and support their mission. If you’re a business or organization leader considering a new website design, we invite you to experience the same dedication and quality service we provided to Valley Bible Church.

Take the next step and schedule a call by completing the form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop).

 

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Migration Makeovers with Erica – Ep3: Rowley’s Fertilization https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/migration-makeovers-with-erica-ep3-rowleys-fertilization/ https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/migration-makeovers-with-erica-ep3-rowleys-fertilization/#comments Wed, 29 May 2024 13:00:26 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=63154 Watch Erica transform this lawn care website as she migrates it from the original WP-EZ website builder to WP-EZ 2.0

The post Migration Makeovers with Erica – Ep3: Rowley’s Fertilization appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.

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Welcome to the final installment of our three-part web series, Website Makeovers with Erica!

Today, we’re thrilled to showcase the remarkable transformation of Rowley’s Fertilization, a leading lawn fertilization company, as we guide them through an inspiring website migration process. Join us as we witness the evolution of their online presence, from a plain and uninteresting website to a professional and engaging platform.

Meet Rowley’s Fertilization – Growing Greener!

Introducing Rowley’s Fertilization. They are committed to working with their customers to give them the best personal service. Rowley’s Fertilization has been committed to providing top-notch lawn fertilization solutions in Lincoln, Michigan for many years.

However, their website was in dire need of a makeover. While it contained all the necessary information, it lacked style and failed to captivate visitors.

From Dull to Dynamic: The Website Makeover Unveiled

Prepare to be amazed by the stunning transformation of Rowley’s Fertilization’s digital presence. Witness this amazing transformation of their website where Erica, infuses it with vibrant imagery, a welcoming introduction, and intuitive navigation. In just a few steps, witness how we turned a plain website into a dynamic showcase of their services and expertise.

This video shows the migration of Rowley’s Fertilization Company’s website from WP-EZ 1.0 to 2.0.

The 6-minute video has been sped up to make it shorter. Note that it’s not intended to be a video tutorial with step-by-step instructions, but to provide some tips and best practices for migrating.

If you are still using WP-EZ 1.0, we hope it encourages you as you see how much better their website looks after migrating and see migrating is something you can do.

 

 

Before and After Images

Take a look at the before and after images to see the dramatic difference in Rowley’s Fertilization’s website design. From a lackluster interface to a polished and professional layout, the transformation speaks volumes about the power of effective web design.

 

And here is what it looks like now.

Key Advantages of Using Page Templates

Page Templates are pre-designed pages with sample text and images. All WP-EZ 2.0 themes have Page Templates for the most common pages – home, about, contact, and more.

  • Consistent Design: Page Templates provide a consistent design framework throughout the website, ensuring a cohesive and professional appearance across all pages.
  • Time-Saving: Using a pre-designed Page Template can significantly reduce the time and effort required to create a website from scratch, allowing for quicker deployment and launch.
  • Ease of Use: Page Templates often come with user-friendly customization options, making it easy for users with minimal technical expertise to personalize their websites according to their preferences.
  • Responsive Design: Page Templates are built with “responsive design” principles, meaning that the page elements respond and adjust to the size of the visitor’s screen, making the page look good and function well on a desktop computer, laptop, and mobile phone.

Empowering Growth Through Design

With their website makeover complete, Rowley’s Fertilization is now equipped to thrive in the competitive landscape of lawn care services. Our strategic enhancements, including the addition of services on the homepage and clear calls to action, empower them to attract and convert more customers. Whether it’s lawn fertilization, weed control, or pest management, Rowley’s Fertilization is ready to meet the needs of its clients with confidence and style.

Continue the Journey

Missed the previous installments of Website Makeovers with Erica? Catch up on the inspiring stories of Legacy Baptist Church and Orange Blossom Realty Inc. as they embark on their own journeys of digital transformation.

Ep1: Legacy Baptist Church, Macedonia, IA
Ep2: Orange Blossom Realty

If you are still using our WP-EZ 1.0 Website Builder, get the latest info, tutorials, and support for migrating to 2.0 at Improved WP-EZ Migration Tool and 1.0 Usage Fee

Whether you’re a church, a business, or an organization, our team is here to guide you through your own journey of transformation click to learn more about our Christian website builder or Christian Business web design, or schedule a consultation today, and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!

Let’s continue to transform the digital landscape, one website at a time!

Post a comment and discuss…

  • What do you think of the transformation of Rowley’s Fertilization website?

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Migration Makeovers with Erica- Ep2: Orange Blossom Realty https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/migration-makeovers-with-erica-ep2-orange-blossom-realty/ Thu, 09 May 2024 14:52:07 +0000 https://www.ourchurch.com/blog/?p=63115 Watch the transformation as their church website is migrated from WP-EZ 1.0 to 2.0

The post Migration Makeovers with Erica- Ep2: Orange Blossom Realty appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.

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Welcome to the second installment of our three-part web series, Website Makeovers with Erica!

Welcome! Today, we’re excited to spotlight the journey of Orange Blossom Realty Inc. as we guide them through an effortless website migration process. Join us as we observe firsthand the dramatic transformation of their online presence.

Meet Orange Blossom Realty Inc. – Brightening Up!

Introducing, Orange Blossom Realty Inc., serving the Tampa Bay area since 1984 with expertise in Mortgage Financing, Distressed Property Sales, and more. They have been using our WP-EZ website builder since 2013. Mr. Chuck is the Broker and Owner of Orange Blossom Realty. He made the leap from a 1.0 theme to a new 2.0 theme but was unsure about what to do next. So, it was Erica to the rescue! Their website needed not only to be migrated from the WP-EZ 1.0 to the WP-EZ 2.0 version the website also needed a bit of design of their website.

From Shadows to Sunlight: The Website Makeover Unveiled

Behold the radiant transformation of Orange Blossom Realty Inc.’s digital domain. This video chronicles the metamorphosis of their website from a dark, lackluster interface to a vibrant, inviting platform. In just 10 minutes, witness the remarkable shift that brings their brand to life in the digital space.

The Website Makeover Video

This video shows the migration of Orange Blossom Realty Inc.’s website from WP-EZ 1.0 to 2.0.

The 10-minute video has been sped up to make it shorter.  Note that it’s not intended to be a video tutorial with step-by-step instructions, but to provide some tips and best practices for migrating.

If you are still using WP-EZ 1.0, we hope it encourages you as you see how much better their website looks after migrating and see migrating is something you can do.

 


Experience the stunning evolution of Orange Blossom Realty Inc.’s online presence. From its original state to its revitalized form, the metamorphosis is profound. Witness firsthand the power of seamless migration and intuitive design.

Here is what the homepage looked like before the Website Makeover….Original website before website makeover/redesign

 

And here is what it looks like now.

New website after website redesign with our WP-EZ Website Builder

Harnessing the Power of Page Templates

Discover the advantages of utilizing page templates in website design. Page templates offer a standardized framework for creating consistent, professional-looking pages. Key benefits include:

  • Consistent Design: Ensuring uniformity across all pages for a polished appearance.
  • Time-saving: Streamlining the website creation process for faster deployment.
  • Ease of Use: Simplifying customization options for users of all technical backgrounds.
  • Responsive Design: Adapting seamlessly to various devices for optimal user experience.

Embracing the Future: Empowering Growth

With their website migration complete, Orange Blossom Realty Inc. is poised to embrace the future with confidence. Our advanced website builder empowers them to engage with clients, showcase properties, and expand their online footprint. Whether you’re in the real estate industry or another sector, our team is dedicated to guiding you through your own journey of digital transformation.

“The new website looks so much more professional that the last one I had.” -Chuck Innocenzi, Orange Blossom Realty

Quote: The new website looks so much more professional that the last one I had. -Chuck Innocenzi, Orange Blossom Realty
Click to share this image on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram

If you are still using our WP-EZ 1.0 Website Builder, get the latest info, tutorials, and support for migrating to 2.0 at Improved WP-EZ Migration Tool and 1.0 Usage Fee

Whether you’re a church, a business, or an organization, our team is here to guide you through your own journey of transformation click to learn more about our Christian website builder or Christian Business web design, or schedule a consultation today, and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!

Post a comment and discuss…

  • How do you think this makeover will impact their ability to serve clients and navigate the dynamic real estate landscape of the Tampa Bay area?

Continue reading… Migration Makeovers with Erica- Ep1: Legacy Baptist Church, Macedonia, IA

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The post Migration Makeovers with Erica- Ep2: Orange Blossom Realty appeared first on Christian Web Trends Blog: Church Websites, Design, SEO.

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