A dynamic, engaging, informative website is an essential communication tool for every parish. Most people turn to the internet to find information about local parishes, so your website is likely your first chance to make a good impression on those seeking a parish community. Here we’ve provided some tips and tools for making sure your website is effectively connecting people to your parish community. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington offers free eCatholic websites for all ADW parishes.
Get a free eCatholic website for your parish
Is your parish in need of an updated website? The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has partnered with eCatholic to provide free websites to all ADW parishes. To learn more and to get started, simply click the link below and fill out the form. The eCatholic team will work directly with you to build a beautiful new parish website.
Why is my parish website so important?
A dynamic, modern website is absolutely essential for every parish today. Your website is sometimes your only chance to make a good first impression, and it also helps keep your parishioners connected, engaged and informed. Click the link below to learn more about why having a first-rate website is a key part of your ministry.
How to design an eCatholic website
In this video, you’ll learn the basics of creating an eCatholic parish website.
Tips for great homepage design
This video gives an in depth example of how to design a beautiful homepage for your parish website.
TIPS FOR BUILDING AN AMAZING WEBSITE
Here you’ll find a few simple tips for building a dynamic, engaging website. Click here to download a printable pdf containing this information. Additionally, eCatholic’s website offers a large collection of tutorials that you can access at any time.
Keep it simple
Within four seconds of hitting your homepage, visitors should be able to discover all of the most important information about you. Where are you located? What are your Mass times? What activities are happening? How can you be reached? Any additional content covering other topics should be moved to a different page.
Keep it under three clicks
Be deliberate about how you structure your site; don’t make your information difficult to find! Once you build a site map, make sure visitors can find your most important information within one click. Aim to keep all information no more than three clicks away.
Think mobile first
Many people will view your site on a mobile device, so it should be as attractive and easy to use on mobile as it is on desktop. Additionally, if your site is not mobile-friendly, it can negatively impact your website’s search engine ranking, which means people won’t find your site.
Post timely information
Don’t set it and forget it – review and update your content often! A dated website makes a poor first impression. Make sure Mass times and staff contacts are current, and update events and special liturgy information throughout the year.
Design matters
Develop some basic brand and identity guidelines that reflect the personality of your parish, and stick to them. Select just one or two fonts and colors, and use bright, clean, simple layouts. This strengthens your brand and helps people to instantly recognize material coming from your parish. When possible, use real, high-quality images of your parish and the people involved.
Pay attention to what works
Use Google Analytics, a free tool that measures website traffic. You’ll learn which pages people visit, how long they stay on your site, and whether they visit on a phone or computer. Use this information to make more informed, strategic decisions about your content.