Content and Usability

Content

Original content is the most important by far. In ministry, the original content would come from those actually directly involved in the ministry, typically the staff or auxillary staff.  Content could consist of articles written about a particular subject, pictures of a event or activity, information about services, etc. It is ideal if this content is updated on a regular basis. Frequently updated sites get visitors to come back repeatedly.

Most churches depend on volunteers who have some of the knowledge and skills needed to manage a website.  Even though ministries are grateful to have such dedicated members, what may be considered a blessing often is not as it only limits a ministry's potential for their website.

MinistryCraft.com takes advantage of those who understand the technology and have a vision for ministry to manage their particular area of their website. As a result, your website will reflect the vision and enthusiasm of ministry leaders and volunteers. Also, your website will be a more effective tool for your church's ministries.

Usability

Regardless of how much content is on your site, or how often your site visitors return, it is still important that your site be easy to use. Although the content is more important than the medium it is presented through, the content must be presented in a manner within the limits and capability of the medium. These limits and capabilities include such factors as usability and assessability.

Your ministry is committed to using the Internet for effective communication, community building, and outreach. Effective ministry websites should be alive and active with timely and relevant content.  Hiring a professional consultant to maintain an effective website is often unreliable and expensive.

Simplicity

Everywhere we show MinistryCraft.com, we hear the same thing. "This is so easy that even I 
can do this!"  Managing your website using MinistryCraft.com only requires basic computer skills and a connection to the Internet.  For those that have the advanced skills, advanced features are there for them as well.

Each user is given a unique username and password that allows them access only to their assigned areas of the website. Also, mistakes can be edited or removed in just a matter of seconds. It couldn't be more simple and stress-free.

Other Factors

Successful sites also tend to have a more professional look to them, rather than looking like someone's personal home page.  It's graphics don't have to be extraordinary, the quality should be good and most of all they should be relevant to the site.

A site hosted on it's own domain is also more likely to do well in part because it will be easier to remember.