When building your ministry’s website, cost is a crucial consideration, but it’s not the only one. Here are six key factors to consider when selecting the right company to bring your vision to life:
1. Ministry Specialists vs. General Web Developers
The church operates differently from the business world. Decisions may take longer, funds are often tighter, and volunteer dynamics are unique. A website isn’t just for sharing information—it’s a tool to connect people with your ministry’s mission. A company familiar with ministry needs will understand that your website is about telling the story, not just a story. However, this doesn’t mean that a general web developer can’t meet your needs. The key is finding a partner who listens, understands, and can creatively address your specific requirements.
At Worship Times, most of our staff is seminary trained and/or has worked in a church, in addition to being an expert in their field. We get both the technical aspects and the ministerial side of your goals. No need to waste time explaining how your church works; we can dive right into solving your individual pain points. Have quesitons, please reach out, we’d love to chat.
2. Design: Custom vs. Template-Based vs. Drag-and-Drop
Choosing between design frameworks comes down to flexibility and speed. Templates offer a quick, easy solution but may lack the flexibility needed for a multifaceted ministry. Custom designs, while potentially more costly and time-consuming, can be tailored to your exact needs. Drag-and-drop platforms have revolutionized web development by enabling users without deep technical knowledge to create and update websites easily. They offer pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and customization options, making it possible for anyone to maintain and update their websites without needing to dive into code. This is particularly beneficial for ministries who want to manage their own websites’ overall look and feel.
A good web company will guide you through these options, ensuring that your choice aligns with your goals.
At Worship Times, we work with you to choose the best path forward for design frameworks. We can meet the needs of the very small ministry all the way to fully custom development for the largest of organizations. We’ve done them all. Take a look at some of our featured ministries to get an idea.
3. Know Your Community
No matter what web development company you work with, it’s vital that you’re able to communicate who you are trying to reach. Your website’s layout and style will vastly differ depending on the people you’re trying to reach. A website trying to reach retirees will look and feel significantly different than one meant for parents of preschoolers.
A helpful step is a process called “user stories.” Take some time to write out 5-10 short blurbs about who you’d like to see walk in the door. What are their needs, and what do they expect to experience at your church?
Here’s a quick example:
“I’m Jane Doe, a single mother of two middle-school boys. I am looking for a safe place that will help me raise my children while offering a place where I can be nurtured and connect with God without fear of judgment. I would like to see an active youth group and find ways to connect with others like me.”
Take some time to identify these personas; this will guide you in making a lot of decisions when building a website.
At Worship Times, we work with you to help identify new ways to reach your larger community. From social media to SEO to good old-fashioned outreach, we’ll help you connect with people.
4. Essential Features
Consider the features your ministry requires—like event management systems, online giving, or specific directories. Ensure the web company can either provide these tools or assist in integrating them effectively into your website.
At Worship Times, we got our start by building a foundation of essential tools. Rather than paying a developer to build everything from scratch, we have a set of needed functions built into every website we create. This saves us time and you money.
5. Budget Considerations
Budget is always a concern, but it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Cheap (or free) solutions may be appealing upfront but could lead to higher costs down the road. Choose a reputable company that respects your budget while delivering quality work. Be clear about potential extra costs and ensure transparency in pricing to avoid surprises. Understand what your time is worth.
At Worship Times, we have offerings for every budget level. Everything we do is of the highest quality, and we’ll be here supporting you for years to come. We are not the cheapest option, but we offer the greatest return on your spending. Take a look at our differnt price options to see what’s best for you.
6. Reliable Support
Reliable support is critical. Ensure the company you choose has a strong support system in place, with clear communication and timely responses. This is especially important for handling any unique issues that may arise.
At Worship Times, exceptional support is foundational. We work with non-technical people all day, every day. We never outsource our support, and we’re always there to solve any issues that arise.
By considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose a website partner that can effectively support your ministry’s online presence.
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