Scroll down to learn more about our Content Management System (CMS).

    Connecting Through Your Website: Connecting is all About Others

    Home - Blog - Connecting Through Your Website: Connecting is all About Others
    MonJan242011 ByBryan YoungTaggedNo tags

    In this series, we examine how to connect with visitors to your ministry website, as defined in John Maxwell's book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.

    In Chapter 2 of his book, John Maxwell explains that the key to connecting is to focus on others before yourself. But putting others first isn't enough. You must communicate an attitude of selflessness. To do that, says Maxwell, you answer three questions people ask themselves when interacting with others ... and when they visit your website.

    Three Questions People Ask Before They Connect

    Do You Care For Me?

    "Whenever you can help other people to understand that you genuinely care about them, you open the door to connection, communication, and interaction." (pg. 38)

    Can You Help Me?

    "There's an old saying in sales: nobody wants to be sold, but everyone wants to be helped." (pg. 40)

    Can I Trust You?

    "Connecting begins when the other person feels valued." (pg. 44)

    How To Answer These Questions With A Resounding "Yes!"

    Your Homepage - Be Welcoming

    First impressions are everything. You only have one chance, and a few precious seconds, to make one. The second your users see your homepage, they should feel welcomed.

    Adding these to your homepage should get the job done:

    • Images
      church members, your logo, your building
    • Color
      even if your background is white, a few splashes of color makes your site pop
    • Links
      using ads, banners, and cross-links let your user know there is important information here

    Your Writing - Be Friendly

    In previous blogs, we've talked about how to write for the Web. Writing with an active voice will engage your user like an enthusiastic speaker (like John Maxwell) grabs the attention of his audience. Using bullet points, lists, and headings to break up your text makes it easier for your visitors to read, and less overwhelming from the outset.

    Contact Us Page - Be Available

    Every website should have a Contact Us section, either displayed in your menu, quick links, or footer.

    Even if 90% of your visitors never call or e-mail you, the fact that you have one on display tells your users that you care about them and are willing to help.

    Having a Contact Us page is step one in connecting. Step two is actually answering the phone calls, e-mails, and form submissions in a timely, friendly way.

    Want to impress those who contact you?

    Respond immediately. They will be blown away, and you'll be on your way to making a connection.

    Other Resources for Connecting

    John Maxwell on Websites: Communicating vs. Connecting - iMinistries Blog
    Cross-Linking: Search Engines and Website Visitors Love It - iMinistries Blog
    Free Trial

    See how easy it is to build your church website!
    Start your 15-day free trial account,

    Comment
       
     
     
     
     
       
    Name
    No comments