Content Clean-Up: Get Rid of Your Church Website's ROT

"Big websites aren’t better websites. Get rid of the ROT." - Brain Traffic Blog

Fall is the perfect time for a re-evaluation of your church website's content. Before the new ministry year jumps into full gear, now is the time to check every page on your site and remove the ROT.

What is ROT?

ROT is content that is ...

• Redundant
• Outdated
• Trivial

		Redundant If you have two pages on your website that provide the same information, delete one. If two pages are similar, combine the information onto one unified page. Example: If your Service Times page includes your address, map, and directions, you don't need a Location page. Delete it and give your location its own section on your Service Times page.
		Outdated You may have a thriving ministry, but if you have content on your home page that hasn't been updated, what is that telling your website's new visitors? By displaying long-past content, you're implying that your ministry is stuck in inactivity. Example: Remove those old items and post upcoming events and fresh news stories. Add some new blog entries and feature photos from this year's youth camp (not ones from last year).
		Trivial The content you include on your website tells its visitors what you value. Think twice about each piece of content you add: Does it fit what your ministry promotes? Is this what people want from your website? Example: If you're a ministry that focuses on world missions, it's probably not appropriate to post local sports scores on your website. And that widget that pulls in the weather? Leave that to the Weather Channel.

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Learn more about UX

5 Ways to Prepare Your Church Website For A New Ministry Year - iMinistries Blog
Your Church Website's Reservoir of Goodwill (and 3 Ways to Keep it Full) - iMinistries Blog
3 Things to Remove to Improve Church Website User Experience - iMinistries Blog