I recently saw a Facebook post in a small church media group asking if a small church must have a website and how it has helped. There were several responses from users. Here are some of the responses:

Monica L: Your website is the new front door to the church.

Chris D: Yep – it’s the way people find you and get a feel for you before they ever step foot on campus. We find most folks who come visited have already looked at our website, watched a message or two, and even more sometimes.

Charles G: It’s essential in this era. I’ve been on the hunt for just over a month as our church held its last service. First thing I’ve looked at is the website. Where’s the church located? When are services? What do they have to offer for kid’s ministry? Are there pictures of the actual facility and actual people, or is it all stock photography? It’s been amazing how many churches I’ve had to dig and dig to find what time services are or if they have kid’s classes. After that, it’s checking out some past live streams/recordings (of the entire service, not just the message). The days of someone driving by a church on a Sunday and deciding to pop in for the first time are gone. People are going to look you up online and get a feel for you before they ever step foot in the door.

Daniel F:  How often do you go to a restaurant and not look at the menu?

Micah S: Most people will never know your church exists outside of a website. It is often the first impression they have of your church, and will determine whether or not they visit your church.

Elizabeth W: I just asked my 20-year-old nephew who lives with us & he said he would look on Google Maps for which churches are closest and then narrow down the denomination from there so listing times on there is super important. Then he said if he had questions, he would stop in & visit with the pastor. He said he no longer looks at social media or websites because they are so “curated” that he feels like they’re selling him on their idea of who they are rather than being an accurate representation of who they actually are as a church. Personally (as a woman in my 40s), I look for Facebook sites way before a website because they tend to be updated more regularly. Just to give a slightly different perspective. 🙂

Adam P:  I’ve seen a couple of these statements, no offense but you got it a little wrong, your website is your foyer.  It’s the place for first impressions,  do I feel welcome, are these people like me, it is literally your first interaction with most people. And we have found this to be true.  A lot of new folks first checked us out online before even coming to the church.

Tricia S: We are a small church , hit bad through Covid, and had no website previously … we put a basic one up and we’ve grown and gotten a ton of additions   Through  it and google reviews. Our site is by no means amazing but we haven’t had to pay anyone to make one to have it effect people coming through our doors. We use Wix & don’t have a church photographer so… its possible

Kevin F: You at least need a basic website with basic info about your church. Don’t have to be fancy or extensive but guests like to know what to expect

Michael V: Yes! 100% your church needs a website. Your website is your churches, digital lobby. It’s the first thing perspective attenders look at before the even common person. Build a website that reflects the identity of your church, go get the Google advertising grant and tell people about your church. Depending on your demographic your website might even be more important than your social media strategy.

Cheryl at Dubry Co: What they said. 👆Just as your storefront and sign boast a great appeal, a professional, well-designed website and an accurate Google Business listing confidently showcase your unique identity. I would love to help you with your website and digital identity needs. Whether you need a website from scratch or just need your existing site updated, I’m happy to help!