This issue covers both marketing and Web sites, and while they’re separate articles within the magazine, they’re largely interchangeable. Your church Web site is one of your most powerful marketing tools.

I pulled some of the most compelling parts of our coverage of these topics as some of the best information for your church.

First, as author Melissa Alexander states, “You can no longer get away with a Web site that is nothing more than a static online brochure. You must be able to captivate your audience, to pull them into your site and peak their interest.” She specifies the three most important things to remember: impress, inform, and interact.

One of the biggest trends is online donation through your Web site as an effective and efficient way to increase fundraising. Remember, the easier you make it on your members to give, the more successful you will be. I’ve become a non-check person, even trading out some companies within my monthly routine that don’t accept online payments for those that do. If you can configure your Web site to embrace this technology, your financial returns will yield greater rewards.

But, as author Richard Reising states, “If your church is not consistent, you run the risk of never connecting with your audience. Your multiple marketing efforts might be perceived as coming from entirely different sources.”

So, develop a brand for your church and stick with it. Maintain consistency regardless of the venue (be it television, print advertising or your Web site) and your audience (be it singles, youth, married with children or senior adults).

The bottom line is that your identity always should be identifiable.

I hope you find this issue, once again, packed with useful information. I’m always interested in hearing from you. You can reach me at jill@rpnmag.com.

God Bless,

Jill Pinheiro
Managing Editor