More "first-time visitor" friendly

[CUGrad02]

I am wanting to make our website more appealing to first-time visitors to the site, but I still want to keep it as a useful resource for our members. What are your opinions on the way to make it more friendly to first-time visitors? Should I have a menu for first-time visitors and then have one link for members (that first-timers could still access). I hate the whole "members only" link, b/c I thought that it might be a turn-off for visitors.

Any thoughts, ideas?

Thanks!!!

[flutem3]

I am wanting to make our website more appealing to first-time visitors to the site, but I still want to keep it as a useful resource for our members. What are your opinions on the way to make it more friendly to first-time visitors? Should I have a menu for first-time visitors and then have one link for members (that first-timers could still access). I hate the whole "members only" link, b/c I thought that it might be a turn-off for visitors.

Any thoughts, ideas?

Thanks!!!

Hi, Michelle,

Welcome. Would you give us the URL for your church web site so we can see what you have at the present? It makes it much easier for those who have bright ideas to tell you about them. Of course, there are times when nobody has a bright idea, but that is rare. :D

I think you will find the answers you are looking for here. This place has a pretty good track record, I think. And don't tell anyone, but there are some very bright people who frequent this forum.

Carol

[flutem3]

Hi,

I apologize for not realizing you had been here before. Shame on me. I did find the URL on one of your other posts. However, it would be helpful to include it in your signature here.

Welcome again.

Carol

[mickmel]

For a while, we considered going with two separate sites, kind of like Saddleback's two (http://www.saddleback.org/) sites (http://www.saddlebackfamily.org/). However, our early testing showed that it was more confusing than it was helpful. I was getting questions like "I was on xx page, but then it took me to some other page, so I clicked home, but it wasn't the same home. What's the deal?".

In the end, we decided to put common questions on our home page, and then have them linked to the "real" page on the site. For example, if you go to "About Us", there is a page for "Directions" in there. On the front page, though, there is a very obvious link that says "How do I get there?". Our full list of linked questions on the front reads:

New To The Area? - A list of local school info, realtors, etc.

What Should I Expect When I Visit? Basic info about the church

How Do I Get There? Directions to the church, with a handful of campus maps.

What's Available For My Kids? Link to our children's ministry section

What Should I Expect In A Church? About our services, how to dress, etc.

What We Believe Basic denominational beliefs

How To Become A Member Obvious

How Can We Help You? Links to our "helpful" ministries (counseling center, etc) with a link to a form at the bottom for more information/help.


I hope that info helps you out!

[mrbelfry]

Hi

In my experience even people who have been coming to church for ages need reminding of basic information. I understand the heart behind having a specific 'first-time visitors' section but I think that there is a huge danger in having 'members areas' that you can be seen as 'exclusive'.

[CUGrad02]

mrbelfry,

Thank you for your comment. That was the biggest concern that I had in making two separate websites. I felt that it may come off as being "country club".

Thanks.