Who's actually visiting your site

Your regular members already know when you meet. The people who most need your website are newcomers and neighbors. They want to know when and where, what it's like, and what to do when they arrive. Those answers should come before announcements and committee news.

What your site should include

  • Service or event times and directions. Put them right on the home page.
  • A short "what to expect" section. Parking, what to wear and what happens with the kids can take a lot of worry out of a first visit.
  • Online giving. Keep it short and make it work well on a phone.
  • Events and how to get involved. Someone on your team should be able to keep this current.
  • Video or sermon links. If you already post to YouTube, your site can show the latest ones.

How online donations can work

You've got a few options. Dedicated giving services add features like recurring gifts and giving statements. A simple donation page can also work when you just want people to be able to give what they choose. I recently set up a donation page like that for a faith-based client, where the giver types in any amount. Payment companies charge a processing fee in every case, so compare them before picking one.

If you're a registered nonprofit, check with your accountant about what your donation receipts need to say. If you're not, be careful not to suggest that gifts are tax-deductible.

Mistakes I'd avoid

  • A home page that's mostly a list of old announcements.
  • Service times that are out of date.
  • A website only one volunteer knows how to update.

What it costs

Usually the Professional package

$1,200

Most churches and nonprofits fit the Professional package. A small ministry or community group can often start at $750. If budget is tight, tell me up front and we can work out what to do first.

It's a flat price, agreed before any work starts, and you can pay in 2 or 3 payments. See what each package includes.

See an example

Want to see some design options? Try my configurator. Pick a style and colors and it builds a sample site you can look around.

Where I work

I'm based in Fernandina Beach and work with businesses on Amelia Island and in Yulee, Jacksonville and St. Augustine. I also work remotely with owners anywhere in the U.S., so you don't need to be local to hire me.

Common questions

Can people donate through our website?

Yes. You can use a dedicated giving service or a simple donation page, and I can help you compare them. Payment companies charge a processing fee on donations either way.

Can our volunteers update the website?

Yes, if we plan for it. I'd choose a setup that lets non-technical people change events and announcements, then show them how.

How much does a church website cost?

Most fit my $1,200 Professional package, and a simple site starts at $750.

Want a price for your church website?

Tell me a little about your business and what you need. I'll send a flat-rate quote, usually the same day.

Get a free quote