One thing that I do not hear discussed is the reasons why you even need a website. In my consulting work, I will frequently ask if the client is sure that they need a website.
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Why Search Engine Optimization Should Matter to Churches
written by Ben Dubow
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
There has been a lot written already this week about the Ted Haggard situation and its ramifications (you can read some of my thoughts here and here and listen to my sermon on it here). But Andrew Jones (aka tallskinnykiwi) posted earlier with week about Leith Anderson in the Search Engines. (Leith is the newly named president of the National Association of Evangelicals, replacing Haggard.)
He pointed out that when you searched for Leith (at least initially) the first thing that came up was a negative post about him–and it was almost impossible to find his church. Jones points out that this is really a weakness in the underlying design of the church’s website. You can read his entire post here.
It does raise questions about church websites and whether they are optimized to take advantage of all the technology out there–including search engines like Google.
Now I’m not sure if Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the the problem as much as frames and other design problems that make it hard for search engines to “find” information on their site–I’ll leave this to the experts like Dave–but I know that, at least for me, it is important to get found when people are looking for us.
It is important to note that our “brand” is no longer defined by us, but by our audience. Who you are is most easily measured by what the Google results say about you. NOT who you say you are.
When the power of a million bloggers voicing an opinion out ranks your message in Google, is your message even relevant anymore? That is why it is SO important to be a part of the conversation. To participate, to engage. Then you are back in the game, telling your story.
David Merwin November 14th, 2006 at 1:44 pmits not too hard to figure out how to get in the top 5. its important for churches to take control of their own story.
andrew (tall skinny kiwi) November 15th, 2006 at 6:27 amDave & Andrew - you are both right. It is important and not that hard to control your story/brand. For us, it has simply meant using a blog, a website that is easily searched, some tags, and a steady flow of fresh content…
Ben Dubow November 15th, 2006 at 11:09 ambest site so far bookmark it for later reading
Lorene Courtwright June 2nd, 2010 at 9:34 pmI really liked this post, this one is going directly into my stumble upon webpage
Norris Dostie August 8th, 2010 at 5:51 am