Manual 2. Creating a website Version 1.0 February 2014 GKSA

Transcription

1 Manual 2 Creating a website Version 1.0 February GKSA

2 2.1 INTRODUCTION TRODUCTION The World Wide Web (www) has created an information-based information based society, in which control over information is placed in the hands of the consumer. It is thus important to plan the church s website strategically in terms of the reason for the website, the service provider for the website, the goal of the website, the information it must contain, etc. Websites are relatively cheap to maintain and serves as an a introduction and communication tool, which could make it of great value to the church The purpose of the manual The aim of this document is to assist churches in creating and managing a website. It explains how to create a website on Wix and must be consulted before doing so. This manual also looks at the introduction and communication aspects of a website. website The purpose of a website Churches have different interest groups and as such their websites will also serve different purposes. It is essential to keep the following in mind when creating a website: The target group(s) as well as the kind, goal and time of the information to be communicated must be clearly set out. The website must be updated regularly to keep the information communicated to the target group relevant. The identity, image and reputation of the church must be managed by means of the website. The website must be directed at both existing as well as prospective members and interest groups. It can serve as introduction to new members and as communication channel hannel to existing members. The website must highlight the church s uniqueness among the other churches in the community. 2

3 2.1.3 Hosting Although a website can be created and revised on Wix, it has to be hosted by a professional organisation. There are a range of organisations that host websites, some of which are small computer or Internet businesses and other are large corporations. The contact details of such organisations, like Telkom and Afrihost, can be obtained online. The cost associated with hosting differs from package to package, but usually ranges between R65 and R99 per month. It is easy to change hosts, but it s better to do so through an organisation with the necessary knowledge and skills. Changing hosts also depends on the contract entered into with a host and may require waiting until the contract has elapsed before changing to another host. Clearly it is essential to understand all the terms of the different contracts, before deciding on a host Policy The church must formulate a policy for the use of the website. This policy must address the following: Updating information on the website, on a quarterly or weekly basis Gathering information, loading it onto the website and technical maintenance of the website Determining users attitude towards and satisfaction with the website Nature of communication, i.e. one- or two-way communication Planning and design of website Short- and long-term communication as well as marketing goals Ethical issues around a website The degree to which the appearance and use reflect the church s identity Information about the service provider and hosting contract. 3

4 2.2 COMMUNICATION OR INTRODUCTION The website can serve two purposes, viz. introduction ntroduction and communication. A church shouldn t have a website just for the sake of having one. It can, however, be a valuable asset for the church with limited funds, by communicating in an interesting and innovation way with members and introducing the church to possible prospective members. A church must first determine the purpose of the website te and the information it will contain that it may fulfil the needs of members and interest groups. The website must also be updated regularly with relevant information that no harm will come to the church s image and reputation. reputation Considerations Considerations for creating a website a) b) c) d) e) f) Why does the church need a website? What is the main purpose of the website: communication of information to members or introduction of the church to prospective members? Who is the target group(s)? What information needs to be put on the website? What other forms of media does the church use and do these forms not already suffice for the communication and introduction needs? How will members have access to the website? Communication Figure 1 below is a typical example of a church s website used for communication purposes. It communicates the news, important dates and events of the church. The photos give visitors a visual image of the town, the church and the members. members A church must carefully plan the message the website is to communicate. All information must relate to the church like service times, office hours and special events. 4

5 2.2.3 Introduction Figure 2 is a typical example of a website for introduction purposes. It markets church events to members and the community. It also introduces the church to possible prospective members. 5

6 2.3 CREATING A WEBSITE ON WIX Please note that the videos that feature in the next section section of the manual may correspond to those on the GKSA: How to create a website video. video Video 1: Creating a Wix account Before a website can be created, an account must be opened on Wix and this video explains how to do so. Wix provides a range of examples. examples. This video and the other use one of the templates throughout. The video only provides guidelines on the the basic features and uses of a website Video 2: Text Te & text options This video explains everything relevant to text when communicating messages to the public. The text needs to be understandable and applicable to the target audience. It must also convey the desired image of the church and be written in a professional manner. This video shows how to: edit text, in existing text boxes; change the font, t, size and colour of text; add text boxes; and use text functions Video 3: Image & image functions This video explains everything related to images. An image is a form of communication that conveys certain messages to certain audiences. Images must 6

7 reflect the identity of the church and also capture the public s attention that they read more about the church and its services. Images of the church s fundraising can, for example, show members enjoying themselves at a church event and depict the joyful nature of the church to prospective members. This video shows how to: change images; load images; revise images; add images; change the size of images; add a gallery; and add images to the gallery Video 4: Building a list in Wix This video explains the different lists in Wix, which ranges from a list of dates or news to one with videos or team members. This video only focuses on two specific lists. Choose the lists relevant to the church and the purpose of the website. The lists on Wix can also be adapted as deemed fit, like the list of dates and events. This video explains how to: create lists; change information or images on a list; add to or edit items on a list; and change the style of a list Video 5: Adding new pages This video explains how to add, duplicate or remove pages from/to the website. A template may not provide all the pages the church desires for its website and then an established, empty or gallery page can be added by means of the pages option. This video explains how to: 7 regulate established pages, e.g. changing the name of the webpage; duplicate or remove pages; add pages;

8 revise text; revise images; and edit lists Video 6: Links This video explains the use of links, which is when different media like or social media are linked together. The range of media at users disposal enables them to communicate in the way that best suit them. It is vital to ensure that all links work, before the website is published, broken links come across as highly unprofessional and incompetent. This video explains how to: create links; edit styles; create social media links; edit social media styles; and link charts together Video 7: Changing style & using forms This video explains how to change the style of the website and ipso facto the style of the template as well as how to use forms. It only focuses on certain style elements, but Wix offers a variety of elements with which to experiment. Remember, the website represents the image of the church and the style elements must serve to promote it. This video explains how to: change the styles of the different elements on the website, like footnotes, etc.; link different media, like and documents, with the website; work with n preview page and double control links; add icons; change icons styles; add and edit forms and lines; add music; and edit the gallery. 8

9 2.3.8 Video 8: Publishing This video explains how to publish a page. Publishing is possibly the most difficult part of the process, especially since the website is linked to a certain domain. The service providers in the area should be investigated to find a suitable host for the website. This video explains how to: publish the website; promote the website; save and publish editing; log on and off as well as edit; remove, rename or duplicate the website; and forward the web address to members. 9

10 2.4 CONCLUSION The website of the church represents its identity and that requires careful planning of the relevant target audiences, communication channels and information prior to designing the website. The website should serve a purpose after all. This may entail research into the needs of all the interest groups of the church. This document serves only as guideline for the creation of a website and to encourage personal creativity and judgement in creating a website. There are a number of other software for creating a website, like Dreamweaver and HTML, but they are not quite as simple as Wix and require certain skills. The website should be an experience that encourages a return visit, with a platform that displays the church s principles and members. It also needs to be updated regularly, at least on a weekly/monthly basis, to avoid conveying erroneous information that will create confusion and also look very unprofessional. 1