A presentation by Len Mason at BE HEARD!, the 2012 Southeastern Minnesota Synod (ELCA) communicators workshop. More information at http://semnsynod.org/communicators/workshop If you have a stagnant website that needs extreme work, sometimes the easiest thing to do is start over. But starting over doesn't have to be hard. Come learn how to build a website from the ground, up. Topics include acquiring a domain name, finding a good host for your site, easy to use website templates, Social Media for beginners, tips on finding a good website designer, and how to build a web team ministry. This workshop is for you if -- You want to know the quickest, easiest, cheapest way to get a website up and running. -- You have a website that was built by a volunteer, but they are no longer around and no one is quite sure how to update it. -- Your Pastor has finally decided that maybe the "Interwebs" isn't a fad after all, and wants you to build the church its first website.

1. EXTREME DO-
W E B S I T E E D I T I O N

2. lenmasondesign.com EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
@lenmasondesign CHURCH IN AMERICA
Web Developer
facebook.com/lenmasondesign
LEN MASON DESIGN
Online Strategy Consultant
len@LenMasonDesign.com
WASHBOARD APPS
iPhone Apps
BACKGROUND
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

3. WHAT WE WILL COVER TODAY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

4. THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF A
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY TEAM
WEBSITE You Grow
Know Before Assembling a Winning Team
DOMAIN NAMES, REGISTRARS, INTERACTIVITY, SOCIAL MEDIA,
AND HOSTS AND BLOGS
And Other Scary Words How Can I Get My Pastor to Blog?
BUILDING A WEBSITE
The Phases
WHAT WE WILL COVER TODAY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

5. DO WE EVEN NEED A WEBSITE?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

6. IMPROVE CHURCH
BUILD RESOURCES
COMMUNICATION
Quickly, Easily, Inexpensively Sermons, Devotions, Bible Studies Can Minister
for Years To Come
EMPOWER LAY VOLUNTEERS MISSION EXPANSION
Active Participation Reach People Around the World
Empow
MINISTER TO PEOPLE ANY TIME er
In Any Place
Your
Ministr
y
!
DO WE EVEN NEED A WEBSITE?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

7. WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

8. MINISTRY HAPPENS ALL THE
TIME
Your church can be open 24/7
OFFER MORE THAN
CONTACT an online brochure are gone
The days of just INFO
MAKE YOUR WEBSITE WORK
HARD you can offer online, the lighter the
The more
work around the office
WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

9. WEBSITE BASICS
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

10. www.yourchurch.
org
DOMAIN
NAME
Easier than
123.45.678.90
WEBSITE BASICS
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

11. www.yourchurch. Domain Name
org Registrar
DOMAIN
REGISTRAR
NAME
Easier than Who you pay to play
123.45.678.90
WEBSITE BASICS
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

12. www.yourchurch. Domain Name Web Hosting
org Registrar Provider
DOMAIN
REGISTRAR HOSTING
NAME
Easier than Who you pay to play Virtual Real Estate
123.45.678.90
WEBSITE BASICS
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

13. www.yourchurch. Domain Name Web Hosting Your Website
org Registrar Provider Files
DOMAIN
REGISTRAR HOSTING WEB PAGES
NAME
Easier than Who you pay to play Virtual Real Estate Your intellectual data
123.45.678.90
WEBSITE BASICS
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

14. AVOID HYPHENS
www.your-church-website.org
AVOID NUMBERS
www.1stlutheranchurch.org
CHOOSING A GOOD DOMAIN NAME
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

15. UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

16. www.ITSCRAP.com
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

17. FA
IL
www.ITSCRAP.com
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

18. UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

19. www.KATIESWIGS.com
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

20. FA
IL
www.KATIESWIGS.com
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

21. UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

22. www.CHILDRENSWEAR.co.uk
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

23. FA
IL
www.CHILDRENSWEAR.co.uk
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

24. UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

25. www.WHOREPRESENTS.com
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

26. FA
IL
www.WHOREPRESENTS.com
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

27. UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

28. www.KIDSEXCHANGE.net
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

29. FA
IL
www.KIDSEXCHANGE.net
UNFORTUNATE URLS (SLURLS)
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

30. DOMAIN NAME EXTENSIONS
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

31. SHOULD I BUY
THEM ALL?!?
DOMAIN NAME EXTENSIONS
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

32. GO WITH A BIG NAME
Most likely, they will be around for a while
GOOD TOOLS
Do it yourselfers, are you with me?
GOOD COMMUNICATION
You want real people when you need them
CHOOSING A REGISTRAR
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

33. GO WITH A BIG NAME
Most likely, they will be around for a while
GOOD TOOLS
Do it yourselfers, are you with me?
GOOD COMMUNICATION
You want real people when you need them
CHOOSING A REGISTRAR
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

34. GO WITH WELL-KNOWN
Your pages will live there, so you want them
safe
FEATURES, FEATURES,
FEATURES
Control freak
QUICK, HELPFUL SUPPORT
Knowledgeable staff, support by email is best
CHOOSING A WEBSITE HOST
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

35. JUST FOR YOU!
Coupon: Enter WORKSHOP25 when signing
up.
CHOOSING A WEBSITE HOST
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

36. BUILDING THE SITE
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

37. PUBLICIZE
DESIGN
PLA
N CREATE
BUILDING THE SITE
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

38. PLAN
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

39. GET BUY-IN
Offer stakeholders something that interests
them
PLAN
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

40. GET BUY-IN
Offer stakeholders something that interests
them
CROWD SOURCE
Anecdotal info is good, Surveys are better
PLAN
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

41. GET BUY-IN
Offer stakeholders something that interests
them
CROWD SOURCE
Anecdotal info is good, Surveys are better
CREATE OWNERSHIP
We’re all in this together
PLAN
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

42. TEMPLATES VS
DESIGNER
DESIGN
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

43. TEMPLATES VS
DESIGNER
Many beautiful templates
available built by great
designers
www.themeforest.net
BUT
Customization needs a
designer
DESIGN
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

44. TEMPLATES VS EASY TO READ
DESIGNER AND NAVIGATE
Many beautiful templates Website visitors are
available built by great sometimes impatient
designers
Help them find what they
www.themeforest.net are looking for
BUT Duplicate links - multiple
locations, different wordings
Customization needs a
designer
DESIGN
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

45. TEMPLATES VS EASY TO READ RESPONSIVE
DESIGNER AND NAVIGATE DESIGN
Many beautiful templates Website visitors are RWD is multi-device-,
available built by great sometimes impatient multi-screen-friendly
designers
Help them find what they Based on CSS media types
www.themeforest.net are looking for and percentages and ems,
not pixels.
BUT Duplicate links - multiple
locations, different wordings There are times when having
Customization needs a a separate mobile site is
designer desirable
DESIGN
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

46. NO STATIC PAGES CMS IS BEST WORDPRESS
The days of static HTML Content Management WordPress.com
pages are gone. System (CMS)
Difficult to update Database Driven WordPress.org
Knowledge of programming No Programming knowledge
necessary needed to update content
Inflexible and not interactive Easy to update
Many to choose from
CREATE
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

47. WORDPRESS.COM
Pros:
Simple to set up
190+ customizable themes
Reliable
Great tools
Inexpensive
Cons:
Cannot upload a custom theme
Cannot modify the code behind your blog
Cannot upload plugins
CREATE
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

48. WORDPRESS.ORG
Pros:
Ability to upload custom themes
Ability to upload plugins
Complete control to change code if you’re
technically minded
Cons:
You need a good web host
Requires more technical knowledge to set up
and run
You’re responsible for creating and maintaining
backups of your site
You’re responsible for updating the WordPress
software when new versions are released
CREATE
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

49. WEB SEARCH ENGINE
REGISTRY
Google - www.google.com/webmasters/
Yahoo! - http://search.yahoo.com/info/
submit.html
SEARCH ENGINE
OPTIMIZATION
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/
GOOGLE ANALYTICS
www.google.com/analytics
PUBLICIZE
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

50. ELCA CONGREGATIONAL
LOOKUP SYSTEM
www.elca.org/ELCA/Search/Submit-
Congregation-Web-Pages.aspx
PUBLICIZE
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

51. I CAN DO THIS ALONE.... SELF-MAINTAINED VS
TEAM-MAINTAINED
You can definitely do this on your own if...
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY TEAM
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

52. I CAN DO THIS ALONE.... SELF-MAINTAINED VS
TEAM-MAINTAINED
You can definitely do this on your own if...
=NO OBJECT
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY TEAM
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

53. THE WEBMASTER
OR WEBSTEWARD
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY TEAM
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

54. Configures Applies
server and updates to
database application
s THE WEBMASTER
Analyzes
OR WEBSTEWARD
search and
Transfers
traffic
files to
patterns Has
Web server
knowledge of
HTML, CSS,
PHP, MySQL,
FTP, and
Helps HTTP servers
Handles Web translate and security
server and offline
database materials to
online
equivalents
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY TEAM
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

55. 100 TIME
COMMITMENT
Websteward
75
50
25
0
Plan Design Build Maintain Major Update
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

56. THE WEB
DESIGNER
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

57. Helps with THE WEB
colors, fonts, DESIGNER
graphics and
layout
Helps make
the site
consistent with
Understands the
your overall
difference between
style
designing for the
web and for print
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

58. 100 TIME
COMMITMENT
Websteward
Web Designer
75
50
25
0
Plan Design Build Maintain Major Update
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

59. THE
CONTRIBUTING/
MANAGING
EDITOR
http://
www.webstyleguide.com/
wsg3/index.html
This person and group of
contributors will be the
most active group in
maintaining the site
If your online publishing
follows your print
publishing schedule, you
will have weekly updates.
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

60. THE
Needs an CONTRIBUTING/
understanding
of writing for
MANAGING
the web EDITOR
http://
www.webstyleguide.com/
Sees that
wsg3/index.html
information is
posted to the
This person and group of
site in a
contributors will be the
Oversees the timely manner
most active group in
process for the maintaining the site
other
contributors to If your online publishing
your site follows your print
publishing schedule, you
will have weekly updates.
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

61. 100 TIME
COMMITMENT
Websteward
Web Designer
75 Contributing/Managing Editor
50
25
0
Plan Design Build Maintain Major Update
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

62. THE EDITOR-IN-
CHIEF
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY TEAM
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

63. Provides
leadership
and vision
for your Web Reminds the THE EDITOR-IN-
team that the
Ministry
site is ministry-
CHIEF
based and not
technology-
based
Helps balance
the site
language
between
members and
seekers
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY TEAM
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

64. 100 TIME
COMMITMENT
Websteward
Web Designer
75 Contributing/Managing Editor
Editor-in-Chief
50
25
0
Plan Design Build Maintain Major Update
BUILDING A WEB MINISTRY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

65. BUILD-IN CONVERSATION
The Information Super Highway is not a One-
Way Street
ACTIVELY SEEK
PARTICIPATION
Write with questions, encourage replies
GET SOCIAL
Add Share Buttons, Photos, Guest Bloggers
ADDING INTERACTIVITY
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

66. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

67. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
TO CONNECT
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

68. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
TO PROMOTE
10. To Connect
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

69. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
TO RESPOND
9. To Promote
10. To Connect
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

70. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
TO WRITE
8. To Respond
9. To Promote
10. To Connect
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

71. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
TO EDUCATE
7. To Write
8. To Respond
9. To Promote
10. To Connect
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

72. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
TO GROW
6. To Educate
7. To Write
8. To Respond
9. To Promote
10. To Connect
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

73. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
TO NETWORK 5. To Grow
6. To Educate
7. To Write
8. To Respond
9. To Promote
10. To Connect
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

74. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
TO LEAD 4. To Network
5. To Grow
6. To Educate
7. To Write
8. To Respond
9. To Promote
10. To Connect
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

75. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
TO ACCLIMATE 3. To Lead
4. To Network
5. To Grow
6. To Educate
7. To Write
8. To Respond
9. To Promote
10. To Connect
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

76. TOP 10 REASONS
YOUR PASTOR
SHOULD BLOG
1. To Relate
2. To Acclimate
TO RELATE 3. To Lead
4. To Network
5. To Grow
6. To Educate
7. To Write
8. To Respond
9. To Promote
10. To Connect
SHOULD MY PASTOR BLOG?
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012

77. FACEBOOK
Share, Like, Friend
TWITTER
Church use?
SOCIAL MEDIA
LEN MASON DESIGN | EXTREME DO-OVER: WEBSITE EDITION | VERSION NO. 1.0 | 08/07/2012