This subject could well be the subject of an entire web site. I'll just list a few things to think about.
A lot of web site designers, it seems, want to use the most sophisticated technology: animated graphics, frames, Java, etc. If you've surfed the web even a little, you see a lot of sites that concentrate heavily on form and design. However, every article and book I've read on web site design starts off by reminding the reader that although your site should be attractive, content is what it's all about. The same is true for the web sites of religious groups. You do not have to use cutting-edge technology in order to create a web site that is attractive and offers useful information. In fact, the simpler you keep it, the better you can be assured that your page is accessible to users with different types of browsers and hardware.
The following are some guidelines that are specific to web sites for religious groups.
Organize your web site according to the needs of your perceived audience(s)
For example, if you want to include information on your web site for prospective new members and for your existing members, you might want to put the most pertinent information for new members on the main page (e.g., times of services, location, etc.), and information for existing members on linked pages. This assumes that people who are "surfing" are less likely or willing to find the necessary information than existing members.
Spend the most time and effort designing the home page
Since the home page is most likely the first page that your audience will see when they visit your web site, this is the page that needs to be most effective. Again, if attracting people to your group is your goal, this is particularly important. If you have defined your audiences, then ask yourself if the ohme page makes it easy for each audience to find the information you think they will be looking for.
Don't make assumptions
Don't make any assumptions about the knowledge of people who visit your web site. Remember, although you may have a very specific target audience in mind,once your site is published, you may get visitors from anywhere in the world. Before you publish your site, let an "outsider" proof your site. Your site may unintentionally contain references that make no sense to someone outside the group. A simple, but very widespread example of assumptions is the use of acronyms. If you're publishing a web site for John Doe United Methodist Church, don't just refer to your group as "John Doe UMC." Some visitors to your site may have no idea what "UMC" stands for.
Make it clear who your group is and what you believe
Remember again that anyone could visit your group's site. An easy-to-find short statement of your group's vision, or even a slogan, will help to identify your group with those who may otherwise know nothing about your group. You may also want to include links to other groups similar to yours (e.g., denominations, etc.) in order to help identify yourselves. Don't assume that people will know what your group's beliefs are just by its affiliation with a denomination, sect, etc. Visitors to your site may have never heard of your denomination, sect, etc.
Get feedback on your web site
Get feedback on your home page from as many people as possible. Ask them not only about the general design, but also how they think the page as a whole communicates your group's goals, beliefs, etc. Also get feedback from people who are not related to your group or who know nothing about it. This sort of feedback is always a good reality check and brings out issues that members of the group just may not have thought of.
The following guidelines are generally applicable to any web site:
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