(http://www.churchwebstrategies.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/cws-podcast-logo-200x200.jpg)At the beginning of every worship service, the pastor of my church welcomes all of the new visitors; regardless if they know of any are present. Sometimes we even applaud for them. Many church podcasts that I listen to also make a point to welcome all of their listeners. This includes live recordings that acknowledge they have an online audience. What does your website do to welcome new visitors? Do you simply have a statement that says “Welcome to our church”, or do you structure your site so that their needs are immediately met with lots of information and content?

Topics covered include

* Why you need to recruit
* Examples of recruiting
* How retention content can recruit

Action Item
Review the content on your website and see what components speak to non-believers and potential members. How does it compare with the rest of your site? What is the ratio of recruiting content to that of retention content? If one of your high-level church goals is go grow your membership base; then by all means expand those areas geared toward recruiting rather than retention. Test that area of your website with non-members and non-believers. See how effective it is and measure your return on investment. Most importantly, don't forget to pray!
Referenced Articles

* My article "Do Not Just Retain, Recruit (http://www.churchwebstrategies.org/do-not-just-retain-recruit/)"