Digital Communications for Congregations

Digital Communications is an important resources for congregations to spread the Good News. This toolbox is aimed at providing congregations and ministries the tools and resources to strengthen their digital communications.

Websites

Here are some best practices to consider:

• Mobile-friendly. The majority of searches will be made on a smart phone. This makes having a responsive website essential. This changes the how the site loads on a smart phone from how the same website looks on a computer and is readily available whether through a WordPress site, Wix, or other service.
• Your home page must have the following. Having this information repeated in the footer of every page at the site is also helpful.  
  – church name (be sure to use “Episcopal” in the name)
  – full church address (including state and zip code)
  – phone number
  – email address
  – worship times
• Your website should be relational. All pictures should be of your people and your buildings, rather than stock photos. There should be stories about your parish. What is your parish known for in your community? What do you want the community to know about your parish? What makes your parish special?
• Update your website regularly. If your worship times are changing for a holiday – make sure you list the correct time. If you offer online worship, make the latest videos available. If you change your contact email, make sure you you edit your site. Feature special seasonal events or opportunities. 
• Offer an online giving opportunity. There are many companies that provide online payment services you can easily embed in your site.

A Bunch of Tips for Church Websites: A nice selection of resources from the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina.

Newsletter

There are several great platforms for creating electronic Newsletter. The Episcopal Diocese of Georgia does not officially endorse any platforms.

• Constant Contact offers a variety of options for email marketing, event registration, and more. There different levels of pricing for these products.

• MailChimp offers the ability to send electronic newsletters for free up to 2,000 subscribers.

Social Media

• The Episcopal Church’s Guide to Social Media is a guide for congregations and to assist them in understanding the many potentials available for growth, expansion and telling their stories through social media. This is a White Paper issued by The Episcopal Church Office of Communication.

Public Affairs

The Public Affairs Office of the Episcopal Church offers several resources.

• The Episcopal Church Visual Identity Guide offers logos, shields, and graphics with some guidance on getting the Episcopal brand right with your design projects.

• Getting started: Media Release– an easy how-to guide for getting started in preparing materials, news releases, op-eds, etc.
• Subscribe to the Public Affairs Office’s e-mail lists to receive the latest information about The Episcopal Church. “Media Releases” provides up-to-the-minute information about news, events, and resources from The Episcopal Church. The “Daily Scan” is a daily list of links to news stories in the mass media that highlight The Episcopal Church, Episcopal parishes and dioceses, and Episcopalians.