Content is obviously important on any web-site, so how can we ensure the content of a church site is kept up-to-date?
On the current site, one way to keep the appearance of an active site, is to regularly update the front-page. This works well, but as you look at some of the static pages (e.g. under Ministries) you will find some out-of-date content, or at least not very well written.
Basically, the static content on the current site was put together a number of years ago, and is only updated when factual information changes (e.g. a meeting time).
Further, some sections of the site which should be important, really lack any good content (e.g. the Jesus & You section).
Lumping this job on one person, will just not work, so I’ve been thinking about a strategy to get more people involved with the editing process.
So, with the next site I would like to have “content editors” and “sub-editors”. I don’t know if those names make sense, but I see the jobs as:
- 2 Content Editors – These people would receive all site updates, and after editing (particularly to remove jargon and check for/improve readability) they would have sufficient access to update the site. They would also review the current pages of general information (e.g. About Us) and make them more readable/interesting/user-friendly.
- Sub-Editors – These people would take ownership of particular pieces of content on the site. For example, someone involved in Children’s ministry would take responsibility for content relating to Children’s activities on the site. The sub-editor positions would be opened up to anyone at the Church, although access to email would make things easier for the Content Editors.
Initially, there would be a little bit of work to up-date the current content, but in the long-term the work would be minimal.
A third position(s) would be for some people to re-write the Christianity pages (or whatever they will be called). The Content Editors might find other sections that need an entire overhaul.
What do you think? Is this a workable strategy? Do you think people will get involved?
Next step: send an email around to people in the church seeking their involvement.
From the continuing series about the redesign of the Toongabbie Anglican Church web-site.
A fine idea… Is it workable? I would hope so!
It’s a good way to develop a deeper awareness of how various ministries work and fit in to the bigger picture.
How do you see the whole blogging thing fitting into this? Is the plan to have a blog aggregator page with feeds from the various church-people blogs?
FWIW, I’d be happy to volunteer as a content editor, if no one else puts their hand up…