Having a modern and attractive church website is critical to gain new church members and give resources to current members. With so many options out there, what is the best church website solution?
There is not a “one size fits all” solution for every church, but there are plenty of great options to choose from. Here are three excellent options for your church website.
WordPress
WordPress is responsible for powering approximately 27% of the internet. For that reason, it should be no surprise that WordPress is naturally one of the most popular choices for church websites. It’s affordable, flexible, and widely used so you won’t have trouble finding a WordPress expert to help set up your website. On the flip side, WordPress is often intimidating to manage and is susceptible to security issues. These security issues can be fixed by someone who sets up a proper security system, but it is something to keep in mind when choosing the best solution for your church. Web hosting through Namecheap will cost you around $30 per year. You will also need a domain name and a WordPress theme (a theme can be purchased for a one time cost of $60-80), so this solution will cost $60-80 upfront and $40 per year all inclusive. This doesn’t figure in the cost of hiring a WordPress expert, but a tech-savvy church member or staff member may be able to set this up for you.
WordPress Pros
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Widely used (plenty of support resources available)
WordPress Cons
- Intimidating admin dashboard
- Known security flaws (which can be fixed with a proper security solution)
Squarespace
Squarespace is perhaps the exact opposite of WordPress in description: it’s easy to use, easy to edit, but not the most affordable option. For $144-216 per year, Squarespace offers a drag-and-drop website builder that is one of the best options on the market for the average user. It won’t be as flexible as WordPress, but unless you like cracking into a website’s code, you won’t notice its limitations. Squarespace allows you to create pages, blog posts, and contact forms with ease. All websites are mobile friendly and Squarespace’s large portfolio of easy to modify themes will make the website creation process a breeze.
Squarespace Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to set up
- Carefree
Squarespace Cons
- Expensive
- Not as flexible as WordPress
Wix
Wix is another platform that is similar to Squarespace, but it is another option to check out if you aren’t sold on Squarespace. Wix is available for $14 per month ($168 per year) and offers a similar drag-and-drop experience to Squarespace. These two platforms are similar in functionality, so it comes down to personal preference. They both offer a free trial so you can try both of them out before deciding on which one is right for you.
Wix Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to set up
- Carefree
Wix Cons
- Expensive with many upsells and different plans
- Not as flexible as WordPress
Finding an expert may be worth it
Finding a local web designer might be a good call to make sure your church gets the website it deserves. You can also explore sites like Freelancer to post job requirements and capable freelance web designers will submit bids and allow you to pick the right person for the job.
But what about a church app?
Having a modern website is important, but what about a church app? My Sermon Notes is the only church app you need. We draw communities closer to Christ by increasing communication with your congregation. From fill-in-the-blank notes, to interactive prayer requests, to customizable connection cards, My Sermon Notes has the tools you need. My Sermon Notes has no setup fees, no contracts, and is available for an affordable monthly cost. Learn more here.
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