Two weeks ago, I published my 100th post. In the world of blogging that may not seem like a lot, but to me it is an accomplishment. I am writing this blog to encourage people in ministry to use the Internet and social media to support their efforts. We all have to move forward in using technology for mission and ministry. We have to learn with each other and from…
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Social Media is Where We Minister
On last week’s blog, “The Year of Faith on the Internet—a Slow Start, ” I asked readers to share their online resources for the Year of Faith. Several readers were kind enough to post websites (mostly diocesan) that listed resources and events related to the Year of Faith. Jean Soto, a faculty member at the Tepeyac Institute in El Paso, Texas, raised this question: Glad to hear that resources are…
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Listening is the First Stage in Planning Our Online Presence
As more and more communication takes place on the Internet, organizations and ministries are recognizing that not all websites, social media sites, or blogs are equal. Some are more effective than others. Some are really good and others are really bad. What makes the difference? One of the variables has to be the planning process that brings a site to life. To be successful on the Internet whether we have…
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An Integrated Online Presence Takes Planning and Team Work
At the end of March, the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio, launched a new website. This website is the centerpiece of a multi-channel online presence which includes blogs, social media and links to various SND ministry sites. The goals of our online presence as an apostolic religious community are to: 1) advance our mission; 2) attract vocations; and 3) engage supporters. These goals were uppermost in our minds…
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Website Traffic, Part II: Interaction is Important
Once you have determined the audiences for your website (see Part I of this series), you need to think through how you want to interact with them. Website interaction is one of the most important elements of the Web 2.0 era. If a website is static, the likelihood of attracting new or returning visits decreases.
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My Most Read Blog Posts in 2011
With this post, I am concluding my first full calendar year of blogging at Catholic Web Solutions. As I was thinking about all of the topics I have covered and all of the comments you have posted, I was wondering which posts were the most read. According to my Google Analytics report, the articles below are my top ten posts. If you missed one or the other of these posts,…