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While we don't typically hang our hat on trends or recommend that a church or organization change their entire website to accommodate them, we do like to take them into consideration as we design and develop new websites. The websites we developed for our clients in 2016 changed a lot, and we know that will only continue in the coming year. So to provide some context, here are 6 trends we're excited about for 2017! 

1. Video
   Over the past year, we've seen the use of website videos increase dramatically. We love using videos in the header of your homepage, and we've found that they're really the best way to convey who you are to your audience. However, there are some things you need to be aware of. Video headers or backgrounds are great for a new launch or initiative, but they can be expensive over time. Videos can burn through a lot of bandwidth since every visitor to that page is downloading the video, even if they're not watching the whole thing! We also find that if you're not updating your video regularly, it can feel monotonous or annoying to returning visitors. To help with both of these concerns, we recommend using very short looping videos instead of full "biopics" if they're going to autoplay as background headers. Besides just using videos in your header, we also recommend increasing the number of videos you use on your blog or social media. Check out some tips for shooting an iPhone video.
   
   
2. Customizable Experiences
   One of the most strategic ways to use your website is to make it as customizable as possible. You can do this by letting the user decide what they need when. For instance, we recently designed a website that had an "I am" section on the blog. For example, the user could select, "I am a single mother," and then they could pick what they're looking for, like "Tips on raising a teenager." Based on this criteria, the blog will sort and give the user the content that best suits them. We've also worked with a few clients to customize their visitor pages. One church has developed a way for the user to pick the type of experience they want on their first visit. The visitor can choose where they are on a spectrum, ranging from "I want the full VIP treatment" to "I just want to sneak in the church's back door." Once they choose which experience they want on their first visit, the content (maps, what to expect, where to park, etc.) is customized just for them. 
   
   
3. Mobile First 
   We've been experimenting with mobile-first design this past year, and I think that will only increase in 2017. As we look at churches' web analytics, it's clear that more and more people are visiting websites on a mobile device first and most often. In fact, most churches will see at least a 60/40 ratio of mobile users vs. desktop users. As we continue developing websites, we're excited to think about what it means to design with the mobile experience at the top of the list! However, in order for mobile-first design to be successful, it means streamlining your evergreen content as much as possible, which brings us to our next trend ... 
   
   
4. Streamlined Evergreen Pages 
   This has been a trend we've embraced for a while now, but we think it will really go to the next level in 2017. We're encouraging churches to streamline their basic information pages as much as possible. These pages include ministry explanations, history, mission/vision and basically anything that is evergreen (content that stays the same over time and isn't associated with a unique date or time). Sometimes, churches find it difficult to cut the content on these pages because they're used to using their website as an online brochure. Here's our recommendation: Write out your content, then cut 1/3 of it. Then, reread it and cut another third! (Insert gasping emoji here.) 
   
   
5. Blog, Blog, Blog 
   So if you have a small number of evergreen pages, what is the point of your website? To provide your audience with content that inspires, educates and provides hope and help. In 2017, if your church hasn't started a blog, it's time! We believe all churches can utilize the potential of a blog to connect with their audience in a new way and make their website more than an online bulletin board. But don't feel overwhelmed by this! We've put together a list of the top 5 places to find blog content and also a content calendar to help you stay organized. Here's a little chart you can use to figure out how many blog posts you should aim for each week: 
   
   • <200 church members: 1 blog post every two weeks 
   • 200-500: 1 blog post per week 
   • 500-1,200: 2 blog posts per week 
   • 1,200-3,000: 3 blog posts per week 
   • 3,000+: 4-6 blog posts per week
     
     
6. CTAs 
   Using CTAs (calls-to-action) strategically can drastically change the user engagement of your website. Essentially, CTAs are buttons placed throughout the site that connect users to other pieces of content or next steps. They guide your audience through the site. The key to using CTAs successfully is to always know what your ultimate goal is for your audience. This sounds like a simple task, but it can be difficult. Get in the habit of asking yourself this question on every page of your website, including new blog posts or timely content. If you give tips for sharing the Gospel with a child, what are you hoping parents will do with that? Do you want them to share it with their friends? Do you want them to download a checklist that goes along with it? Do you want them to attend your parenting event? Do you want them to submit their own story? Decide what your ultimate goal is for that page and use a CTA to direct the user there. 

Web trends are great to know, but they can also feel overwhelming. Many of these can be done on your current site without a full redesign or reprogramming. But if you aren't sure if your website is still successful, download our free resource to find out.