Our FAQ page is here to help to answer the many questions that may pop up when you are considering a new website for your synagogue.
Well, chances are, if you are asking this question, then you probably know the answer. Website design moves fast. Your congregation may not need the most cutting edge website, but its design should feel relevant and fresh. If your website is more than 5 years old, then the answer is most likely, yes, it’s time for a redesign. Also, if you don’t like the look of your website, why should your members feel any different?
Actually, you’d be surprised at how many people, including non-members, are regularly visiting your website. On average, about half of all viewers are stopping by your website for the very first time. It’s fair to assume that many of these new visitors are interested in getting to know your congregation or are even considering becoming members. You definitely don’t want to give these viewers a subpar first impression. If you can, check out your Google Analytic data for more information on how many people are new versus returning visitors to your website.
Absolutely! Granted, as we design websites, we may be a bit biased, but trust us – a good website makes a big difference. Within seconds of landing on your website, visitors are making snap-judgment decisions about your congregation. Interest in your organization is potentially solidified or dismissed. Think of your website as akin to the role curbside appeal plays in selling a home. It doesn’t directly sell the house, but it encourages people to give the house a chance. A great synagogue website inspires visitors to imagine themselves becoming a part of your congregation. It has the power to help your Jewish community grow and thrive. We’ve seen it happen again and again. Any new member growth plan should include a serious look at your website.
Many membership management software programs, such as Shulcloud, or organizational movements, such as the URJ and USCJ, offer free website templates for you to use as part of what you’re already pahing them.
It’s probably no surprise that as a design agency, we have some strong thoughts on why synagogues should be skeptical when it comes to using a free website template. Your website plays a big role in your synagogue’s communication and marketing strategy. Free is nice, but we believe that the savings aren’t worth it when it comes to something as critical as your website. Read more about the pros and cons of using a template for your synagogue’s website.
If you get that it’s important to look good online, but are worried about losing the benefits of a cloud-based database, then we can help you get the best of both worlds!
You can use a ShulCloud website template, but it’s not necessary. We work with lots of synagogues who use us for their websites, but ShulCloud for their membership management needs. There is no reason to worry about missing out on the features and functionality of your database. For more information, please read on for how you can use a WordPress website while also using ShulCloud.
We are committed to providing all synagogues with a beautiful and affordable website. Please know that there are many aspects that factor into the cost of creating a new website. However, our pricing is designed to meet the needs of synagogues and other non-profits. Please contact us for an exact cost estimate.
Nope. Only a one-time design and build fee. There are no post-launch fees or monthly charges.
Sorry. Just websites. We ask that you select a hosting provider of your choice. If your synagogue is a part of the USCJ, we recommend that you host your site on their servers as it is an included service and costs you nothing. You can also host your website with GoDaddy, Network Solutions, BlueHost, or really anywhere you like.
On average, the design and build process takes between 8-12 weeks. There are many variables involved that can influence the length of the project including:
Of course! This is your website. We want you to absolutely love it. During the design phase of our project process, we create full-color mockups so that you can see exactly how the website will look and function. These will be submitted to you so that you can review them with your synagogue’s team and/or involved laypeople and give us any feedback about what you see.
We can, but it’s not necessary for us to meet at your building. The wonders of technology (emails, phone calls, and video conferencing) allow us to successfully work together even if we are several time zones apart. No matter where your synagogue is located, we are committed to maintaining a close working relationship throughout the project.
Very likely! We’ve designed websites for congregations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Florida, Oregon, Maryland, Kansas, Missouri, Canada, and many places everywhere in between. For a full listing of our clients, please visit our portfolio page.
Yep. Once the new website is launched, we will install Google Analytics for you, which will automatically record information about your website’s visitors. Or, if you already have a Google Analytics account, we can copy the tracking code from the old website and add it to the new one.
Definitely. We build all of our websites using WordPress, an online, open-source content management system. There is a reason why WordPress is the most popular platform around. It’s user-friendly and easy to learn. If you have experience using Microsoft Word, you’ll be able to quickly pick up WordPress.
Also, we provide you and your team with three hours of one-on-one training. We are committed to ensuring that you’ll be knowledgeable and comfortable using your new website.
Yes. You are welcome to give us a call or reach out at any time. We don’t just build your website and then disappear. We are happy to answer any questions or fix something that breaks. However, large scale design or development updates are billed at an hourly rate. Please know that we would never perform work on your website without first discussing the scope of the work and receiving your approval to proceed.
Again, we may be biased, but we think it’s pretty awesome. We get to know our clients very well and work hard to design a website that reflects the vibrancy of their congregation. Learn more about our team.