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How to Create an Inspiring Giving Page for Your Church Website

September 4th 2019

Did you know that churches that accept tithing online increase overall donations by 32 percent? However, only 67 percent of nonprofits across the globe are set up to accept online donations. No matter your personal feelings toward online giving (cough, cough), these statistics should resonate with you as a church leader. As people rely on technology more and more, we have a unique opportunity to meet them where they’re at and make church giving more accessible than ever.

However, before you can start to see your church giving increase, you must create a place online where members and visitors alike can give. This is where having an inspiring giving page for your church website comes into play. 

You can be sure that a poorly designed and thrown-together giving page is going to look like a security risk and scare people off faster than you can attract them. On the other hand, a giving page that is branded, put-together, and thought-out will comfort and encourage people to give. The best news? It’s easier to create than you think.

We’ve created a three-step process to creating a church giving page that’s sure to inspire and encourage generosity at your church.

Step One: Create Your Content

The old saying “content is king” remains true when it comes to your online giving page. This page needs to answer two primary questions about giving: 1. How can I give? 2. Why does it matter? 

Take a look at how Biltmore Church answers these questions right away.

To break it down even further, here are the specific content components to include on your giving page:

Welcome and Thanks

Simply by showing up on your giving page, visitors should receive a short welcome message and a thank you for even considering giving to your church. This could be a short video clip from your pastor or just a few meaningful sentences.

Importance of Giving

Next, your page needs to explain why giving is important. Consider including scripture that is foundational to the giving at your church such as 2 Corinthians 9:7.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Ways to Give

This may be the most important content to include on your church giving page. Include every method that someone can give to your church including in person, online, text giving, giving kiosks, etc.

Security

It’s no secret that security is a concern online, and this becomes especially true when dealing with money. Include a brief section about the security measures your church has in place when people give online.

Show Where the Money Goes

The next section should tell the story about what the money given to your church does. Include examples of recent purchases or ministries, show pictures of the money at work, and list specific needs you are working towards. This adds practicality and tangibility to the gifts given.

Thanks and Opportunity to Share

Finally, conclude with thanking the giver and encouraging them to share by including social sharing links on your page.

Step Two – Design the Page and Embed the Giving Form

Once you have your content, it’s time to actually design your page and embed the giving form. It’s crucial that you keep branding in mind with this. Your giving page needs to match the rest of your church website, have your logo on it, and look secure. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

Add Photos of Your Church

While it may be tempting to add stock photos of an offering plate, consider adding in photos of real people at your church. This helps people visualize what they are giving to and inspire them to continue partnering with you in ministry.

Keep Your Form Simple

Giving forms that are embedded on your church website should require all of the needed information, but shouldn’t ask for more than that. Lengthy forms can be intimidating, and you want to make it as easy as possible for people to give online.

Include Multiple Ways to Give Online

While you want to keep your form simple, it’s also a good idea to include multiple ways to give online. This could include:

  • A one-time donation
  • The option to donate to a specific cause or fund within the church
  • Recurring/Regular donations at set intervals (weekly, monthly, etc.)

Don’t Forget a Checkout Page

After a donor has completed giving online, what happens next? They should be directed to a checkout page that gives a receipt and thanks them for their gift. If you use an online giving system, this is often included. However, make sure that is branded and secure just like every other piece of your online giving process.

Step Three – Publish and Promote 

The last step is to publish your church giving page and promote online giving to your congregation. 

Add “Give Now” Buttons

Once your giving page is published, be sure to include a “give now” button on your homepage and on any other church website page that mentions supporting the ministries of your church. Also, include the button or link on all of your social profiles. The more traffic you can drive to this page the better.

Promote, Promote, Promote

Now that you have an inspiring giving page to be proud of, it’s important to get the word out. Use the following avenues to encourage people to give online:

  • Design social media graphics and post them on all of your social channels
  • Include giving information in your church bulletin
  • Show a slide promoting online and text giving during your offering time
  • Have your pastor announce online giving from the pulpit

Utilize your Church Management Software

Finally, use your ChMS to get the word out about your online giving page and simplify your processes. Send a group text or email using mass communication tools, and/or set up workflows to remind staff members to thank donors. The possibilities are endless.

Next Steps

Before you can create an inspiring giving page for your church website, you need to partner with an online giving system provider that will help you do so much more than just move donations. At Elexio, our desire is to come alongside you in ministry and partner with you to inspire donors, provide leading technology options, and create the best donor experience out there. Learn more about Elexio Giving here.

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