7 Must-Have Tools to Build an Online Ministry

Looking to start a blog or website for outreach? Here are 7 tools to build an online ministry and help you get started today.

I believe that I am to serve God in everything. From where I go, to what I say, to what I share on my website and social networks, all that I do should glorify God and His goodness. My faith is who I am. It’s why I’m here and flows through every part of my daily life; from the school carline to quick trips to the grocery store.

That’s why, for me, I consider my blog an outreach for my ministry. It’s my way to reach out to moms all over the world and share with them everything from recipes and housekeeping tips to words of encouragement when they’re having a bad day.

Are you thinking of starting your own blog or website? It’s a great time for anyone to start an online ministry.  Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the past several years, you realize the powerful network opportunity of social media. Now anyone with a message and the drive to share can reach an audience ready to follow. With so many online tools available, NOW is the time to share the message of His Truth and change the world.

The best news is that it’s easy to implement.

With just a few simple tools, you can set your ministry in the most optimal position to spread your message and be heard among the rest. Here are 7 Must-Have Tools to Build an Online Ministry. These tools are super easy to use and should be top priority when starting to build your online presence to reach your audience.

7 Must-Have Tools to Build an Online Ministry

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#1 Online Real Estate Your online address is the home you’ll share with your audience. Make sure to create a welcoming environment that gives a great first impression. Create a space that shapes the message you are trying to convey. From color choice to images, think of your site as your home within the neighborhood. Keep the virtual lawn mowed, plant a few flowers for curb appeal, and brew a fresh pot of tea. You get the idea. Maintain your online ministry on a daily basis. Keep it fresh, relevant, and helpful. You never know when someone in need will drop by.

#2 Professional Email When I first began blogging, I had no idea how important my email address would be. One day I was cleaning out my inbox and realized I was trashing emails according to their address. I discovered I was tossing aside any emails that looked spammy or unprofessional simply due to the lack of time to read them all or space in my ever-growing inbox. Present yourself as a professional when sending emails. This begins with a professional email address that clearly states who you are and a tagline about your ministry.

#3 Email Signature Along with your email address, take a few extra minutes to set up your email signature. It’s another great way to share your message and again, super easy to create. Keep it simple by just including your name, name of your ministry, and how the email recipient can keep in touch. Think of your email signature as your virtual business card. It’s an easy opportunity to get noticed and share your message.

#4 Brief Bio You’ll find the more you interact with others online, the more often you’ll need to get acquainted. But as you know, social media interaction is always quick and to the point. Make it easy on yourself and create a brief bio to include a brief statement about who you are and what you do.

#5 Quality Headshot Now days it’s too easy to acquire a great photo for your networks. Try to use a standard headshot that is easy to crop and resize, so that you can use it across all sites. Soon, readers will connect your face with the ministry and will be encouraged to connect within your community.

#6 Gravatar According to tool #5, this should go without saying. There’s no reason to show up as an egghead or the mystery man when you leave comments on other blogs or sites. As you interact on forums or comment on other blogs, others will begin to recognize your face and connect with who you are. People are looking for other people. Social networks are social.

#7 Consistent Profile Though your website is your personal space online, your online presence funnels through the web through many other channels, such as social networks and other blogs. Stay consistent across all social media. That way, you remain clear on the focus of your message to build the audience you are trying to build online.

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