One of the most helpful things your meeting website can do is give potential newcomers a glimpse of what they can expect if they decided to visit. Below are some tips for making your website newcomer friendly.

How Long Does Worship Last?

It’s wise to give newcomers an idea how much time they’ll be committing for a visit. A schedule (Meeting for Worship at 1o:00, Coffee Time at 11:00, Religious Education at 11:30) lets them know that they can come for an hour – or more than two! Post this schedule on the front page. You can say more if you have a “Newcomers Page” or “What You’ll Find if You Visit” page.

What’s the Dress Code?

Let people know how they should dress if they want to feel comfortable. Of course, we’re happy when anybody, no matter what they’re wearing, comes to worship, but each meeting generally has an unstated, but understood, dress code. This is not about conformity, but it’s about welcoming and care. No one wants to arrive in a suit and tie if no one else is wearing something similar – oops, over-dressed!
One good way to communicate this is to have photos of your members in worship, at coffee time, or in adult education classes. Again, you can say more if you have a “Newcomers Page” or “What You’ll Find if You Visit” page

What’s Worship Like?

A short, jargon-free explanation is really helpful to newcomers. The words unprogrammed, semi-programmed, and programmed don’t mean much unless a newcomer “speaks” Quaker.

What About Our Kids?

Are children welcome in worship? Is there child care? Religious education for children? Inquiring parents want to know.

Do You Look Like Me?

If your meeting is multicultural, display photos that show your diversity. If you’re not, don’t use stock photos that show a diverse membership. Use photos of the members and attenders of your group whenever possible.

How Do I Find You?

Make sure a map (preferably one that is interactive and allows the user to get directions for her/his location) is on your home page. It should also be on a “Newcomers Page” if you have one.

Your meeting’s address, telephone number, and email information should also be on the homepage. All should actually connect to a person who can respond in a timely manner to whatever is asked or commented on there.