Church Website Redesign Proposal: Build a Case Leaders Can Evaluate

A proposal is stronger when it begins with the people the website is failing to serve. Document specific problems: guests cannot find current service information, mobile pages are difficult to use, staff depend on one volunteer, forms do not reach the right team, or outdated content is weakening trust. Screenshots and a short task test make these problems concrete.

Avoid making 'the site looks old' the entire case. Visual quality matters because it affects clarity and confidence, but leaders also need to understand the operational, pastoral, accessibility, search, and maintenance consequences of leaving the current system unchanged.

State what the new website should enable. A useful outcome might be that a newcomer can find where and when to attend, understand the children's experience, and choose a next step from any phone. Another might be that staff can keep critical information current without waiting for technical help.

List the pages, content migration, integrations, redirects, forms, accessibility review, search setup, analytics, training, and launch support included in the project. Also state what is not included. Clear boundaries make vendor comparisons fairer and reduce surprise requests after approval.

Present two or three credible approaches, such as a do-it-yourself builder, a managed platform, or a custom agency engagement. Compare the full cost over several years, including hosting, add-ons, maintenance, support, staff time, future changes, and migration. A low setup fee can still create a high operating burden.

Name the risks honestly. Content may arrive late, a domain transfer may affect email if handled poorly, integrations may require separate subscriptions, or no staff member may have time to maintain a flexible system. Pair each risk with an owner and mitigation rather than burying it.

Close the proposal with the recommended option, budget ceiling, accountable project owner, final approver, target launch window, and the decision needed now. Attach the design brief and vendor evidence rather than crowding the main recommendation with every detail.

Define success in observable terms. Track whether visitor-critical facts stay accurate, whether mobile users reach directions or visit information, whether forms work and receive timely responses, and whether the team can complete routine updates. Those measures are more responsible than promising attendance growth or search rankings a website alone cannot guarantee.