Lately I’ve noticed I’ve been getting frustrated about certain ministry websites because of the lack of professionalism they display in web design. By design I mean copy writing, graphic design, and technical design. I’m frustrated because I keep seeing ministry websites lacking in this area.

I know what you’re thinking. Some of you are thinking, “I know what you mean!” Yet others of you are thinking, “Really? I’ve never really noticed”. And that’s who I want to speak to here.

The problem is there are many people (myself included) who can do a good job with writing good copy and graphic and technical design, but not a great job. I include myself because I know my limitations and skill set. The problem is that many others don’t. They think they are able to produce a great website but it’s not great. The problem is that they don’t realize it’s not great. And I think I figured out why the other day…

I’m going to call this the 90/100% Rule. It’s of my opinion that many websites only measure up to about 90% of it’s full potential. In other words, there’s still about 10% more work that needs to be done to make it a great site. The trouble is, to most people that 90% website looks fine to them. And it is just fine. Just good. Not great.

If you let professionals (employ them yourself, contract them, become one, get them to volunteer) work on your website, they can take it from 90% to the 100% level of potential. They can take it from good to great.

The trouble is, many don’t see this. They don’t see the need to pay extra or work harder to take a site from 90 to 100%. Everyone, after all, sees the 90% site and calls it good. The people who create it call it good.

However, if you took the 90% site and put it beside that same site at 100%, most people will know the difference. They won’t know what changed, but they will know that the 100% one is better. Why? Because it is better!

I’m of the opinion that it’s worth taking your site from 90 to 100% by getting professional help. Not only will your site be better looking, more readable, and better functioning, but it will also be more effective for ministry. Professionals are able to make subtle changes so that the site is, well, better. And most people are none-the-wiser. However, most people will recognize quality work…and they’ll respond to it better.