How to Launch an Online Presence

Pick Colors

Pick One or Two Colors that reflect your aprish

Make a Logo

Create a simple square logo that does not have the parish name in it

Keep it simple

Something that can be used as a Favicon, Icon and Logo. Think image on your tab in your browser, apps on your phone, etc.

Select a Domain Name

Go to a domain registrar like Namecheap.com

Search for variations on your parishes name like SaintXParishCityState.org

Yes short an memorable, but the more your full name and city and state are in it the easier it will be to find on search engines and the less people will confuse your parish with another parish with the same name.

Get a Business E-mail

You can pay for a business e-mail with your favorite email provider

You can also use a feature in Namecheap where there is free email forwarding to an email you already have

You can also get Google Suite for Non-Profits 

Also as of 2024 ZOHO has up to 5 free business emails with each domain

Build a Website

You can hire a developer, pay for a website building platform and DIY

You can also build and host one as of 2024 on Google Site for free.

Create Social Media Accounts

Social Media is free, pick one or two and just get them

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X formerly known as Twitter, YouTube etc.

At the very least claim your name so that no one can pretend to be you.

Add your social media links to your parish website

Get Online Payment Processing for Donations

Many online payment processing has no monthly fee just pay per transaction

Venmo actually has one of the lowest processing fees

There are secular ones like Stripe, Square etc. and there are also ones designed for Parishes or Non-Profits

Note many have discounted rates for non-profits

Update Masstimes.org and our Diocesan Listing

Go to www.masstimes.org and make sure that your parish info is correct with your new website

Go to your Diocesan Website and if they have a listing of parishes email the one in charge with your new information

Claim your Google Business Profile

Google you parish's name and you should see a listing with your address.

If you are a brand new building you can actually add it to Google Maps.

Make sure all of your business info is correct and up to date.

For parishes who would like to do it themselves or who are interested in the process that we use we've created a FREE online class that will show them step by step how to build an online presence for less than $19 a year.