For Web-Savvy Organizations

10 Dos and Don't s

For Web-Savvy Organizations

James Martin | JULY 4, 2011

Do Engage. Maintain an active presence in the digital world, including on Facebook and YouTube. It is easy to set up accounts on both. Facebook features “fan pages” for public organizations that anyone can join or “like.” Think about newer modes, too, like mobile phone apps.
Do Update. Frequently. If you are in need of new content, link to news items that people might otherwise overlook. Think sticky.
Do Tweet. It is easy to write 140-character tweets (on Scripture, spirituality, prayer, books, church news) that will help the people of God.
Do Redesign. At least every few years upgrade your Web site.
Do Scout. Look at popular Web sites, blogs, Facebook “fan pages,” YouTube videos and Twitter feeds. What are they posting that makes them successful?

Don’t Foster Link Rot. Leaving up dead links, (a k a “link rot”) will frustrate visitors and give the impression your organization is inattentive or just clueless.
Don’t Be a Hater. Don’t respond to hateful comments with more hate, no matter how tempting it is to “get” the other person. Remember: In all things charity.
Don’t Despair. If you question the need for this kind of evangelization, remember the growing power of social and digital media to reach the young and the not-so-young.
Don’t Be Gullible. Be very discerning when you stumble upon outright attacks on other Catholics. Before you jump to conclusions, find out what is actually going on.
Don’t Be Proud. No medium is beneath us when it comes to spreading the Gospel. Remember Jesus used any and all means to reach people.
Read Fr. Martin's report on the church in the digital age: "Status Update."
James Martin, S.J., is culture editor at America.