Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Who is Church Plant Media?
Church Plant Media was born out of a God-given vision to assist church planters with their web efforts. In working with church planters, we began to realize that most couldn't afford the budget required for a custom design. Out of that, Church Plant Media was born. Please read our "about us" page for additional information.
How can I create a web site for my church using your services?
Using our services is extremely simple. Simply choose a design from our web packs page that you would like your web site to look like, select any add ons, let us know how you want it customized, and then monitor our progress as we create your site. After your design is finalized, we'll implement our content management system which will allow you to create and edit any content that changes on a regular basis (pages, navigation tabs, text, header graphics, sermons, articles, events, and much more).
What do you mean by semi-custom?
Semi-custom means that the designs have already been designed by our designers. A planter can pick a design that fits their image, and we will customize it with their logo, graphics, images, text, colors (according to the package you select).
Why should I use one of your semi-custom designs instead of a custom design?
We have learned that church planters need two things in regards to a web site: 1) The site must be high quality, and 2) the web site must be cost-effective. Custom designs are great, but can be expensive. Utilizing our semi-custom service, you can get a web site of equal or higher quality for about 1/2 of the price of a custom design. Listed below are four reasons to choose a semi-custom design over a custom design.
- Quality - semi-custom designs are equal, if not better quality than custom designs
- Price - semi-custom designs are much more cost-effective than custom designs.
- Time and Ease of Use - implementing a semi-custom design takes much less time than it takes to create a custom design.
- Ability to Preview Design - with semi-custom designs, you will have a good idea of what your site will look like, even before it is finished.
Are you a Christian company?
Yes, we are. We believe in spreading the Gospel using every resource available. We have witnessed God's power day after day, and we want to share that joy with everyone that we come into contact with. Utilizing our talents is just one way of giving glory to the One that deserves it the most.
Do you do custom web sites?
Yes, we can do custom projects. Please contact us for additional information.
Under what convictions do you operate?
We believe in you as a church planter and what you're accomplishing for the Kingdom of God. We feel that our services can benefit you in terms of cost and effort. Our goal is to provide planters with a top notch service at extremely competitive prices. There will always be a church planter that wants a custom design, and we'll be able to provide it. However, we feel the majority will gravitate toward the semi-custom option, due to the price, quality, and convenience. Combine our design flexibility with our full-featured Content Management System, and you have an unbeatable combination.
What are the odds of me running across another web site designed from a design that I choose?
There are tens of thousands of churches on the Internet, so the odds are low that you will ever run across another site using your design. By the time your design is customized with your logo, colors, layout, and content, it will look quite a bit different than the original design.
To what extent can I customize a semi-custom design?
The amount of customization depends on the package you select. With the Bronze package, we will integrate a site for you that will be identical to the original design frame you select (we will add your logo to the design). With the Silver package, we will take the design frame you select and will customize the colors and photos. We'll also add your logo to the design. With the Gold package, you can combine two or more design frames into one custom design.
Can you provide web hosting and domain name registration for my web site?
We sure can. Monthly fees start at $50.00 per month, and include:
- 24/7 web-based access to the Content Management System to manage your website
- Content Management System feature releases to the base system (certain features)
- Content Management System maintenance and upgrades
- Content Management System hosting
- Website hosting
- E-mail (webmail and pop3)
- Toll-free technical support
Domain registration is $15.00 annually.
Where can I view the available design frames?
Simply visit our design frames page to view all of the designs that you have to choose from. More designs will be added on a monthly basis.
Do I need programming or design skills to utilize your services?
No, you don't. We take care of all of that for you, so you can focus on the more important aspects of building your church. Once we're finished designing your site, we'll turn it over to you and you will be able to maintain it yourself using our Content Management System.
Why should I use your services instead of a template service?
Simply put, the combination of our design frames and our Content Management System is a tough combination to beat. There are quite a few template companies, but the majority of them do not offer the quality, customization, or backend content management system that we can offer.
Once you design my site, can I maintain it myself?
Yes. All sites can be maintained with our Content Management System, the full-featured content manangement system designed for planters that will allow you to maintain the majority of your site by yourself. This system is an excellent content management tool that will allow a non-technical person to maintain the web site using a simple point-and-click interface. The goal of this system is to provide all Church Plant Media clients with a powerful tool that requires zero technical knowledge to instantly update and maintain their web site. The software is as simple to use as Microsoft Word, and using this software will save you money over time as you can maintain the site yourself without paying a developer to perform the updates.
What if I want Church Plant Media to manage my web site?
We are available to maintain your site if you wish.
The Process
How does the process work?
We have a simple process that works as follows:
- Choose your starter design from our web packs page.
- Fill out our short contact form or call us toll-free at 800.409.6631.
- We will discuss your needs and give you a quote.
- If you decide to proceed, a 50% deposit will need to be paid.
- Monitor our progress as we develop and launch your web site.
- Make the final payment for your site.
It's as simple as that! We strive to make the process as easy as possible.
How do you customize my semi-custom design?
We'll take the design that you choose, and we'll gather the information that you want to include. We'll then customize your design to include your information, and after you approve the final design, we'll code the site and will upload it to the Internet.
How do I explain exactly what I want my web site to look like?
You will be assigned a project manager that will discuss your site with you and walk you through the process. You can always call us toll-free at 800.409.6631, or you can communicate with us via our web-based project management tool.
How can I check the status of my web site?
Your project manager will be in constant contact with you throughout the entire process. You can always call us toll-free at 800.409.6631, or you can communicate with us via our web-based project management tool.
How long will it take to get my web site up and running?
Once you have chosen a design frame and have discussed your needs with a project manager, the project manager will set the estimated completion date. Most will average six to eight weeks, depending on multiple factors. Some can take a little as a few days, depending on how much customization is required.
