Case Study: Transforming Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s Online Presence

Overview: When Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church approached Deft, they had no clear direction or strategy for their digital presence. They relied solely on a free, long, and forgettable domain name provided by their conference, which had minimal traffic and offered no value to their community. The church struggled with organization and lacked a cohesive plan, making it difficult to work with them. However, Deft saw an opportunity to redefine their online identity and create a platform that would drive meaningful engagement and significantly boost attendance.

Initial Challenges:

1. Lack of Infrastructure
   - The church had no assets to provide, such as photography, copy, or a content plan.
   - Their existing website was non-functional, unappealing, and difficult to navigate.

2. Organizational Issues
   - The church leadership had no clear vision or strategy for their digital presence.
   - Communication was inconsistent, and obtaining necessary information was a challenge.

3. Brand Identity
   - The church had no visual or verbal identity to distinguish itself from other congregations.
   - Their messaging lacked clarity and relevance for their audience.

Solutions Implemented:

1. Domain Name & Registry
   - Secured a memorable and user-friendly domain name, aligning with their mission and audience.
   - Managed the domain registry and setup to ensure smooth and reliable functionality.

2. Photography
   - Conducted a comprehensive photo shoot to capture authentic, high-quality images of the church, its members, and key events.
   - Ensured the visuals reflected the warmth and inclusivity of the congregation.

3. Copywriting
   - Developed compelling and mission-driven copy to articulate the church’s values, events, and services.
   - Focused on creating a welcoming tone that resonated with both current and prospective members.

4. UI/UX Design
   - Designed an intuitive, modern, and visually appealing website that showcased the church’s mission and events.
   - Prioritized user experience by creating clear navigation, easy-to-find service times, and an engaging homepage.

5. Content Strategy
   - Established a calendar for regular updates, including blogs, event announcements, and community stories.
   - Integrated SEO best practices to improve visibility and attract organic traffic.

6. Additional Features
   - Created a section for live-streaming services to reach a broader audience.
   - Included a donations page, which significantly increased online contributions.

Proven Results:

1. Website Traffic
   - Monthly visitors increased within the first six months.

2. Attendance
   - In person attendance grew by 45% within a year, as the website made it easier for people to learn about service times and events.

3. Engagement
   - Online engagement metrics (e.g., time on site, page views) increased by 65%, demonstrating that visitors were finding the content valuable.

4. Donations
   - Online donations saw a 70% increase, thanks to the user-friendly and secure donation portal.

5. Community Impact
   - The church received positive feedback from members who appreciated the professional and inviting platform.
   -Prospective members cited the website as a key factor in their decision to visit the church.

Conclusion: Transforming Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s digital presence was a significant challenge, requiring extensive effort, creativity, and strategic thinking. Deft’s ability to build everything from the ground up—including photography, copy, design, and domain management, showcased its expertise in tackling overwhelming projects. The results speak for themselves, proving that even the most daunting tasks can be overcome with the right vision and execution. For Deft, no challenge is too big when it comes to helping brands reach their full potential.