| Web survey harvests insights into viewers needs Sheila Georgespecial to the umconnection The results are in for the Baltimore-Washington Conferences first-ever Web-based survey, yielding a wealth of information to enhance the conferences Web site, www.bwcumc.com . According to Co-director of Communications John Coleman, the goal of the survey was three-fold: to develop a profile of conference Web site users, identify their use and opinion of the current Web site, and test interest in new Web site features while obtaining users ideas and recommendations. Participants completed the survey online by following a link provided in the electronic newsletter, e-connection, and on the conference home page. The survey was available online Sept. 11- 27. Based on respondents information, the conference now has a snapshot of its Web site users and their interest in enhanced online features for the conference Web site. Of the 14 features offered to survey takers, respondents gave the highest priority to online registration for events, including the annual conference session, (57 percent), and Web sections for young adults (52 percent) and youth (50 percent). Considered important were an online conference directory (44 percent) and resource center (42 percent), followed by the ability to do surveys online (38 percent) and pension and health benefits enrollment for clergy and staff (37 percent). Survey respondents also asked that the current sites information be kept up-to-date and made easier to navigate. Of the many ideas offered, the majority focused on group-specific Web sections and online resources for laity and clergy (see sidebar). Survey participants comments showed sophisticated knowledge of the Internet, current software products and knowledge of ways to use Web-based helps to meet their needs. The majority of survey respondents were church leaders in a variety of roles. Fifty-six percent were female. Eighty percent were between the ages of 36 and 65, while those ages 26 to 35 were the next largest group at 8.9 percent. Visiting the conferences Web site about once a week (32.7 percent), most find the information they seek (57 percent). Their reasons for visiting the Web site are for conference information, such as telephone numbers (50 percent), to check dates of conference events and other specific information (41 percent), for conference news (39 percent) and for denominational news and resources (38 percent). All conference districts were represented in the survey findings, with the majority of respondents from the Washington West District (18 percent), followed by Annapolis (15.8 percent), Washington-Columbia (14.4 percent), Baltimore North (10.8 percent) and Baltimore-Hartford (9.4 percent). This research was conducted in an effort to ensure the Web site redesign will better meet the needs of conference members and others who currently use the conference Web site, and to develop increased interest in and use of the Web site by adding new features and group-specific sections.
Suggested Changes Group-Specific Sections - Web site sections for various groups: youth and youth leaders, campus ministries, lay leaders, clergy and clergy spouses, families, children, United Methodist Men/Women, church Web masters and others;
- An older adults area was the most frequently requested of all sections.
Online Resources - Central Resource Box to search for links to specific subjects;
- Searchable E-Discipline;
- Worship committee resources;
- Expanded links to other United Methodist Web sites and online resources (such as general boards and agencies);
- Conference calendars of events-scheduling information to avoid planning conflicts;
- Searchable directory of the conferences churches with up-to-date basic information was a frequently requested resource.
Clergy Resources - The most requested clergy resource was downloadable Charge Conference forms and the ability to fill out and return reports to the conference online;
- Clergy section on Web site;
- An interactive online discussion on topics affecting ministry and peoples lives led by a professional and/or clergy person;
- Sermon, lectionary and worship helps;
- One respondent suggested that this Web site could be a catalyst for getting lay people involved in and excited about ministry to others.
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