There are over one billion active domain names worldwide. The website domain name is important, so that when people think of your website, they'll think of it by name.
     For example, when people think of freemasonrytoday or thefreemason, they don't have to wonder what URL (Universal Resource Locator) to type into their browser. With lodge domain names, it can be as simple as the lodge name and number; e.g.: hopeandcharity377.org.uk A solid high quality logo is important.
     This is generally the first image people see when visiting your site. Remember that old adage “first impressions count”. Images should be high quality, not too large and not too many. Search engines require text “keywords” rather than images to optimise the search results. Flash animations take time to load and for lodge-type websites, in our humble opinion, is superfluous. The best way to grab the attention of your visitors is quality images and classy colours. We also advise that you avoid the temptation of adding music to your website. It rarely works and is more often than not very tacky!
     Before you choose who is to host your site you need to make sure that you look to the future. It’s no good going for the free hosting offered by certain ISPs if you intend to add an online shop or other potentially resource-draining components.
     There is always a trade-off for something free… find out what that is.
     What you put on your website is important. Don’t overload visitors with unnecessary stuff; give them what they want and no more. Make regular changes to the site so that they see something different each time they visit. Give them a reason to come back for more.
     Planning and creating a good lodge website can be a very time-consuming, but necessary task if you want the right result.
     What we have covered here should be considered the basic considerations for those looking at the fascinating world of web-design. For lodge sites, maybe talking to your Provincial or District Grand Lodge might be a good idea… Oh yes, don’t forget to apply to UGLE (through your PGL/District GL) for their charter mark.
     Examples of this topic can be found at: www.lodgeofwarwick.org.uk - www.2773.co.uk - www.pagelodge.org - www.warwickshirepgl.org.uk - www.philolodge.net - www.stthomaslodge6574.org.uk.
     Congratulations to all involved in the development of these websites… Well done!
     If you know of any other sites we should take a look at email us at online@thefreemason.com