3 Web Design Considerations for the Black Church

Over the past decade, a large number of churches have started using websites, social media, and graphic design to spread the word of God, increase their membership, raise funds, and help keep their members and the community informed on the latest events and happenings. Churches still serve as the cornerstone for most African-Americans to keep them informed not only on spiritual matters, but matters in the community and the world. Before developing or rebuilding a website, ministries must consider the size, socioeconomic status, age, gender, and race of their communities and  target audiences to have a better understanding of their members needs and how a church website should be utilized to reach their target audiences.

How should web designers collaborate with Black churches to get their messages across to people in the community? Are there certain messages and media that need to be emphasized in web design that churches in other cultures don’t necessarily address? Here are three factors to consider when creating websites for Black churches.

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4 Powerful Networking Tips for Black Web Professionals

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Although signs are showing that the job market is improving, the unemployment rate for African-Americans in the U.S. is still more than double the unemployment rate for whites. While there are a number of reasons why this is the case, many experts say that a lack of a strong network of professionals will hinder many people’s job searches.

Finding a job is about who you know, and that can make the search even more difficult for African-Americans. In a 2013 study published by the Russell Sage Foundation, Professor Nancy DiTomaso of Rutgers University says that hidden forms of racial inequality tied to seemingly innocuous things like networking are holding black job-seekers back. In a job market where hiring is increasingly based on personal connections and internal employee referrals, African-Americans are at a disadvantage because they don’t have as much “social capital” and aren’t as connected to networks that can help them land good jobs compared to other races.

For black professionals in the fields of web development, web design, and graphic design, finding a strong professional network is especially important. The combination of fierce competition for jobs and the smaller number of black professionals in the field may mean that you will be passed over for opportunities. However, by following these tips, you’ll be able to create and establish a network of professionals that will enable you to to take your career to the next level.

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12 Designers to Follow on Behance

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Behance is an online showcase where you can discover the latest work from top online portfolios by creative professionals across a number of design disciplines. Whether it’s photography, graphic design, branding, or illustration, you’re bound to find creative inspiration just by spending a few minutes browsing through the hundreds of thousands of portfolios available.

Follow these 12 designers we’ve spotlighted on Behance and keep up with their work. Maybe they will inspire you to create something great!

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Our 50th Podcast Interview Contest!

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We’re coming up on our 50th podcast interview at the end of October, and we’re going to give away a $50 Amazon.com gift card to one lucky person! The giveaway will take place during the week of the 50th podcast interview (October 27th — also the week of Halloween), and it ends on October 24.

Each person can have up to two entries in the contest by leaving a review on either iTunes or Stitcher radio. Here’s how you can enter.

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15 Ways to Generate Income When Business Is Slow

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We’ve all had those moments when business gets slow. You may be exhausted after a flood of clients, but you know you have to network your butt off to get more clients to meet your monthly quota. We’ve all been there.

Recently, I created a training course and turned away new projects as I got closer to my launch date. It was a big mistake because that project didn’t make as much money as I would have liked. After the launch, I had to come up with a game plan.

If there’s one thing I can take away from my recent experience, it’s this: you have to find time to look for new projects and clients, and revisit your existing client list to make sure you have a consistent stream of income.

Let’s face it, although we do what we do because we love it, we also have to run a business…and that requires income.

Here are 15 ways to generate income when business is slow so you can get out of that slump.
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