Network Norfolk readers love news, events & jobs
Readers of the Network Norfolk website love news about people, churches, Christian organisations, events and job opportunities across our county, according to our recent reader survey.
Among the 105 readers who responded, people and church news are favourite reads with 90% of readers and Christian organization news and events with 80%.
Readers say the most useful things about the website is news and events, promoting their own or church activities, staying informed, church unity, inspiration and encouragement and job opportunities.
One reader said: “It unites the churches and Christian organisations via sharing news, in a way that is unique in inspiring and connecting and I often go to things I have seen on there.”
Another said: “I love seeing all the different things happening across the church in Norfolk - it's great to have a place where you can be encouraged to see how much there is going on and how many Christians are working hard to share the love of Jesus with the people who live in our county.”
Two thirds of readers have been with the website for over five years and another 31% for between two and five years, so thank you for your loyalty.
When asked specifically how we could improve the website, 40% of people said do nothing different – we love it as it is! 10% however did say modernize the look a bit, 7% said provide more stories about different churches and regions around the county and 3% said be more careful about who you ask to write opinion columns.
“It's really good and well laid out. The articles are well written and interesting: well done,” said one reader. “Perhaps a slightly more modern look would be good,” said another. “Put a spotlight on different churches around the county - what God is doing in their church and area, how they are serving their community,” said a third.
One area where we need to improve acknowledges
editor Keith Morris, is in the fast-changing world of social media. 74% of readers said they did not follow us on any social media channel. Just 22% follow us on Facebook, 6% on Twitter and 7% on Instagram.
Keith said: “We need to up our game on social media to get more engagement from our users. We have recently appointed someone to do just this – so watch this space but in the meantime, send me any thoughts you have.”
Of the 100 survey respondents, 76% said they always read our weekly enewsletters and another 20% said they sometimes read them. Almost half of our respondents also read our quarterly sister newspaper, the Good News for Norwich and Norfolk regularly.
“Many thanks to all who took part,” said Keith. “We very much appreciate your support over the almost 18 years since we first launched the website. We now have a part-time team of five content editors based in Norwich, North Norfolk, East Norfolk and South Norfolk and cover all areas in-between as well.
“Thank you also for sending us your ideas for future news stories which we will follow up. And please keep sending in your news stories, events and other material for us to consider publishing.”
And finally, the lucky winner of our £30 voucher to spend at the Revelation bookshop of café in Norwich is, Sarah Housden.