Sharing a NextSteps Journey

NextSteps, a powerful digital tool developed by the Jesus Film Project, offers various ways to share your created journeys with your audience. This guide will walk you through the different methods of sharing, from simple URL sharing to more advanced options like QR codes and custom domains.

1. Sharing via URL

The simplest way to share your NextSteps journey is by sending the journey link (URL) directly.

Steps to Share Your Journey URL:

1. Open your completed journey in the NextSteps builder.
2. Click on the "Share" button located at the top right of the screen.
3. You will see the default URL for your journey.

Customizing Your Journey URL:

1. Click on "Edit URL" in the sharing options.
2. Choose a unique subdomain using characters from the Latin alphabet.
3. Click "Save" to confirm your new custom URL.

Note: Customizing your URL makes it more attractive and easier to remember for your audience.

Using Third-Party URL Shorteners or Branded Link Tools

If you want to further customize the link you share, or if you wish to prevent the your.nextstep.is domain from being directly visible in the link preview when texting or sharing on social media, you can use a third-party URL shortener or a branded link tool.

How it Works: These services take your full NextSteps journey URL (e.g., https://your.nextstep.is/your-journey-title) and generate a new, often shorter, link (e.g., https://short.link/myjourney or https://yourbrand.co/event). When someone clicks this new link, they are seamlessly redirected to your original NextSteps journey.

Benefits for Sharing NextSteps Journeys:

• Masking the Default Domain: The primary link shared and potentially shown in previews will be the shortened or branded one, rather than the your.nextstep.is URL.
• Shorter, Cleaner Links: Easier to share, especially in character-limited environments.
• Custom Branding (with some services): Some tools allow you to use your own custom short domain (e.g., go.mychurch.org/journey), reinforcing your brand.
• Click Analytics: Many of these services provide their own analytics, allowing you to track clicks on the shortened link.

How to Use:

1. Copy your full NextSteps journey URL from the "Share" panel in the journey builder.
2. Choose a third-party URL shortener service (examples include Bitly, Switchy.io, Rebrandly, TinyURL, Cuttly, etc.).
3. Paste your NextSteps journey URL into the chosen tool to create your new, shorter link.
4. Share this new link.

Important Considerations:

• While the shared link is different, your journey remains hosted on the NextSteps platform.
• For a solution where your journey appears to be directly part of your own website domain (e.g., www.mychurch.org/our-journey), refer to our guides on Embedding your Journey or setting up a Custom Domain with NextSteps.

2. Creating and Sharing QR Codes

QR codes are an excellent way to bridge the gap between physical materials and your digital journey.

Creating a QR Code in NextSteps:

1. In the sharing options, locate and click the "QR Code" button.
2. NextSteps will generate a QR code for your journey.

Alternative QR Code Generation:

• You can also use third-party QR code generators for additional customization options.
• Popular tools include QR Code Generator, QRStuff, and QRCode Monkey.

Tip: QR codes are particularly effective when used on physical items like pamphlets, business cards, or posters.

3. Embedding Your Journey on a Website

For those who want to integrate their NextSteps journey into an existing website, embedding is an excellent option.

Steps to Embed Your Journey:

1. In the sharing options, find and click the "Embed" button next to the "Edit URL" button.
2. Copy the provided iframe code.
3. Paste this code into the HTML of the webpage where you want your journey to appear.

Note: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to edit the website where you're embedding the journey.

4. Using a Custom Domain

For a more personalized and professional approach, you can link your journeys to a custom domain.

Setting Up a Custom Domain:

1. Navigate to the NextSteps dashboard by clicking on the NextSteps logo or menu button at the top left of the journey builder.
2. Click on the menu icon next to team members.
3. Select "Custom Domain" from the dropdown menu.
4. Follow the provided instructions to link your journeys to your custom domain.

For detailed instructions on setting up a custom domain, visit the NextSteps Support page.

Best Practices for Sharing

1. Choose the Right Method: Consider your audience and the context in which they'll access your journey when deciding how to share it.
2. Test Before Sharing: Always test your sharing method (URL, QR code, embed, or custom domain) before distributing it widely.
3. Provide Context: When sharing your journey, include a brief description of what the recipient can expect.
4. Monitor Analytics: Use the analytics features in NextSteps to track engagement and adjust your sharing strategies accordingly.

By utilizing these sharing methods effectively, you can maximize the reach and impact of your NextSteps journeys, enhancing your digital ministry efforts.For more detailed information and support, visit the NextSteps Support page. Additionally, explore the Jesus Film Project Tools for more resources to enhance your digital ministry efforts.