Sharing a NextSteps Journey
NextSteps, a powerful digital tool developed by the Jesus Film Project, offers various methods to share your created journeys effectively. This guide will walk you through the process of sharing your journey using different techniques, ensuring that your content reaches your intended audience seamlessly.
1. Sharing via URL
The simplest way to share your NextSteps journey is by using its unique URL.
- Open your completed journey in the NextSteps journey builder.
- Click on the "Share" button located at the top right of the screen.
- You will see the default URL for your journey.
Customizing Your Journey URL:
- Click on "Edit URL" in the sharing options.
- Choose a unique subdomain using characters from the Latin alphabet.
- 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.isURL. - 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:
- Copy your full NextSteps journey URL from the "Share" panel in the journey builder.
- Choose a third-party URL shortener service (examples include Bitly, Switchy.io, Rebrandly, TinyURL, Cuttly, etc.).
- Paste your NextSteps journey URL into the chosen tool to create your new, shorter link.
- 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 offer a quick and convenient way to connect physical materials, such as pamphlets, posters, or business cards, directly to your online NextSteps journeys. Users can simply scan the code with their smartphone to access your content instantly.
Creating a QR Code in NextSteps:
NextSteps includes a native QR code generator, which is the simplest and most direct way to create a QR code for your journey:
- Open your completed journey in the NextSteps journey builder interface.
- Click on the "Share" button, typically located at the top right corner of the screen.
- In the sharing options panel that appears, click the "QR Code" button.
- NextSteps will instantly generate a QR code linked directly to your journey URL.
- You can then download this QR code image (usually by right-clicking on the image and selecting "Save Image As..." or a similar option, depending on your web browser) and use it in your printed or digital materials.
This method is recommended for its speed and simplicity, ensuring the QR code is correctly generated for your specific NextSteps journe
Alternative QR Code Generation:
If you require more advanced customization of the QR code's appearance (such as adding a logo within the code, changing its colors to match branding) or if you want to integrate the QR code seamlessly into a larger design project (like a flyer or social media graphic you are creating in another tool), you can use third-party QR code generators. Canva is a popular example that offers this functionality:
- First, get your NextSteps Journey URL:
- In the NextSteps journey builder, open the journey you wish to share.
- Click the "Share" button and copy the provided journey URL.
- Access Canva (or your chosen third-party tool):
- Navigate to Canva's website (canva.com) or open the app. You may need to sign up for a free account or log in.
- Generate the QR Code in the Third-Party Tool:
- In Canva, for example, you can find a QR code generator within its "Apps" section.
- Paste your copied NextSteps journey URL into the URL field of the generator.
- If the tool offers customization options (like colors, adding a logo), apply them as needed.
- Generate the QR code.
- Incorporate into your Design:
- You can then add this generated QR code to your Canva design or download it for use elsewhere.
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.
Best Practices for Using QR Codes:
- Test Your QR Code: Before printing or widely distributing materials with your QR code, always test it by scanning it with several different smartphones and QR code reader apps to ensure it directs users to the correct NextSteps journey.
- Size and Clarity: Ensure the printed QR code is large enough to be easily scanned and has sufficient contrast between the dark and light elements. Avoid overly complex designs if they hinder scannability.
- Provide Context: It's helpful to include a brief call-to-action or explanation near the QR code (e.g., "Scan to join our journey!" or "Explore NextSteps:").
- Mobile-Friendly Journey: Remember that users scanning a QR code will be accessing your NextSteps journey on a mobile device, so ensure your journey's layout and content are optimized for mobile viewing.
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:
- In the sharing options, find and click the "Embed" button next to the "Edit URL" button.
- Copy the provided iframe code.
- 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:
- Navigate to the NextSteps dashboard by clicking on the NextSteps logo or menu button at the top left of the journey builder.
- Click on the menu icon next to team members.
- Select "Custom Domain" from the dropdown menu.
- 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
- Choose the Right Method: Consider your audience and the context in which they'll access your journey when deciding how to share it.
- Test Before Sharing: Always test your sharing method (URL, QR code, embed, or custom domain) before distributing it widely.
- Provide Context: When sharing your journey, include a brief description of what the recipient can expect.
- 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.