During one of our coaching calls, a pastor suggested that a church’s website is similar to a virtual greeter. Just as you have people waiting at the doors to welcome people to your Sunday service, your website and online profiles are your church’s (potentially first) introduction to virtual visitors.
1. Start with your profile. The first tip on any social platform is to present what you want your visitors to see. Update your church’s profile photos to something that encompasses your church. Whether this is a picture of the building or your logo, make sure you use high resolution images so that the picture isn’t pixelated. You want your first impression to be a good (and clear) one.
2. Call out your priorities. Another effective social tip is to get specific on who you are and the people you want to attract. Oftentimes, all are welcome. However, people do have preferences for their comfort levels. For example, if your church is a little more relaxed and less traditional, be sure your profile(s) emulates this. Be true to your style and birds of a feather will find you.
3. Connect on the right platforms. We already gave our recommendations for which social sites you should be on. (If you missed it, be sure to check out our blog!) However, the beauty of different churches is that they’re different! Your community might be super active on Facebook, while other congregations might be more involved with the church website. Check in on the activity happening on your sites and focus energy on the most active ones.
4. Comments go a long way. When someone–either a current member or random internet traveller–comments or interacts with your pages and/or profiles, use this opportunity to connect! The more personal your response the better, but even something as small as a like or reshare will help grow those connections. (It helps people see your church as friendly people just like them.)
5. Use Facebook groups strategically. You can also find groups on Facebook where your ideal visitors hang out. Look for local and/or interest-based groups. (When you join these groups, you will typically see other relevant groups to join.) Most groups frown on blatant marketing, but through positive interaction within these groups, you can help spread goodwill for your church throughout your community.
It’s often said in business, but I think it’s more important in general life, we should always put our best face forward. We hope these ideas give you some inspiration into doing so for your church on the digital front.
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If you need a little more help on getting your best face ready for digital ministry, please schedule a strategy call. We’d love to chat with you to see if our Digital Ministry Coaching Program is a good fit for you and your church.