Whatever you decide to cut from your church’s budget, don’t let it be your website. Social Media is free. Websites cost. The higher cost is not having a website to crown your social media presence.
Social media is where conversations happen.
The website is what you own, like your church building. Or, if you are a small church that meets in a rented building, it’s the only church building you own. There are options available on your website that are not available on social media.
- Registration for events
- Prayer board
- Giving
- Your own distinctive design which reflects the personality of your church
- Trusted information if kept up to date
- Creative opportunities to connect
- Email sign up
And lastly, you own it. This means, your content will not be taken down because it was reported. Most social media platforms compete with any outside platforms, including your own website for “customers” attention. Knowing how to promote that website is a constant learning process.
Here are some suggestions:
- Facebook:
- Post a link to a single page on your website like a blog or an event with a teaser as the “status”.
- Post a picture of last year’s event or a church photo, the link to the event, or blog post on your website and a teaser.
- Post a picture of last year’s event or a church photo with a teaser. In the comments, post the link to the event.
- Post the link and a teaser to the event or blog and buy a Facebook Ad to “boost” it.
- Use no more than two hashtags. Try to find a trending hashtag to use.
- Quote something in a blog post on your website in a nice graphic. Post the graphic and the website link together.
- Instagram:
- Post a picture of last year’s event or a church photo with a paragraph or two about it. Refer people to check out the event on the link on your profile, or write it in.
- Post a picture of a church event. Post the link to your website. Ask a question to start a discussion related to the website.
- Don’t forget to use hashtags.
- Quote something in a blog post on your website in a nice graphic. Post the graphic and the website link together.
And like the upkeep on your church building, it’s important to keep your website accurate and up to date. Promptly answer your website emails. Update all staff changes. List a mailing and street address on your website.
And these days, your website and correlating social media are an extension of your church campus.
Extra Resources:
- The Foyer Moved
- What Churches Should Know About Branding Content
- 5 Ways to Share Your Faith Online
- How to Transition to Digital Bulletins
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay
