Marketing Strategy Concepts for a Church

Marketing your church can help you raise membership rates.

Just like businesses seek out new customers, churches often need to increase their membership rates to do things like pay their utility expenses, fund new programs and make improvements to their buildings. To do this, churches can use a variety of marketing strategies and concepts to help them increase the number of people in their congregation.

Create a Website

Websites can be important marketing tools for churches. When somebody new moves into your neighborhood, or someone is looking for a new church to join, they may search online for nearby churches. If you don't have a website, you may be missing out on getting your church's name out there. Work with a graphic designer to help you put together a website. It should include information about your congregation, membership rates and contact information. Communicate important updates, sermons and special events that take place each week. Offer an electronic version of your church bulletin so your members can download it on your website.

Send Mailings to New Families in Your Community

Direct mail is another strategy churches can use to promote their congregations. Work with a mailing list vendor, who can help you create a list of potential new members in your area. For example, you may want to send a mailing to families who have recently moved into your community, and direct mail allows you to do just that. Once you have your list ready to go, work with a graphic designer and copywriter to create a brochure or postcard inviting people to come visit your church.

Network at Faith-based Events

Search online for faith-based conferences and expos in your local area. Use these events as an opportunity to network with people, and discuss the benefits of joining your church. Bring business cards, brochures, booklets or mp3 podcasts of sermons from your church. Or, attend family-themed festivals or Christian music concerts, and network with people you meet. You can also attend a rally or gatherings that supports causes your church believes in.

Use Word of Mouth Marketing

Word of mouth is simply utilizing your current network of members to help spread the word about your church. Create a stack of brochures or "1-pagers," which is a brief document outlining the benefits of your church. At your weekly service, ask your church members to tell their friends, family members and other contacts about your church by handing out the brochures or 1-pagers. You can also create a Facebook "fan" page for your church to help spread the word via word of mouth. Ask your church members to pass your fan page to their online contacts.

References

• Ministry Marketing Solutions: 14 Church Marketing Ideas - Market YOUR Ministry with Excellence
• "Church Relevance"; Church Marketing 101; Kent Shaffer; January 2006