Just like a regular business, a church needs to be marketed in order to attract members of the community. While not "marketing" in the traditional sense, church marketing is a necessary part of letting the community know "who" your church is, what your church offers in terms of programs and ministries and what demographic your church is trying to reach (as many churches feel "called" to certain community groups).
Instructions
1. Create a website. This is a critical first step in marketing your church. Most people these days find churches through the Internet. It is very important that your site be up and running and that it gives a sound overview of your church and its ministries. At a minimum, your website should have a pastor and staff biography, a podcast of a few sermons, photos of church members, contact information, upcoming events, service times and ministry listings.
2. Develop a brochure. Your brochure can be a paper form of your church website. Make these brochures available to your church members so that they can give them to friends, families, coworkers and acquaintances to invite them to church.
3. Purchase or make signs. These signs can be put out next to the street, with service times and your website address.
4. Write press releases for upcoming events. If your church has a large community event coming up, a good way to get the word out is to write a press release and send it out to your local newspapers and radio stations.
5. Create postcards and/or mailers. While direct mailing can be expensive, it can also be quite effective in reaching a large audience to tell them either about your church, in general, or about an upcoming event.
6. Utilize your members. Nothing "markets" a church more effectively than word of mouth. Inform your members that you are going on a "marketing campaign" and explain to them what that means as a church. Ask them to help spread the word. Tell them to get creative and bring ideas to you. You might be surprised by some of the fun and exciting ideas your members will come up with.
7. Release a CD. If your church has an outstanding choir, create a CD and sell it (at cost) at local book and music stores and local businesses. Music is a huge draw for the new church-goer.
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