When COVID-19 sent churches online, church social media strategy became more important than ever. In the wake of a global pandemic, we saw so much grace given to churches as they got their online presence figured out.
A year later, people are getting used to the new rhythms, but many churches still feel like they’re scrambling to figure out how to be effective when communicating with their members. Developing a social media strategy can be overwhelming when your church doesn’t have a dedicated communications team, but we’re here to help make it easy for you. Here are our five must-do’s when developing a social media strategy for your church!
Must Do #1: Establish Which Social Media Metrics Matter Most
Every church has in-person metrics that matter (often known as “butts-in-seats”). Do you have these same guideposts for your social media strategy? After viewing metrics, use your numbers to help in your drafts for new content. If your Announcements post consistently gets great interaction, then your congregation loves being informed! Continue to make these posts, but also use the foundation of the post to create new posts (Announcements done as a graphic, story, video, etc.)
Must-Do #2: Follow the Competition
We all have the same goal in mind, so it’s good to learn from those who are doing well, or from those who are an inspiration in your field. That could mean trying new things, like IG Reels, going live, etc., but it’s a great way to stretch and try to reach your audience in new ways. Doing new things can encourage someone to stop scrolling for a moment, which could lead them to catch an invite to an event, and potentially rededicate their life to Christ! That’s what it’s all about.
Must-Do #3: Make Timeliness a Priority
As much as you can help it, have set deadlines and stick to them between you and anyone else working with you. Work with your leadership on future ideas; as conversations happen involving possible sermons or events, be thinking of how you can contribute in online awareness/marketing and promotions to ensure you get the best possible reach from your congregation. There’s no such thing as being too early!
Must-Do #4: Take Pictures!
If your church is doing community events, your staff participating in fun shenanigans, etc., let’s try it out and see it. If you ever need assistance in capturing some of these things, reach out—we would love to help give your church materials you can use for awareness, promotion, and documentation.
Must-Do #5: Over-Communicate
Communication should always be a priority. Whether that means having details on socials, the web, the app, between staff, etc., always over-communicate. If a church staff can’t answer the details to an event, then the congregation probably needs more details as well.