[Event] John Wesley didn't have Wi-Fi

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I had the opportunity to attend a workshop in the Methodist Church Synod of North West England, exploring how we can engage people in an increasingly digital world with the church.

What inspired me was how many of the principles discussed are not unique to churches; they are equally relevant to online marketing and digital engagement in general. Thanks to Samuel Rimmer for hosting the workshop and getting us thinking about how we connect with people in a digital world. 

The key ideas I took away: The website and social media are often the first things a person encounters before they ever visit a church. They should make the church easy to discover, easy to understand, and easy to approach.


  1. Website — The Front Door

Is your website newcomer-friendly?

The website is often the first impression of the church.

A newcomer should be able to quickly answer: When? Where? What should I expect?

Ask yourself:

  • Can I find the service time within 30 seconds?

  • Can I immediately find the address, email and phone number?

  • Do I know what to expect on my first visit?

  • Can I see what the church community is like?

  • Does the website look active and up to date?


Keep it simple

The Jam Experiment illustrates a useful principle: Too many choices can become overwhelming.


Do and Don't

Do

Don’t

  • Clear Information Immediately

  • Welcoming Photography

  • Clear Invitation

  • Evidence of Activity

  • Mobile-Friendly Design

  • Simple Navigation

  • Out of Date Content

  • Too Much Information

  • Poor Quality Images

  • Church Jargon

  • Long Blocks of Text

  • Missing Contact Information


Good Examples

https://sojournsterlingheights.com/

https://www.remnantuk.org/

https://www.bramhallmethodists.org.uk/


  1. Social Media Platform

Don't build another notice board

Avoid using social media mainly for:

  • Event announcements

  • Weekly notices

  • Repeated advertisements

  • Links to information elsewhere

Announcements have a place, but they should not be the whole strategy.


Show people, not just programmes

People want to see:

  • People

  • Relationships

  • Community

  • Real moments

Show photographs and videos of people talking, serving, worshipping, eating together, helping others and having fun.

Tell a story: Stories create connection. Announcements provide information.

Use richer content: Link < Text < Photo < Video < Live


Algorithm rewards conversations more than announcements

Social media is social.

Don't just post and leave. When people comment: Reply. Ask questions. Continue the conversation.


Timing

Don't post simply because an idea has just occurred to you. Think about when your audience is online.

Potential opportunities:

  • Early morning: breakfast / before work or school

  • Early evening: commuting / after work or school

You don't need to be online at that moment. You can schedule the post in advance.

Start small: 15 minutes. Once a week. Every week.

Create something simple. Post it consistently. See what people respond to. Improve gradually.


The 80/20 Rule

Relationship 80%

Promotion 20%

  • Stories
  • People
  • Community
  • Faith Sharing
  • Behind the Scenes

  • Events
  • Services
  • Notices
  • Fundraising


Don't use a big word when a singularly unloquacious and diminutive expression can satisfactorily accomplish the contemporary necessity.

  1. The Most Important Point: People

Digital is only the front door. But when they actually arrive, people make the difference. Interact with people in person.


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