Blog

November 08, 2017

10 Things for Your Church to Check Before Christmas

Christmas is around the corner! Review our 10-Item Christmas Checklist for your church's online presence and communications resources ahead of those first-time visitors:

For Your Website:

1. Map and Directions
   The most important pieces of information a new visitor needs are best placed on your front page—or make sure you have a clear link on the front that takes visitors to that information. If you have a website with Online Church Solutions, you already have access to a Top Slidedown Panel. This feature clicks from the top of every page on your website, automatically creating a Map, Contact section, plus a third section that can be used for Service Times, a brief Welcome, or whatever information you'd like people to easily access.
   
   
2. Place Special Service Times on the Front
   Make sure your visitor can easily find out when the Special Musical or Christmas Event times are by giving that information a prominent place on the front of your website.
   
   
3. Update Contact Info
   Nothing is more frustrating to a visitor than to use a contact method or information and it doesn't work. Take a moment to review your website with fresh eyes regarding phone numbers, email addresses, and even outdated information (Summer Picnic?). Click on links within your website to make sure they do what they're supposed to do, and send a test email through your Contact or other forms to make sure a visitor contact is being received by the right email address in your church.
   
   
4. Consider a "What to Expect" Page
   If your church doesn't already have one, a "What to Expect" page can be a helpful way for visitors to your church feel comfortable about attending your services. Explaining dress attire, style of worship or even where to park gives people the confidence to attend your service without feeling awkward. Need some inspiration? Check out this Visitor Page from one of our churches, Greenwood Baptist Church in South Carolina.
   
   
5. Review Your Social Media Profile
   Take a glance over your Facebook/Twitter/Instagram profile. Is your contact info up to date? Does your Profile or Cover photo reflect current information? For your Facebook Page, consider using the Events section to let people know when your Special Services will be held.
   
   For When Your Visitors Have Arrived:
   
   
6. Using our Keyword Texting Tool you can easily direct people to receive more information about your church by texting a simple word, such as VISITOR.
   
   
7. Our eConnect button on the Mobile Web App is a great place for visitors and regular attenders to register their presence, ask a question, or give a prayer request.
   
   
8. Child Check-In helps you keep track of your Kids Ministry and includes easy visitor registration.
   
   
9. Have Special Designated Gifts or End-of-Year Donations? Text to Give provides the easiest way for your church attenders to donate money using their smartphone.
   
   
10. After people have visited your church, it's often so important to continue the conversation. Visitor Follow-Up is a great way make sure new people don't "fall through the cracks".