February 27, 2018

9 Things for Your Church to Check Before Easter

It's not long before Easter will be here! Review our 9-Item Easter Checklist for your church's online presence and communications resources ahead of those first-time visitors:

For Your Visitors:

1. Visitor Follow-Up is a great way make sure new people don't "fall through the cracks". It's so important to continue the conversation, so working to get this set up now is a great plan.
   
   
2. Using our Keyword Texting Tool you can easily direct people to get information about your church by texting a simple word, such as VISITOR to receive back an auto-reply text with more details or links.
   
   
3. Creating an online Connection Card form is a great place for visitors, regular attenders, and especially online worship viewers to register their presence, ask a question, or give a prayer request.
   
   
4. Child Check-In helps you keep track of your Kids Ministry and includes easy visitor registration.
   
   For Your Website:
   
   
5. 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. These would include a location map with directions, contact information, plus a special section that can be used for service times, even a brief welcome, or whatever information you'd like people to quickly access.
   
   
6. Place Special Service Times on the Front
   Make sure your visitor can easily find out when the Special Musical Event, Extra Sunday Services, or Good Friday times are by giving that information a prominent place on the front of your website. Don't forget to include links if you livestream church services online for those who can't be there in person.
   
   
7. 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 Take a moment to review your website with fresh eyes regarding phone numbers, email addresses, and even outdated information. 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.
   
   
8. 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.
   
   
9. Review Your Social Media Profile
   Take a glance over your church's Facebook/Twitter/Instagram profile. Is the 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.