Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

Marketing Solutions On A Shoestring For New Church

Posted by Anonymous on 9/4/2012 at 12:32 PM ET 250 Points
Hi everyone! First post here!
I am a "church"-preneur (my word creation) or church planter/pastor. Just recently started a new church in NC. As a new church and as a non-profit there is a significant scarcity of funds, but we have a real desire to reach the masses. Most marketing ideas I see presuppose that there is a tangible product and are not so easy to convert into something suitable for a non-tangible such as religious affiliation. Looking for high-impact, low cost (free ain't bad either) marketing ideas for churches. I'm a bit of techie, and enjoy the idea of employing social media efforts but need to develop a strategy that is effective for an intangible product! Any thoughts? I know several pastors and church planters that are having similar problems.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Gail@PUBLISIDE on 9/4/2012 at 4:23 PM Accepted
    As with all marketing, you want to promote what makes you different than others. In your case, is your church's approach to services and parish communications more contemporary than others? Is it more conservative? Do you incorporate more music than other churches in your area?

    Start with highlighting those things (if you enjoy a lot of music, YouTube is a great way to go), and communicate the way people in your target market like and expect to be contacted. Social media is great -- only if your market uses it.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 9/4/2012 at 7:27 PM Accepted
    Invite groups/clubs to use your church's facilities for little or no money, and use the face-to-face opportunity to build your congregation/community.

    Or, take your existing congregation into your community on visible community-building opportunities (barn raisings, roadside cleanups, parades, etc.).
  • Posted on 9/5/2012 at 12:28 AM Author
    Gail,
    Thanks for the info. I suppose regardless of the tangible or intangible nature, we should always strive to identify our unique selling proposition. It is still an important part of any marketing initiatives.
  • Posted on 9/5/2012 at 12:31 AM Author
    Jay-

    Thanks for the suggestions. We currently engage in a Random Act of Kindness Campaign within the community where we go out an randomly bless strangers with groceries, gas, or some other kindness or generosity. As of yet that has not created much traction for us. I will look at other projects within our community.
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