In the latest episode of the Church Solutions Podcast (episode 451), Phil Thompson sits down with Steve Foster, COO of Outreach, Inc., to discuss effective church marketing strategies and practical tools to help churches expand their reach. Here’s a recap of the episode, packed with actionable insights for church leaders.
Upcoming Webinar: Enhance Your Church’s Visibility on Google
Before diving into the main discussion, Phil shared details about an upcoming free webinar titled Enhance Your Church’s Visibility in Google. Hosted by StreamingChurch.tv and featuring Bart Blair from Missional Marketing, this webinar is designed to equip churches with practical strategies to improve their search rankings and attract more visitors.
📅 When: November 19, 12 PM EST
🎁 Perk: Live attendees get a chance to win an exciting giveaway!
Register at webinar.streamingchurch.tv—even if you can’t attend live, sign up to receive the recording.
Spotlight on Outreach, Inc.
Who is Outreach, Inc.?
Steve Foster provided a fascinating look into the history and mission of Outreach, Inc., a company founded in the mid-1990s to help churches connect with their communities through creative marketing strategies. Today, Outreach offers a wide range of services, from printed materials like postcards and banners to digital tools like church websites and sermon resources. Their goal is simple: to equip churches to share the gospel effectively.
Key Services:
- Print Campaigns: Creative postcards, banners, and other physical tools to make a lasting impression.
- Digital Marketing: Integration of Facebook campaigns with physical mailings for a dual-pronged outreach strategy.
- Specialized Tools: Tailored demographic targeting, enabling churches to focus on specific community segments like families with children.
Church Marketing Trends
Steve highlighted several significant shifts in church marketing over the years:
- The Rise of Digital Marketing: While digital tools like Facebook ads and email campaigns have been dominant, traditional physical materials remain highly effective due to their tangible nature. Postcards, for instance, boast a near-100% “open rate,” compared to the fleeting engagement of digital ads.
- The Return to Physical Marketing: Despite the digital boom, physical materials like postcards and banners are regaining prominence. Studies show that physical items engage the brain differently and create more memorable impressions.
- Text Messaging: Text campaigns remain a powerful tool with a 90%+ open rate, providing a direct and personal way to communicate with congregants and prospects.
- Hybrid Strategies: Combining digital and physical outreach—such as pairing a postcard mailing with a Facebook ad campaign—yields superior results.
Practical Tips for Church Leaders
Steve shared actionable advice for pastors looking to improve their marketing efforts:
- Know Your Audience: Understand who you’re trying to reach and tailor your messaging accordingly. Tools from Outreach can help identify and target specific demographics.
- Leverage Your Congregation: Encourage members to view themselves as ministers who actively invite others to engage with the church.
- Focus on Data: Collect and maintain contact information, such as email addresses and phone numbers, to build a reliable database for outreach.
- Integrate Strategies: Use a mix of physical and digital tools to maximize reach and effectiveness.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Church Marketing
Steve predicts that in the coming years, churches will continue to see a blend of digital and physical marketing. He emphasized the importance of “owning your audience” through direct contact information like email and phone numbers, rather than relying solely on platforms like Facebook or Google, where algorithms control visibility.
Get Started with Outreach, Inc.
Interested in leveraging Outreach’s expertise for your church? Their team of specialists is ready to help create tailored solutions for your unique needs. You can reach them through their website at Outreach.com or by calling their customer support team.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a pastor of a small congregation or a leader of a large church, this episode of the Church Solutions Podcast offers valuable insights to enhance your outreach strategies. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more resources and inspiration tailored to church leaders.
Explore more tools and services at StreamingChurch.tv—we’re here to help your church succeed!