Before they ever set foot in your church building, people in your area are checking you out online. What information are they going to learn from your digital presence? And is that information going to make them want to visit?

Today’s guest Steve Fogg- former graphic designer, advertising agency Creative Director, Communications Director and now Online Campus Pastor at Crossway, Melbourne VIC- helps churches, charities and businesses reach the right audience online.

In this episode, Steve recommends the best digital tools for facilitating ministry and helping people get connected to your church.

The truth is that 60-70% of church website traffic is first-time visitors. Behind every click, email or page view a real person who is known, pursued and loved by God. We need to match the person’s search intent with a ministry opportunity.

Mindset shift
Where we invest our budget is where we’ll be successful in our mission. We’ve got to foster a culture of going after the one, of being absolutely sold out for the lost. Until we do that, we won’t have an externally focused budget that reaches our community.


Review your church website
People are checking us out all the time online. 60-70% of church website visitors are first-time visitors. What does your website tell a first-time visitor? Do you have your Christmas services up? Is your website relatable and relevant to your community? Is it all about internal-focused information or does it say ‘You’re welcome here!’ Remember it’s only part of their journey, but it’s often the first part. Think of your website as a vital part of your welcome team. Consider a Plan Your Visit page to help people feel connected.

Google Business
This is a free way to get your church found online. Include your logo, contact details, phone number, website, service times, address and photos. Give people an insight into what it’s like to be part of your church. Upload photos that show people what you want them to know: what people are wearing, what the inside of the building looks like, what the car park situation is.


Utilise Google Maps & get found
Too many churches are invisible, but if people are searching ‘church near me’ or for a specific suburb, Google Maps can help your church get seen.


Create blogs that keep your church visible
Create a blog or page for each of these topics: Christmas services, Easter services, name of your town/suburb church. Consider repurposing Easter or Christmas sermons into text and creating website content that is SEO-optimised to get your church visibility. If your church does lots of weddings, has a playgroup or runs a marriage course, create content so people can find out what you do. Don’t be the best-kept secret online.

Give the right person the right opportunity at the right time
300-400,000 people every month search specific topics about Jesus, actively looking for answers about Jesus. Why did Jesus die? Who is Jesus? Create videos or blogs that answer these questions, and plant a seed for someone in their faith journey.

Google Ad: How Can we Pray for you?
Google Ads can provide a starting place for a conversation, facilitate genuine ministry and allows you to engage with people in their time of need.

Resources:
Google Business
Steve Fogg
Rev Transcription