Burning Question #2: Church Marketing

Our second set of burning questions revolved around how we can increase the church's exposure in the community. We received a lot of good suggestions: yard signs, various forms of print advertising, temporary signs around the community on the weekends, mailers, more signage at the YMCA, and the list goes on. Unlike the fundraiser questions (see previous post), I think we all agree that it's important for more people in our community to find out about our church. So the only question is how we go about it. Let's take a look at a few different methods:

Mailers: while mailers are an effective way to get the word out in our community, it's also expensive. We're talking about thousands of dollars to do it right (which is the only way we would do it). Our current income doesn't allow this option. So we're looking for other ways to accomplish the same purpose.

YMCA signage: among the YMCA's many kind gestures to us, they allow us to advertise the church on their flat screen in the entry way, and on the outdoor marquis on Sunday mornings. We are working on some additional outdoor sign options, but city ordinances for signage are very strict, and the process is slow. We do plan to add additional portable signage outside the YMCA on Sunday mornings, including a large sign on the side of our trailer. The Sign Shop in League City, where Brad works, is offering a great deal of help in this area.

Yard signs: not my favorite. Who reads your yard sign? -Your neighbors. I do not want my neighbors to find out about the Springs from a sign in my yard. They need to hear about it directly from me. And yours need to hear about it from you. If your neighbors don't hear about your faith and your church from you, but read about it on a sign in your yard, what does that communicate? Skip the yard sign and have your neighbors over for burgers.

Print Advertising: We are pursuing as much print exposure as we can that is free. Some of you are aware of the recent front-page article about the Springs in the Galveston Daily News. We are also planning to submit more articles in the community newspaper that is distributed in our area. In the future, as our budget may permit, I'd like to see us advertise in the Clear Springs High School football program and other similar publications that are community-oriented.

Billboards: again, most billboard advertising is out of our financial reach. One possible exception is a billboard in the outfield of one of the Little League Fields at the Sportsplex. The cost for such a sign is $275 for the year, with the Little League season beginning in March. I am coaching in a division of 10-year olds who all live on the west side of League City, so the advertising is targeted specifically to families in our neighborhoods. We already have a sign design ready and waiting for production. If you would like to make a donation to see this happen, just let me know.

Community Service: serving in our community is a great and effective way of increasing our exposure in a positive way (not to mention that we're serving and meeting needs). Our upcoming participation in the Habitat for Humanity women's walk is a good example. Our ladies will wear t-shirts to distinguish them as Springs, and I'll be DJing the event with our trailer and signage in a prominent place. We'll also receive public recognition at the event from Habitat. These kinds of partnerships with other organizations in the community are among our preferred methods of increasing our exposure, and they don't have to be church-wide events. We hope our table groups will take the initiative and participate in similar activities. Brainstorm it at your neighborhood table or with your community group.

Word of Mouth: I saved the best for last. With our church, as with any organization or business of any kind, word of mouth is by far the best advertising you can get. All other forms of advertising are generally only effective if they are accompanied by word of mouth. In short, you are the best marketing method we have, and this will always be true, regardless of our size or budget. There is no substitute for us meeting people in our community and introducing them to Jesus first, then to the Springs. So get out there!

Cards or marketing handouts (like our current series piece) are always available, so pick some up Sunday at our gathering. See you there with the neighbor you told about the Springs.