Dean Cothill

Tag: Dean daily devotions

  • 10 things you have to know about SEO and the Local Church

    10 things you have to know about SEO and the Local Church

    How can you, as the pastor of the church, ensure that people easily locate your church online? The good news is that by following a few simple local SEO guidelines for churches, you can increase your online visibility. 

    When looking for a new church, the majority of individuals start by pulling out their phone and searching Google for nearby churches. If your church website has good local SEO, it will show up at the top of the search results page for churches in the area (search engine optimization). 

    With the help of these ten local SEO tips for churches, you can significantly raise your Google position and make it easier for people to find you online.

    What Does Local SEO Mean for Churches?

    When someone searches for “encouraging online sermon” or “Bible study ideas” online, they receive millions, literally millions, of results. When they are looking for a nearby church to attend, location is crucial. Local SEO is helpful in this situation. 

    At least 33% of consumers look up neighboring businesses on a daily basis. Every day of the week, a lot more people utilize online search engines to find nearby products and services. 

    One or more key phrases, such as “near me,” “nearby,” or include a city or neighborhood name, let Google know that the searcher is seeking for a specific location. Location settings on our phones is something that we have all become very familiar with… When searching for that restaurant or using WhatsApp pin drops or sending a LIVE location to a family member…

    For example, someone who has recently moved or looking for a new church might search for

    • churches near me
    • churches in [city name]
    • top churches in [city name]
    • nondenominational churches near me
    • churches with kids program in [city name]
    SEO for local churches

    Location-based queries like the ones in the aforementioned instances will display the Google map pack at the top of the search results page. This feature has probably already been seen by you. The map pack displays the locations of the top three search results on a Google map. 

    It’s crucial to get your church listed in Google Maps if you want it to appear in local searches. Google claims that the order of local search results is dependent on 

    Relevance\Distance\Prominence 

    Local SEO strategies for churches can increase your relevance and prominence in search algorithms even when you have no control over how far a church seeker is from your location. Here are some recommendations to get you going.

    1. Set Up a Solid Google Business Profile

    A free web tool called a Google Business Profile connects to Google search and maps. Even while some businesses and churches may already be listed on Google Maps, it’s still vital to claim and validate your profile. In addition to verified listings appearing more frequently, you will also be able to amend your information. 

    In order to claim your listing, you typically need to mail a verification code on a postcard to an actual address. Once you’re live, spend some time carefully filling out your profile. 

    Add photographs and videos highlighting your culture, community, and church experience. * Include your physical address, business hours, website, phone number, and other pertinent information. Connect your social media accounts Respond to reviews and the feature that asks questions. And get those reviews rolling in…

    2. Claim Your Listing in Online Directories

    You might not be aware of how many websites your church is listed on. If you’re keeping track, there are at least 77. Have you verified the accuracy of your information and claimed your company citation across all of these platforms? 

    Sources like Yelp, Bing, Apple Maps, Yahoo!, Waze, YP (previously known as Yellow Pages), and others list local business citations. 

    Websites, social media, apps, and local directories are some examples of the different types of online local citations for churches. 

    Local directories, which are those that are exclusive to your area, may include local newspapers, blogs, and chambers of commerce that list the churches there. 

    If the idea of updating 77+ directory listings overwhelms you, you might want to think about employing a directory management service. 

    3. Ensure All Your Information is Accurate and Consistent

    Make sure all of your information is current once you’ve set up your Google My Business account and claimed your online directory listings. 

    Your NAP, or name, address, and phone number, is the most important information. Maintaining accuracy across all platforms has a big impact on Google rankings. 

    Try to maintain a consistent format for the data. Instead of abbreviating “Avenue,” spell it out in full everywhere. 

    Additionally, keep in mind that you’ll need to go in and update all your listings if any important information about your church changes. 

    Update Local Church Information: 

    * Taglines/Mission statements 

    * Name, address, and phone number 

    * Business description 

    * Website 

    * Email 

    4. Ask for Reviews to Improve Google Ranking

    What more elements might persuade Google to list your church among its top results? Reviews and ratings are unquestionably important. 

    Genuine reviews are a reliable indicator to Google that your page merits a recommendation. You should increase your reviews on Yelp, Facebook, and any other sites where people may rate you in addition to Google. 

    You could be reluctant to bring this up due to the painful worry: What if we get terrible reviews? 

    It’s certain that you’ll receive reviews that are fewer than five stars at some point.

    But keep in mind that a few unfavorable remarks won’t harm your rankings or deter visitors. On the contrary, by highlighting your distinctive qualities, they can end up benefiting you in the long run. Not everyone will find a church to their liking. 

    You can’t just wait around and hope that people would publish reviews on their own initiative. If such request makes you uneasy, think about the following strategies.

    • Ask people to share their testimony online. It’s not just a plug for your church; it’s the story of what Jesus did for them at or through your church.
    • Remind people of the purpose and mission of reviews: it allows more people to find your church online. This is digital evangelism!
    • Ask for reviews in your email newsletter or on your website with a direct link. Take out the extra steps and make it easy for people.

    Finally, remember to reply to reviews that individuals leave. You can congratulate and support them. Leave a brief reply if the comment is unfavorable and take any further discussion offline. Avoid engaging in online arguments, stoking the flames, or starting new discussions.

    5. Optimize Your Website for Mobile

    One of Google’s key ranking variables influencing where you appear on the search results page is your site speed (how quickly your website loads). Additionally, since the majority of people search on mobile devices, you must optimize your website for them.

    In 2021, mobile devices accounted for more than 56% of all web traffic worldwide. Start with a free church website review if you’re unsure about the technical aspects of website optimization and optimizing site load time.

    6. Do Keyword Research

    Don’t be intimidated by the phrase “keyword research”; it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. 

    By conducting keyword research, you may find out what terms and phrases individuals are searching for. What inquiries do they make? 

    With this knowledge in hand, you can create online content to enhance local SEO. 

    You can get started with brainstorming and creating target keyword lists with the use of free keyword research tools. A couple to check out are: * Wordstream * Neil Patel’s Ubersuggest * Google’s Keyword Planner (part of Google Ads) No cost keyword tool.

    To get started on your keyword research, check out our post on free SEO tools for churches. When you’ve compiled a list of pertinent terms, INCLUDE THEM EVERYWHERE!!

    7. Include Local SEO Keywords in Your Headings, Images, and Descriptions

    Using local keywords in your titles, headings, and picture names will help your local SEO because Google searches every word and piece of information on your website. Here are a few illustrations of landing pages for Easter services. 

    * The names of your pages and blog entries are contained in title tags. Use “Church Easter Services in Fairview, Montana” in place of “Church Easter Services.” 

    * Your website’s URL is its address. Use mychurch.com/easter-services-fairview-montana in place of mychurch.com/easter-services. In the file name and alt-text of your images, include regional SEO keywords. You may name the file “Easter service in Fairview” rather than “church service” when naming an image.

    Use these guidelines for creating headlines for your website, webpage content, meta descriptions, and Google or social media adverts. 

    Don’t make things too complicated. Make sure your titles and descriptions are clear, logical, and concise because a pleasant user experience and easy readability come first.

    8. Update Seasonal Church and Event Content

    What is happening in your neighborhood? Include content on your website and blog that highlights the local events your church attends, from holidays to community festivals. 

    Events’ booths, neighborhood outreach programs, and partnerships could all be listed. Other instances include: * Christmas or Easter services * Trunk or Treat or Fall Festival * Easter Egg Hunts or Spring Festivals * Summer Camps * Back to school activities for families * Men’s Breakfast, Women’s Retreat, etc. 

    Adding your church’s website to local event sites or directories also generates backlinks, a crucial element of search engine optimization.

    9. Use Local Lingo to Improve Local Search Results

    Do your city or neighborhood have a moniker? Are there any well-known local proverbs in your area? Sometimes, only locals are familiar with the insider terminology and will search using it. 

    Local slang might aid searches in pinpointing regions and target populations if you have different campuses. Whether your church is located in a major suburb, downtown, or on a university campus, describe it in a distinctive manner that speaks to your neighborhood.

    10. Think Like Someone Searching For a Church

    The most crucial local SEO tip for churches is to create material with the perspective of someone who is looking for a church. Yes, we’ve already touched on this idea, but adopting this attitude is essential to applying all of the other local SEO best practices. 

    Your church’s website cannot be created from that viewpoint; it is more than just an online bulletin or information board that pushes internal updates. What questions are being posed from an outsider’s perspective? 

    People who… * recently moved to the region * stopped attending church and want to reengage * are looking for a different church * have never attended to church before may be among the several groups you’re attempting to target.

    Your keyword research should have given you a list of things to include on your web pages. But if you “keyword stuff,” Google will penalize you (overusing keywords in an attempt to rank higher). Instead, they aim to find information that is actually pertinent to searches and valuable to users. 

    It’s true what they say about how you say things being more important than what you say. Therefore, be sure that your article contributes relevant information and is interesting to read.

    Common Questions People Ask When Looking for a Church

    Create a website with a simple navigation system and user-friendly page layouts to help website visitors get the content they’re looking for. These are some queries potential visitors to your church might have. 

    Does the church offer biblical instruction? 

    Where can I access an archived sermon? 

    Exist any youth/programs? children’s 

    What is the philosophy of leadership? 

    What are their names? 

    What is the structure of the church’s leadership or governance? 

    What community services does this church provide? 

    What opportunities are there for growth and discipleship?

    In conclusion, providing comprehensive and consistent information about your church online can help you rank higher in Google and make it simple for people to locate you at the top of the search results page. Your rating is influenced by your church’s website, other internet directories, and reviews. 

    In today’s world, instantaneous responses are expected. Your preferred search engine will provide pages and pages of results for any query you can think of, but the majority of users won’t scroll past page one. 

    It’s not difficult to enhance local SEO for your church. If you work on each of these local SEO tips individually, your church’s internet presence will improve.

  • Name in lights

    Name in lights

    Verse 1:

    I’ve been dreaming, of this moment

    With my heart pumping, and my feet just want it

    Shouting your name, with all my might

    Feeling the energy, it’s dawning a new light

    Chorus:

    Cause I’m shouting your fame, to the top of the sky

    And I’m seeing your name, up in lights, it’s so bright

    And it’s a feeling, that I can’t ignore

    And I’ll shout it out louder, and make it a roar

    Verse 2:

    I’ve been waiting, for this day

    With my heart racing, and my pulse on display

    I’ll be screaming it out, to the crowd

    Feeling the excitement, it’s making me feel loud

    Chorus:

    Cause I’m shouting your fame, to the top of the sky

    And I’m seeing your name, up in lights, it’s so bright

    And it’s a feeling, that I can’t ignore

    And I’ll shout it out louder, and make it a roar

    Bridge:

    And I know it’s not easy, to get to the top

    But I’ll keep climbing, and I’ll never stop

    And I’ll make sure, that everyone knows your name

    And I’ll shout it out, to the world everyday

    Chorus:

    Cause I’m shouting your fame, to the top of the sky

    And I’m seeing your name, up in lights, it’s so bright

    And it’s a feeling, that I can’t ignore

    And I’ll shout it out louder, and make it a roar

  • Murmurs of an endless truth

    Murmurs of an endless truth

    Verse 1:

    Hear the whispers, in the night

    They’re calling out to me, and guiding me to the light

    They’re murmurs of an endless truth, that I can’t ignore

    And they’re leading me to a Love, that I couldn’t before

    Chorus:

    Cause the murmurs, they’re getting louder

    And they’re beckoning me, to come closer

    To a love that’s pure and true

    And it’s pulling me in, and making me anew

    Verse 2:

    There’s a melody, in the wind

    That’s singing to my heart, and making me spin

    It’s a symphony, of pure emotion

    And it’s drawing me closer, to this endless devotion

    Chorus:

    Cause the murmurs, they’re getting louder

    And they’re beckoning me, to come closer

    To a love that’s pure and true

    And it’s pulling me in, and making me anew

    Bridge:

    And I know, that this love is worth the fight

    And it’s worth the pain, and the endless night

    And it’s worth it all, just to feel alive

    And it’s worth it all, to have this endless love thrive

    Chorus:

    Cause the murmurs, they’re getting louder

    And they’re beckoning me, to come closer

    To a love that’s pure and true

    And it’s pulling me in, and making me anew

    Outro:

    So I’ll follow, these murmurs of truth

    And I’ll let them lead me, to a love that’s pure and true

    And I’ll hold on, to this endless devotion

    And it will guide me, through life’s endless ocean.

  • Just one Word

    Just one Word

    Verse 1:

    It was just a word, a simple sentence

    But it hit me like a ton of bricks, and made me feel so intense

    It came out of nowhere, but it meant everything

    It changed my world, it made my heart sing

    Chorus:

    Cause one word, from someone who cares

    Can change everything, it feels so rare

    It can make you feel loved, or it can bring you down

    And it can turn your world, completely around

    Verse 2:

    It was a whisper, a gentle breeze

    But it cut through my heart, and brought me to my knees

    It was a spark, that lit a fire

    And it changed my life, it was my one desire

    Chorus:

    Cause one word, from someone you care

    Can change everything, it’s so rare

    It can make you feel loved, or it can bring you down

    And it can turn your world, completely around

    Bridge:

    But now I see, that one word can bring hope

    And it can change your life, and help you learn how to cope

    With the struggles of life, and all the pain

    And it can give you strength, and make you feel alive again

    Chorus:

    Cause one word, from someone you care

    Can change everything, it’s so rare

    It can make you feel loved, or it can bring you down

    And it can turn your world, completely around

    Outro:

    So I’ll hold on, to that one word

    And it will guide me, as I’m moving forward

    And I’ll keep it close, to my heart

    And it will give me hope, when I’m falling apart

  • Who is Dean Cothill and what is Sunday Social University?

    Who is Dean Cothill and what is Sunday Social University?

    So, my name is Dean Cothil, and I’ve created something called the Sunday Social University specifically for the South African context. In South Africa, many churches are looking for ways to improve their social impact and use technology to reach more people and spread God’s word. Social media isn’t going anywhere and if anything, is becoming more and more part of all of our daily lives. My 3 year old is fluent on an iPad and my 6 year old needs no assistance getting around YouTube and finding GOAT free kicks. BUT with the high levels of poverty, inequality and unemployment in our country, churches are looking for ways to make a real difference in their communities. Digital and social networks can play an awesome part in this.

    I have got 13 years of ministry experience spanning 8 years in the Methodist Church (5 years at Northfield Methodist Church in Benoni and 3 years here at Lorraine Methodist church in PE) and 5 years in a non-denominational church also here in PE. Even in the start, I played in worship teams and assisted as much as I could by offering music lessons and offering starting little music schools if you will, as so many Methodist and local small churches needed bands for their worship services. I think I still have a ew guitar or piano 101 booklets lying around.

    So I began by offering talks and workshops to churches on how they can use music more effectively and as time went on I began to see social media trends and instagram trends and began to talk more about how churches could use technology to connect with their congregations and reach out to people in need. I provided insights on how they can use social media, mobile apps, and other digital tools (local SEO for local churches, Google business and analytics etc) to spread their message and connect with the wider community. I also shared strategies on how they can use their resources to make a real impact on issues like poverty, education, and healthcare.

    As time went on, I realized that there was a need for an enrollment platform that has videos and educational tools to share all of this knowledge in a more comprehensive way. So, we created one! The churches can purchase a subscription to the NEW platform with new content always being added. This way they can have access to the tools and strategies they need to make a real difference in their communities. I still offer my in-person service, but it’s more expensive and considered premium now. It’s two sides to the same coin.

    I transitioned into an enrollment platform that has videos and educational tools that share all of the knowledge I’ve gained through my talks and workshops. This platform is specifically tailored for the South African context and provides churches with a wide range of resources to help them improve their social and social media impact.

    The platform includes instructional videos, case studies, and best practices for using technology to connect with congregations and reach out to people in need. It also includes guides on how to use social media, mobile apps, and other digital tools to spread their message and connect with the wider community. The platform is designed to be easily accessible and user-friendly, so churches of all sizes and technical abilities can benefit from it.

    The churches can purchase a subscription to the platform, which gives them access to new content that is added on a regular basis. The subscription also gives them access to a community of like-minded churches and organizations who share their goals and can provide support and ideas.

    This platform is a great solution for South African churches that are looking to improve their social impact but may not have the resources or expertise to do it on their own. It provides them with the tools they need to make a real difference in their communities and spread God’s word in a more effective way.

    My goal is to eventually have a whole online university that works actively in this niche, focusing on keeping the Church up to date with tech and the modern landscape and navigate through it with a faith-based focus in the South African context.

    The online university will provide a more comprehensive and structured approach to learning about how technology can be used to improve the social impact of churches. It will offer courses, programs and certifications that will cover various topics such as digital marketing, data analytics, community engagement, and leadership development, all with a faith-based perspective.

    The university will have a diverse range of instructors, including experts in technology, communication, and social impact, as well as theologians and religious leaders who can provide a faith-based perspective on how to use technology to make a difference.

    The online university will provide a flexible and accessible way for South African churches and individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge, and will also have an active community of learners and practitioners who can share their experiences and provide support. Each course and each module has community based discussion and learning experiences as if we are all in the same classroom, which we are.

    This online university will be a valuable resource for South African churches and religious organizations that want to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and best practices for making a positive impact in their communities. It will provide them with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to navigate the modern landscape and spread God’s word in a more effective way.

  • My voice

    My voice

    Verse 1:

    A blank canvas, so white and so bare

    It’s staring back at me, but I’m standing here in despair

    I want to create something, but I fear it won’t be right

    The pressure is mounting, it’s causing me to lose sight

    Chorus:

    Cause a blank canvas, is the scariest thing

    I fear that I don’t have the answers, and my mind starts to ring

    It’s a daunting task, to create something new

    And I’m scared that I’ll fail, before I even begin to do

    Verse 2:

    I have all the tools, but I’m lacking the inspiration

    I want to find my voice, but it’s hard to find the motivation

    I’m feeling stuck, and I don’t know what to do

    I’m scared that my work will be mediocre, and that I’ll come up short too

    Chorus:

    Cause a blank canvas, is the scariest thing

    I fear that I don’t have the answers, and my mind starts to ring

    It’s a daunting task, to create something new

    And I’m scared that I’ll fail, before I even begin to do

    Bridge:

    But I know I can’t let fear hold me back

    I’ll take a deep breath, and give it my all, and unpack

    All the potential that I know is there

    And I’ll keep moving forward, with every care

    Chorus:

    Cause a blank canvas, is the scariest thing

    I fear that I don’t have the answers, but I’ll give it a swing

    I’ll take a chance, and see what I can do

    And I’ll create something beautiful, because I know I can too

    Outro:

    So I’ll keep creating, and I’ll keep trying

    And I’ll keep pushing through, when I’m feeling like crying

    And I’ll know that I’m on the right path

    And I’ll keep moving forward, with each and every song and dance

  • Daddy Self (Day)-Care

    Daddy Self (Day)-Care

    I have had to learn this the hard way. Elzaan and I have had to learn this the hard way. We have had to learn how to create spaces for each other to look after ourselves. Parenting requires a lot of self-care. Our capacity to care for our children decreases as we take less care of ourselves. Although it may seem illogical, this is a fundamental truth that many of us find difficult to embrace. Jesus encourages us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. So maybe put a little differently, parents love your children as you love yourself. I think in the world that we live in today, we have almost gone way way way left and have loved our kids so much to the point of forgetting and neglecting ourselves. So maybe we should be saying, love yourself, as you love your kids?

    Love yourself.

    We all know how these days go, up at 5, prep lunch boxes, quick showers all round, choosing what to wear, for everyone haha and all the rest. The planned things and the unplanned things. Lord help us. As parents, we frequently prioritize the needs of our kids before our own. We place a higher priority on meeting their physical, emotional, and educational requirements, frequently at the expense of our own needs. We could believe that by prioritizing our kids, we are doing what is best for them. This way of thinking, meanwhile, can result in exhaustion, resentment, and a lack of REAL bonding with our kids.

    You matter.

    When we don’t take care of ourselves, we get worn out on the inside and out. We could become agitated and quick-tempered, which might result in arguments with our kids. We are also less able to think properly and make wise decisions when we are low on energy. Our relationships with our children may suffer as a result of our finding it difficult to participate in activities we used to enjoy. Side note, when was the last time you just laughed with your child? Make jokes? Played hide and seek?

    Self-care is not being a jerk. Both for the sake of our own health and the health of our kids, it is crucial. In order to be present, forgiving, and loving with our kids, we must take care of ourselves. And as we live that out in the presence of our children they actually see us doing these things and so ingrain in them the idea that looking after yourself is crucial to daily life. 

    Self-care

    For every person, self-care might appear different. Exercise, meditation, counseling, or simply setting aside a little period of time each day to read a book or relax with a cup of tea can all be part of it. It is crucial that we carve out time in our hectic schedules for self-care, no matter what form it takes. Each of us have to make this decision, whatever it may look like…

    Daily grind and self care

    I am not here, I have not arrived. We are coming out of a 3 year lock down, pandemic, 2019 shambles, which put so many other stresses on what it meant to be parents and have kids. Some of us even have lock down babies and I’m sure we gonna be hearing more and more about what this means for us as more and more people do research and studies on this. What I do hope you hear me saying though is this, taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a need. To be able to care for our children, we must first take care of ourselves. We must never forget that our children are at their best when we are. “Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation,” Brené Brown explains.

  • How to market your local churches Sunday gatherings and other events.

    How to market your local churches Sunday gatherings and other events.

    Are you looking for ways to effectively promote your church’s events and increase attendance? Look no further! In this blog post, we will be sharing 7 key ideas for marketing your church’s events and reaching a wider audience. From utilizing social media platforms to leveraging the power of SEO, these ideas will help you effectively promote your church’s events and build a sense of community among your congregation. Whether you’re planning a special service, a fundraising event, or a community outreach program, these ideas will help you get the word out and attract more attendees. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can effectively market your church’s events and make a meaningful impact on your community.

    Church Service

    1. Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote upcoming church events by creating engaging and visually appealing posts, including details about the event, location, and time.

    I would say that utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is an essential aspect of promoting upcoming church events. By creating engaging and visually appealing posts, including details about the event, location, and time, we can effectively reach out to our congregation as well as the wider community. Social media allows us to connect with people on a personal level and build a sense of community, which is crucial in getting people excited about attending our events.

    You should also make sure to include a call to action in our posts, such as “RSVP now” or “register today” to make it easy for people to take action and attend the event. Additionally, we should consider using paid social media advertising to reach a wider audience, particularly targeting those who live in the local area. See more here on “targeting specific audiences”.

    In short, social media is a powerful tool for promoting church events and building a sense of community among our congregation. By utilizing it effectively, we can increase attendance and make a meaningful impact on our community.

    2. Leverage the power of Instagram and Facebook stories to share behind-the-scenes content, testimonials from attendees, and live updates from the event.

    I would emphasize that leveraging the power of Instagram and Facebook stories is an excellent way to share behind-the-scenes content, testimonials from attendees, and live updates from the events we host at our church. These platforms allow us to create a sense of excitement and anticipation among our congregation, which in turn can help to increase attendance.

    For example, we can share photos and videos of the preparations for an event, such as setting up the stage or decorating the venue. This will give our congregation a sneak peek into what they can expect and get them excited about attending.

    Additionally, by sharing testimonials from attendees, we can showcase the impact our events have on the lives of our congregation, which can be a powerful motivator for others to attend. Live updates from the event can keep people engaged and connected, even if they are unable to attend.

    In summary, Instagram and Facebook stories are an effective way to create a sense of excitement and engagement around our church events and help to increase attendance. By sharing behind-the-scenes content, testimonials, and live updates, we can create a sense of community and connection among our congregation.

    3. Create a YouTube channel for your church and post videos of sermons, teachings, and events to reach a wider audience and improve your SEO.

    I would stress that creating a YouTube channel for our church and posting videos of sermons, teachings, and events is an excellent way to reach a wider audience and improve our SEO. By having a YouTube channel, we can share the message of our church and the teachings of our faith with a global audience, which can help to attract new members to our congregation.

    YouTube Logo

    Additionally, by optimizing our YouTube videos with relevant keywords and captions, we can improve our SEO and make it easier for people to find us online. This can be especially useful for attracting new members who are searching for a church in our local area.

    Moreover, by posting videos of our events, we can give those who were unable to attend a sense of what they missed and keep them engaged and connected to our community.

    In summary, creating a YouTube channel and posting videos of sermons, teachings, and events can help us reach a wider audience and improve our SEO, which can help to attract new members to our congregation. Additionally, by sharing videos of our events, we can keep our congregation engaged and connected, even if they are unable to attend in person.

    4. Optimize your church’s website for local SEO by including location-specific keywords, creating a Google My Business listing, and encouraging attendees to leave reviews on your listing.

    I would express the importance of optimizing our church’s website for local SEO. This includes including location-specific keywords, creating a Google My Business listing and encouraging attendees to leave reviews on our listing. By doing so, we can ensure that our website appears at the top of search results when people in our local area search for a church. This can be especially useful for attracting new members who are searching for a church in our area.

    Creating a Google My Business listing allows us to provide important information about our church such as our address, phone number, and hours of operation. Additionally, by encouraging our attendees to leave reviews on our listing, we can showcase the positive impact our church has on the lives of our congregation. This can be a powerful motivator for others to visit our church and join our community.

    In short, by optimizing our church’s website for local SEO, we can improve our visibility online and make it easier for people in our local area to find us. This can help to attract new members to our congregation and showcase the positive impact our church has on the community.

    5. Partner with local influencers, bloggers, or media outlets to help promote your church events and reach a “new” audience.

    As I even begin to think about this topic I begin to cringe a little bit and actually struggle to connect the dots between influencers and The Church. But even as I type this I think about the woman at the well, was she an influencer of sorts? So as “Dean Cothill” and that weird world of social media influencers and the likes, I would stress the importance of partnering with local influencers, bloggers, or media outlets to help promote our church events and reach a new audience. By doing so, we can tap into their existing networks and reach a wider audience than we could on our own.

    Social media influencers at an event

    For example, partnering with local influencers can help us reach a younger demographic and showcase the relevance of our church in today’s society. Working with bloggers or media outlets can provide us with valuable coverage and exposure for our events, which can help to attract new members to our congregation.

    Additionally, by partnering with these individuals and organizations, we can gain valuable insights into the needs and interests of our community and tailor our events and services to better meet their needs.

    So by partnering with local influencers, bloggers, or media outlets can be a powerful tool in promoting our church events and reaching a new audience. By tapping into their existing networks and gaining valuable insights, we can attract new members to our congregation and better serve the needs of our community.

    6. Use email marketing to keep your congregation informed about upcoming events and remind them of the details.

    Email marketing has almost slipped under the radar with the rise of social media and us just trying to keep our Facebook and socials up to date, but email is still so key to keep our congregation informed about upcoming events and remind them of the details. Email is a powerful tool for reaching our congregation directly, and we can use it to keep them informed about important dates, events and other church-related information.

    For example, we can send out email reminders about upcoming events, including details about the location, time, and what attendees can expect. This can help to increase attendance and ensure that everyone is informed about what’s happening at our church.

    Email marketing for churches

    Additionally, we can use email marketing to share updates on the progress of our events, such as fundraising efforts, and ask for support. We can also use it to share post-event reports and highlight the impact of the event on our community.

    7. Create a hashtag for your church events and encourage attendees to share photos and posts using it on social media.

    Lastly, hashtags are a powerful tool for creating a sense of community and engagement around our events. By using a specific hashtag, we can easily track and curate all of the social media posts related to our event in one place.

    For example, we can create a unique hashtag for each event and encourage attendees to use it when posting about the event on social media. This can help to create a sense of community and engagement among our congregation, and also allow us to easily track and curate all of the social media posts related to our event.

    Additionally, by encouraging attendees to share their photos and posts on social media, we can create a sense of excitement and anticipation for our events, which can help to increase attendance.

    In summary, creating a hashtag for our church events and encouraging attendees to share photos and posts using it on social media is a powerful tool for creating a sense of community and engagement around our events. It allows us to track and curate all of the social media posts related to our event and increase attendance.

    Having a specific hashtag for a brand or community is important for several reasons:

    1. Branding: Using a specific hashtag helps to establish and reinforce the brand’s identity. It makes it easy for people to recognize the brand and associate it with specific content.
    2. Community building: Hashtags allow people to easily find and join conversations about a brand or product. This can help to build a sense of community around the brand, which can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy.
    3. Content curation: Hashtags make it easy to curate and organize user-generated content. This can be used for marketing purposes, such as showcasing customer reviews, testimonials, and engagement.
    4. Analytics: By tracking the usage of a specific hashtag, brands can gather data on engagement, reach and the demographics of users who are engaging with the brand.
    5. Discoverability: Hashtags increase the discoverability of a brand or product on social media. Hashtags make it easy for people to find and join conversations about a brand or product, which can increase the brand’s visibility and reach.

    In summary, a specific hashtag is important for any brand as it helps in building recognition, community, curating content, tracking analytics and improving discoverability.

    Hashtag coffee cup for church.

    Last bonus tip, we all love coffee and have worked hard to offer great coffee to our volunteers and church guests. Put your next big event on your take away cups, can be as easy as using a stamp.

    In conclusion, effectively promoting your church’s events is crucial in building a sense of community and increasing attendance. By utilizing social media platforms, leveraging the power of SEO, and partnering with local influencers, you can effectively reach a wider audience and promote your church’s events. Additionally, by using email marketing, creating a mobile app, and encouraging the use of a specific hashtag, you can keep your congregation informed and engaged with your church’s events and activities.

    Implementing these 7 key ideas can help you to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for your church’s events, and increase attendance. Remember to stay consistent, always evaluate the results of your efforts and adapt accordingly. Don’t be afraid to try new strategies, and most importantly don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback from members of your congregation. With the right approach and a little creativity, you can effectively market your church’s events and make a meaningful impact on your community.

  • Blinding Lights

    Blinding Lights

    Jesus uses this language of, “Let those who have eyes to see, see.” Most of us have eyes don’t we? But how many of us actually see? The Light isn’t meant to blind us its meant to help us see…

    Verse 1:

    I was lost in my mind, couldn’t see the signs

    Blinded by my own thoughts, I was running out of time

    I was searching for answers, in all the wrong places

    Hoping for a change, but it was all just empty spaces

    Chorus:

    Cause I didn’t see, what was right there all along

    It was there in front of me, but I couldn’t see it strong

    And now that it’s clear, everything’s changed

    I should have seen it from the start, it’s so strange

    Verse 2:

    I was stuck in my ways, couldn’t break free

    Trapped in my own fears, couldn’t see what was meant to be

    I was chasing my dreams, but they were out of reach

    And I couldn’t see the beauty, that was right there to be seen

    Chorus:

    Cause I didn’t see, what was right there all along

    It was there in front of me, but I couldn’t see it strong

    And now that it’s clear, everything’s changed

    I should have seen it from the start, it’s so strange

    Bridge:

    But now I’m moving on, with a new found strength

    And I’m seeing things differently, it’s a brand new length

    And I’m grateful for the change, that I couldn’t see

    Cause it opened my eyes and set my soul free

    Chorus:

    Cause I didn’t see, what was right there all along

    It was there in front of me, but I couldn’t see it strong

    And now that it’s clear, everything’s changed

    I should have seen it from the start, it’s so strange

    Outro:

    So now I’m moving forward, with a new point of view

    And I’m seeing things clearly, as I’m breaking through

    And I’m grateful for the change, that I couldn’t see

    Cause it opened my eyes and set my soul free

  • Finding the illusive “creative” volunteer for your Church Teams

    Finding the illusive “creative” volunteer for your Church Teams

    No matter where you are or how big your congregation is, if you are a tech, production, or creative leader in the church, you are aware of how difficult it can be to get volunteers.

    Many of you are doing this work as volunteers and are already struggling to manage your obligations, let alone run a Sunday service. It can sometimes feel like you lack the time or resources to pursue finding and leading individuals.
    Similar to you, I have encountered same problems in the 12 years that I have served and managed a Creative Ministry, and when I say “creative” I think you know what I mean, although we will get into that a little later, I don’t just mean the guy who dresses a little “colorful”, the stand out artist or vibe enneagram 4 (LOL)

    What is a “Creative”?

    What is a Creative?

    A creative is someone who has a unique way of seeing the world. They have a great sense or intuition and often bring life to the party, always coming up with interesting stories and witty one-liners. They have a way of making even the dullest of situations feel charged with energy. They’re the type that people enjoy being around, they’re friendly and outgoing but also sensitive souls that tend to be very introspective.

    These types tend to be creative and artistic, they have a rich inner world, they’re often poets and artists who like to explore the deeper aspects of life. They tend to be emotional and often show a wide range of feelings and emotions, they can be funny and make you laugh but at the same time they can be the ones that make you cry at a comedy show. They have a unique perspective on life, they can add a special touch to any situation.

    In a nutshell, CREATIVES are multi-faceted, interesting and fun personalities with a touch of depth and depth and emotional intelligence. Big ideas and the vision for bigger things usually come easily, but you soon realize that you can never achieve them on your own. Actually, if you don’t have the necessary people in place, it could even be challenging to carry out regular weekly tasks.

    I have four suggestions for you to keep in mind if you’re ready to start being serious about expanding your creative team and creative volunteers. As you are undoubtedly aware, finding volunteers is not always simple, nevermind these “Bezelels“. With these suggestions, though, you can be successful and you could even wonder why you didn’t start earlier. Over the years, they have served me well, so I’m eager to see how well they will serve you and your community.

    1. Take A Genuine Interest In “these” types of people

    I am aware of how hectic your Sunday mornings might be, but if you want to grow your team, you will need to spend time socializing outside of your tech booth, or away from your Mac editing suite.

    So that your Sundays are spent more on developing relationships and less on work, get ready for the service earlier in the week. Of course, you could do this at other times during the week, but right now is your best chance. The circumstances are ideal—the audience is the correct one, the moment is right, and they are in the proper state of mind. Get out of your comfort zone and socialize. In the foyer, smile and say hello to them.

    Remember their name, and make sure to address them by it the next time you speak with them. You should make an effort to show people that you are genuinely interested in them (NOT JUST THEIR GIFTS). Encourage them to communicate about themselves by being a good listener. You can build a bridge for someone to join your team if you take the time to get to know them and truly demonstrate your importance to them.

    2. Invite Them To Something Great(er)

    Speaking for myself as a church technologist and creative, we frequently enjoy playing the martyr.

    “I work alone on all of this.”
    “I have to spend more time at the church than everyone else.”
    “I don’t remember the last time I had a Sunday off,” the person said.

    Anyone who could be interested in volunteering will be put off by this exact type of presentation. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of this ministry. After all, you do adore this stuff, don’t you? Talk about how much fun operating the equipment can be. Tell people how important it is to establish a worshipful environment. Tell us how you used what you learnt to accomplish something amazing. Tell people how cool the cameras are. Show people the light and sound panels and communicate how fun it is to be part of the experience. This sounds more like an organization that a recruit would want to join.

    Keep in mind that people will only naturally participate in something if it benefits them. You must thus invite them to an event that enhances their quality of life. Instead of inviting people to join you in your suffering, talk about this as a chance to accomplish something amazing. If you talk about how much you love participating in production or creative ministry to enough people, I’m ready to bet that others will approach you and beg to get involved.

    3. Take On The Role of Coach in the team

    Ever had an outstanding coach? What about a teacher who had a significant influence on your life? Years later, I can remember name the mentors who inspired me to improve or who assisted me in achieving a goal I never imagined I could. They are amazing to me since they had nothing to gain from my victory. Simply put, they found pleasure and joy in my success. As we seek out volunteers, this is the role that we must play. We must shift our attention away from the immediate task at hand and onto encouraging others to use their gifts for the glory of God.

    Make expressions of praise your default language as you engage others. Be quick to compliment them on their good qualities, no matter how minor. Applaud them for using their talents to honor their Creator and lead people to Christ. Remind them of the significance of what they are doing. Make it simple to win and challenging to lose. Even when they do fail, be encouraging and make the mistake appear simple to fix. You are much more likely to keep someone coming back if you encourage them to try serving with you and work with them in this manner.

    4. Do For One What You Can’t Do For All

    You might be thinking that everything seems impossible at this moment. This would undoubtedly take a long time to execute. There is no way that you can spend time doing this for everyone because you are already overworked. Truthfully, you’re correct. This is not something you can do for everyone all the time. But I’d advise you to set aside some time to do this for just one person. Give to one person what you would like to give to everyone. If you only have time to meet one person, start with them even if you may want to get to know everyone in your church lobby.

    It would be wiser to focus your efforts on one sincere conversation rather than spreading your enthusiasm for this mission to everyone. You could wish to enlist a group of ten new volunteers, but if you can’t effectively manage a small group, you’ll probably struggle to manage a larger one.

    It’s best to start small and give it your all while recruiting. Even if you can’t meet for coffee with ten people every day of the week, scheduling one afternoon conversation is a step forward. Even though you might not be able to commit to sending many motivating texts throughout the week, try adding one to your calendar. Even if you might not have enough time, you can undoubtedly teach one person how to use the church’s technology, cameras or lights. Try being deliberate in this season, one person at a time, wherever you are on your journey. You’ll soon be able to reflect on your life and realize how much of an impact you’ve had on many others.