Dean Cothill

Tag: seo for pastors

  • 109 FREE copy and paste social media posts

    109 FREE copy and paste social media posts

    We all know the feeling, a new week, a new agenda, and we all know you can only say SUNDAY FUNDAY so many times before there is just no more fun left. How about 101 free social media copy and paste ideas to help spice up for social media content?

    Social media for churches

    Text Posts with Inspiration

    Use these posts to promote the gospel and enliven the social timelines of your followers. And lets start with one that we have all come to know and love.

    • God does not call the equipped, he equips the called. You are called by God.

    Now immediately I know what you’re thinking. When it comes to social media and the story that we are telling on our channels, this is where it can get really cliche and cheesy. So there is definitely more than one way of saying this. Here’s 10 more ways of saying the same thing…

    1. Just because others may have a certain perception of you, doesn’t mean that’s who you truly are. Remember, it’s what God says that matters.
    2. Don’t let anyone else define who you are – only God knows the real you. And don’t let your past hold you back from opportunities.
    3. Don’t let anyone else’s words or actions define you. You are who God says you are and that is all that matters. And don’t let your history stop you from pursuing what you want.
    4. People may try to label you, but you are not defined by them. Only God truly knows who you are. And remember, your past experiences have prepared you for the present.
    5. Don’t let other people’s opinions of you become your reality. You are who God says you are, and that is all that matters. And your past does not determine your future.
    6. Others may try to put you in a box, but don’t let them limit you. Remember, you are who God says you are. And your history has made you ready for what’s to come.
    7. Don’t let others define you. You are who God says you are and that is all that matters. And your past experiences have prepared you for the present.
    8. Just because someone else says who you are, doesn’t mean it’s true. You are who God says you are, and that’s all that matters. And don’t let your past hold you back from applying.
    9. Don’t let anyone else tell you who you are. You are who God says you are, and that is all that matters. And don’t let your past experiences hold you back from applying.
    10. Others may have an idea of who you are, but you are not defined by their perception. You are who God says you are, and that is all that matters. And don’t let your past experiences hold you back from applying.

    So you see, part of this list is actually more about inspiring you to get writing and rewriting various “cliches” that are often found in church circles and rewriting them for our channels. (more on this later, let’s carry on with that list)

    • You’ll come to see that Christ is all you need when Christ is all you have.
      Don’t go backward. Look ahead. The very best is still to come. Everything we require will be provided by our dependable God.
    • On the mountaintops we may enjoy God, but in the lowlands we discover Him.
    • Jesus is the one from whom we can learn to love all people. He led the way for us. When you are reliant on God, you are never stronger.
    • Everything we require will be provided by our dependable God.
    • On the mountaintops, we may enjoy God, but it is in the lowlands that we discover Him.
    • Jesus is the one from whom we can learn to love all people. He led the way for us.
    • When you are reliant on God, you are never stronger.
    • Remember: worrying is ineffective. rather, turn to God.
    • Keep on worshiping, praising, and praying no matter what.
    • You can overcome any circumstance by relying on Jesus.
    • Where there is no way, God can make a way. Give Him anything you are dealing with.
    • God will bless the rest if you give Him your best.
    • Happy always. Continually pray. Give thanks in every situation.
    • At first, every miracle looks improbable. Believe for the best!
    • Consider difficult situations through the lens of faith. Have faith in a better day ahead.
    • Do not contrast your Chapter 1 with another person’s Chapter 20.
    • Don’t let your issues control you. Follow the promises of God.
    • God is able to change any circumstance. Continue to pray. Keep your faith. Keep your faith.
    • Stop. Breathe in deeply. God will make a solution.
    • You have come too far under God’s guidance to quit up now. Carry on.
    • Have you worried about it and prayed about it equally? God is willing to hear.
    • Both the major and minor matters can be trusted to God. All are important to him.
    • When everyone assumes a tale is finished, Jesus intervenes and transforms everything.
    • An extended week? Hold on to hope! Every step of the road, God is there with you.
    • Encourage others! Kind words are free and can mean the world to others.
    • There is still hope for your life as long as you can still breathe.
    • Nothing is so damaged that God cannot create something from it.
    • Keep in mind that whatever issue you are dealing with, God has a greater plan for you.
    • In every circumstance, let your hope in Jesus serve as your anchor.
    • You can have faith in God’s purpose without having to comprehend it.
    • The difference between what we can accomplish and what God can accomplish is prayer.
    • Share Jesus with others! Discuss Him and the impact He has had on your life.

    Interactive Text Posts

    Try these posts to spark engagement and friendly conversation on your church’s social pages.

    • Tell us your testimony in one sentence.
    • Share a praise report in the comments!
    • Fill in the blank: Dear Jesus, _
    • Tell us about a time that God showed up in your life in a big way.
    • Describe our church in one word!
    • Tell us a Bible story using only emojis.
    • What is your favorite worship song right now?
    • What’s your favorite Bible verse right now?
    • What was your favorite part of this week’s message?
    • How can we pray for you today?
    • How old were you when you found Jesus?
    • What is your favorite way to serve at church?
    • What is your favorite book of the Bible?
    • Name an old worship song that you still love.
    • What’s your favorite place to get lunch after church on Sundays?
    • Who has been a hero in your life?
    • What’s the best donut shop in town?
    • List 3 things that you’re thankful for today in the comments.
    • Let’s play a game. Quote a lyric in the comments and let others guess the song.
    • Drop a photo in the comments that you’ve taken at our church.
    • Emoji responses only: How’s your week going?
    • Which person in the Bible do you relate to most?
    • What’s your favorite video game of all time?
    • What was your favorite subject in school?
    • Tell us all of your favorite sports teams in the comments.
    • What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
    • Which emojis do you use most?
    • What’s your go-to flavor of ice cream?
    • Tag the best cook that you know.
    • What’s your go-to morning drink?
    • What is one food that you could eat forever?
    • Who is the best superhero?
    • Tag a friend who can always cheer you up!

    Invitation Text Posts

    Social media hacks for church

    Try these posts to remind people of your upcoming services and encourage them to bring a friend.

    • Today is a wonderful day to celebrate Jesus! I’ll see you in church!
    • To express your excitement for church this Sunday, use a GIF.
    • Ever wanted a reset button for life? Attending church could give you the fresh start you need.
    • Every Saturday is essentially “Sunday Eve” when you attend a church that you love.
    • Someone’s life could change with only one invitation to church. Who are you bringing?
    • How did you learn about our church at first?
    • I’ll see you on Sunday at church.
    • Just for you, we have a spot reserved. I’ll see you on Sunday at church.
    • Nearly time for church! Hope to see you there.
    • Trying to find a church? This Sunday, we’d love to see you.
    • Sunday will soon be here! We are eager to meet you.
    • Every Sunday, we offer engaging Bible activities for children. Your children will adore it.
    • This week, don’t forget to invite a friend!
    • Today is the big day! Until then, bye.
    • You’re looking for a new beginning for your family. Come to worship with us on Sunday.
    • Wednesday is our day for church. See you tomorrow!
    • Do you know someone who is struggling? Invite them to join you at church.
    • Feel as though your life is lacking something? Sunday, try attending church.
    • Join us in worship this weekend!
    • To attend church, you don’t have to have everything worked out.
    • If you’re prepared for church, raise your hand!
    • This is your invitation to church if you are reading this.
    • Hot coffee is served. The band is practicing. We are ready to meet you!
    • Church is the perfect place for imperfect people.
    • Without you, Sunday won’t be the same.
    • Here, a Sunday is never simply another Sunday. Avoid skipping a service!
    • A successful Sunday sets the tone for a fantastic week. We’ll talk soon.
    • Church is not just a building. a family unit!
    • Invite a pal. Or two. Or ten!
    • Looking for a church that you can call your own? We can assist.
    • Create a new routine. Come to worship with us on Sunday.

    Again, if all of the content on your church’s social media pages is text posts, it will quickly become monotonous. Combining these text posts with other postings that include graphics and text from free APPS like Studio (Previously knows as OVER), photographs from Sunday’s or even free images from sites like UNSPLASH, and videos makes everything much more effective.

    I hope this helps and I hope that we can stay in touch

    Chat soon

    D

  • 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.