Navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media can be a challenge for church communicators, but the goal remains the same – to make a positive impact through your online presence. With the demands of ministry pulling you in different directions, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the big picture and focus solely on promoting events. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you avoid the four most common social media mistakes your ministry might make in 2023. By staying mindful and avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure that your social media efforts are impactful and meaningful.
Ignoring Algorithm Changes
First off, Social media algorithms are in a constant state of evolution, and they play a crucial role in determining what content is shown to users and in what order. In 2023, the trend is shifting towards short-form content, such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, as they provide a visually engaging and bite-sized way to consume information. This shift away from text-heavy posts means that if you’re not paying attention to these algorithm changes, your longer posts are likely to become less visible to your followers.
As a church communicator or social media manager, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in social media algorithms to ensure that your content is being seen by your audience. This requires being proactive in adjusting your social media strategy to keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of social media.
Failing to Prioritize Quality over Quantity
In this age old debate, it may be tempting to post frequently to stay at the forefront of your followers’ minds, but in 2023 it is more important to prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on creating high-quality, meaningful content that aligns with your church’s values and mission, rather than simply posting for the sake of posting.
Now, high-quality doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go purchase the most important camera on the market, but it does mean you need to prioritize how your video looks and sounds. Why? Simply because the goal is to capture attention. Noisy audio and poor video quality will point people away from your content rather then keeping them engaged.
Traditionally, Most ministries have used social media as a bulletin board to promote their events. The truth is, If you want your ministry to win in the area of social media in 2023, you must lead with value first. You can still have call-to-actions to get people to take next steps but the shift in thinking is leading with value rather than a promotional offer. One of the best ways to add value is by simply communicating a felt need within the hook of your short form content.
What is the hook you might think? The hook is the intersection of faith and culture the allows people to know what this video will be about.
Some examples are:
If you feel x, then watch this…
Have you be struggling with x, here’s what helped me…
Here’s what the bible says about x…
Three things they won’t tell you about x…
The goal of the hook is to get the user to stop scrolling and and engage with your content. The more compelling your hook is to the user, the more likely they are to engage with the content. The more people engage with that piece of content, the algorithm will then reward you by pushing out that piece of content to more users.
Not Using Content to Point People to Jesus
A good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to utilizing social media for your church is to make sure that all of your content and topics are pointed back to Jesus. This means that every post, video, or message that you share should be centered around the teachings and message of Jesus, and how it impacts and transforms the lives of individuals and communities. By keeping the focus on Jesus, you can ensure that your online presence accurately reflects the values and mission of your church, and reaches a wider audience with the good news of the gospel.
One of the benefits of following this rule is that it helps to create a consistent and clear message. When all of your content is focused on Jesus, your audience will quickly understand the priorities of your church, and the impact that your faith is having on the world. This consistency can help to build trust and credibility with your online audience, as they see that you are genuinely dedicated to sharing the message of Jesus.
Another advantage of keeping the focus on Jesus is that it can have a positive impact on your congregations. When people see the content that you are sharing online, they may be inspired to become more involved in your church, and to share the message of Jesus with others. This will lead to a strengthened sense of community, and an increase in the number of people who are being reached with the life changing message of the gospel.
This can also help to attract new people to your church. As people see the positive impact that your ministry is having on the lives of others, they may be inspired to learn more about Jesus through the teachings of your church. This can lead to new relationships, new opportunities for your ministry, and an increased impact in your community and beyond.
Not Engaging With Your Audience
Engaging with your audience on social media is such a fun and rewarding experience! It’s a chance to connect with your followers and build a strong, supportive community around your church. When someone takes the time to leave a comment or ask a question, it’s a great opportunity to respond and show them that you value their input. By participating in conversations and getting to know your followers, you can create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that makes everyone feel heard and appreciated.
Think of it this way, social media is a two-way street, and when you engage with your audience, you’re opening up doors for meaningful connections and a deeper sense of belonging. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to your followers, but it also helps to keep the conversation going and encourages even more engagement from your audience.
So, don’t be shy! Get out there and start chatting with your followers. They’ll appreciate it, and you’ll love the sense of community you’ll build together. Trust us, by prioritizing engagement, your social media efforts will be even more impactful and enjoyable.
And with that, we hope that these tips have been helpful as you navigate the ever-evolving world of social media. As church communicators and social media managers, it’s not always easy to keep up with the latest trends and changes, but by staying informed and avoiding these common mistakes, you can effectively reach and engage your audience in 2023 and beyond. So, go ahead, get creative, and have fun connecting with your followers online!