Some churches have reported that the engagement in their online services has decreased over the past few weeks. We all want as many people engaging with us as often as possible. Here are five ways to increase online engagement.
1. Ask Your Key Leaders and Members To Engage
This may seem pretty obvious, but you need to talk to each of your key leaders and members and set the expectation for them to engage in the online services and content that your church generates. Specifically ask for them to like, share and comment on the posts. Ask them to start watch parties and be active in the comments during the service. You do this for two reasons: First, it sets the tone for other viewers. Second, it helps get the word out to people who are not connected on your social media platforms.
2. Get As Many People Involved In the Services
When your son or daughter or grandchild is going to be on “TV”, it’s exciting. Find ways to include different people in your live stream services and let others know that they’re going to be there. Have them read stories, hold up signs for a picture, say a prayer, bring a greeting, or ask a question. Be creative and incorporate your congregation into your live streams.
3. Give Them Something To Talk About
Come up with innovative ideas that create buzz around your services. Get outside and film your sermon in a creative place. Do a giveaway. Record a virtual choir or band. Use Tic Tock and come up with your own funny clip to start off the service. Take a mid-week poll and reveal the results during your service. Bring in a guest for a brief chat. Do a zoom panel discussion. Create content that is compelling and let people know that it’s coming through teasers.
4. Use Your Titles To Bring In The Clicks
It’s called “Click bait” in social media marketing terms and it may sound negative but it’s actually a proven way to generate engagement. Most of our services are entitled “Sunday Morning Service”. This is not enticing to click on. Imagine that you have one second to get someone to “click” on your service. What could you call your service that would do that? Titles like “Where did all the toilet paper go?” or “Is COVID-19 from God?” or “How To Have Peace When My Life Is Chaotic” give people a reason to click. Speak to a felt need. Speak to culture. Speak truth.
5. Offer Multiple Service Times And Ways to Connect
Currently, most churches offer one physical service time. With online church, you can offer church at different times of the day and week. Add varying services times to increase the opportunity for others to engage but make sure you assemble a “core” of people who are going to “attend” and comment, like and share the post. You can also divide your message into 2-5 minute segments and repost them (with captions) on social media throughout the week. Someone might not be able to join you live but they will be able to access the message in bite-sized chunks throughout the week.
What about you? What are some ways that you are increasing engagement in the online services and content you are providing?
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.