Is It About Marketing? Or Reputation?

You need to decide whether your real issue is about marketing or about reputation. The two concepts are distinct, depending on the people you most want to reach.

If you just want to reach churchy people (or people with church memories), then basic marketing may be sufficient. Place your facility in a highly visible, easily accessible location; provide lots of parking; surround yourself with illuminated, changeable signage. Identify yourself by your tradition, or use Christendom jargon for self-description: “Bible-Based,” “Spirit-Filled,” or franchised denominational slogans like “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.”

The media you use for wider advertising depends largely on the lifestyle segments you want to reach. Some lifestyle segments read, some don’t; some rely on radio or TV, some on face-to-face gatherings and oral communication, some on the Internet. But be aware of the symbolic power of the media you use. If you use print, some will say you are “old-fashioned.” If you use social media, some will say you are “young, hip and shallow.” If you use it all, some will say you lack integrity and are just running a business. Keep reading