Incase you haven’t heard, Facebook (FB) has recently become the most popular website in the US, just edging out Google with about 7% of all internet traffic. With 450 million users globally, and millions more being added each week, there’s a really good chance that some of those people are involved in your ministry, or they’re people you’re trying to minister to.
So what does this mean? An effective presence on Facebook can increase your ministry’s reach by giving you greater opportunities to create community with people who are already involved with your ministry. At the same time, it can allow you to personally connect and engage with people who hear about your ministry from a friend, and are now checking you out. So does this mean that, in terms of web presence, you should put all of your eggs in one basket and ignore other social media outlets like blogs and Twitter? Absolutely not.
I would contend that any strategy aimed at maximizing your ministry’s reach should include having a presence in every social media space where your audience spends time and finds community. For most of us, that means at least having an established Facebook presence, and integrating that with a blog that is optimized for various search engines like Google.
While millions of people are spending more of their lives on Facebook, just as many people are still searching for answers on Google. Having a blog optimized for search engines can help get your ministry in front of people who are directly searching for you, and also connect you with people who are searching for topics, like “Local Bible Studies,” that are related to you, which is probably the more likely scenario.
Here are a few tips, and related articles, to get you started on Facebook.
Get a Fan Page for Your Ministry
Here’s a step by step guide to show you how – Setting Up A Fanpage
Encourage Community and Dialog
Taking intentional steps to create an online space around community and dialog gives people more opportunities to feel connected to your ministry, and makes them more likely to participate. Here’s a look at some practical things you can do to make that happen – Encouraging Online Participation
Make Use of Fan Pages And FB Groups
Here’s a look at some of their differences, and when to use one over the other – FB Pages vs Groups
Promote Your Events With Social Media
Here’s a guide to get you started – Organize and Promote Events With Facebook
How else is your ministry using Facebook or a blog?
Photo by jamescridland CC BY 2.0
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Dear Sir
greetings in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
I am Rev. Julius From Pakistan From Presbyterian Church Of Pakistan and Severing in Youth Desk of Presbyterian Church Plz let me now how we can join you and serve with you here in pakistan
bless you
julius
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