As you probably know, YouTube is one of several video sharing sites on the Internet where anyone, including you or even your church, can upload videos for others to view. Businesses, both large and small, have used this type of service to promote their products or services. There are 100 million videos viewed daily! What you may not know is that YouTube has surpassed Yahoo as the second largest search engine. So if you’re looking for free exposure, you might have a hard time finding anything that pays great marketing ROI other than a great church website that’s been SEO optimized.
No wonder more and more churches are using YouTube!
The trick is determining the right type of video to upload, and then finding a way to get people to want to watch it. Because when this article was created, if you put the term “church” into the YouTube search engine, it returns over 626,000 hits. So you need to separate yourself from the rest of the clutter.
What types of videos do I post?
Sometimes churches have a hard time coming up with videos to share. Do you already have videos of activities that have happened in your church? Here are some ideas to help you get started. Be creative. You don’t need a professional to capture these moments. Most churches have many talented people in their congregations who can perform this service. If so, you are just one click away from being able to upload those videos to YouTube.
People sharing your trip: Something that people really resonate with is sharing with other like-minded people. This is also a good way to show how “regular” you are when seen by the unchurched or those looking for a new church.
> Highlights from recent events: Similar to promoting upcoming events, showing highlights of recent events can show people what your church is like and show them what they missed (so they don’t miss it next time).
> Publication of funny or humorous videos: There’s a reason America’s funniest home videos endure. People like fun. If you have something, post it.
Promote upcoming events: Let people know what’s coming up at church. People will watch much more often than they will read. This gives you a real chance to sell the event. Interview a few likely attendees and let them help build the momentum. Do you have a fundraiser? This will give you the chance to actually show what will be done with the funds.
Trading posts: Most churches do not have the budget to pay for television airtime. But what if you did? Post what could be a commercial for your church. It might even be more effective than a TV buy in this age of TiVo, where viewers routinely miss commercials.
Speakers: Does your church host conferences or special guest speakers? You can show the highlights of these to show that someone hesitant about attending or not can make a good decision.
Spiritual messages: I feel these are much better than posting the minister’s Sunday message. Many people are looking for spiritual guidance and information. You can produce videos on various topics, such as nonviolent communications.
Non-Church Informational Videos: Don’t limit yourself to just church and spiritual messages. Turn your YouTube channel into a go-to place for everyday life. And in the process, drive more people to your website, as well as your church. How does it work? Everyone knows some information that would be useful to many people. Do you have authors who want to provide a quick 2 minute introduction? Why not? This is a great way to reach out to those who wouldn’t normally look for a church, exactly the people we should be targeting with our church marketing, and ultimately has a positive effect on your church brand.
Video used in your church services: Does your church use video during the service to help make an impact? Why not post them online?
Build buzz by commenting on current events: Search Google or Yahoo for the hottest topics and comment on them. You are sure to get a reaction and exposure. Keep in mind that buzz can go both ways, so think about the effect and whether you (as well as your church and stakeholders) are willing to do it. Great for web traffic though.
Create a “fun” fundraiser by running a video contest: Pick a topic that you want to promote that is geared towards youth and then have a contest for your teens or youth to create videos at church and then post the videos. The good thing about it is that a lot of people tend to get involved, bring people together, and have fun doing it.
Things I should refrain from putting on video sharing sites?
Whole Sunday messages –Most ministers speak for 10-20 minutes on Sunday. YouTube has a maximum limit of 10 minutes. People’s attention span is more oriented for 2 to 5 minutes. There is a disconnect there. Some may argue this, but just watching a speaker speak without the rest of the service may not be your best step forward in my opinion.
Political Comments –This is dynamite and you will surely offend someone. Better leave those issues to the political experts. Besides, there are already enough of those.
What are some of the benefits to my church of posting videos?
Save your bandwidth! Use YouTube to host your videos!
The creation of videos by people who might not otherwise volunteer can be a great way to get those people more involved in the church.
Your website will probably also benefit through a higher page rank. Since Google now owns YouTube, your website will get priority in Google Page Ranking.
The bottom line is that services like YouTube and other video-sharing sites are easy to get up and running, can drive more visitors to your church website and church, and can show the rest of the community what your church is all about. This should be something every church marketer should incorporate into their toolbox.