7 Marketing Tactics Growing Churches Are Using to Reach More People

If you look closely at fast-growing churches, you’ll notice something they all have in common: they take marketing seriously.

These churches don’t just wait for people to show up—they intentionally create ways for their community to find them, connect with them, and return again and again.

Here are seven key marketing tactics that growing churches are using right now—and how your church can start implementing them, too.

1. Build a Smart, SEO-Optimized Website

Your website is your church’s digital front door. Most people will visit it before ever walking into your building. A smart website is designed to make that first impression count.

It’s clean, mobile-friendly, and optimized for search engines (SEO), which helps your church appear when people search for “churches near me.”

Even more importantly, it makes it easy for visitors to plan a visit, watch a message, and connect with your ministries in just a few clicks.

💡 Pro Tip: A clear “Plan Your Visit” button should be visible on every page.

2. Stay Visible with Google Reviews and Posts

When someone searches for a church in your area, Google shows the top-rated and most active listings first.

Growing churches consistently gather reviews from members and post photos, events, and updates on their Google Business Profile.

This simple step builds trust and drives real traffic to your church website and Sunday services.

💬 Ask your congregation to share how your church has impacted their lives—it helps new people find you!

3. Strengthen Your Social Media Presence

Churches that grow online know that people connect with people, not just logos.

They post authentic stories, video clips of messages, behind-the-scenes moments, and short encouragements throughout the week.

The result? Visitors who already feel like they know your church before they ever attend in person.

🎥 Try posting a 30-second “Why We Love Our Church” video from members each week.

4. Use Targeted Ads to Reach Your Community

Facebook and Google Ads are powerful tools for reaching families searching for connection, especially around big seasons like Easter, Christmas, and Back to School.

A small budget can help your church reach thousands of people within a few miles of your building—and invite them to a life-changing experience.

📍 Target ads to your zip code with clear calls to action like “Plan Your Visit.”

5. Follow Up Automatically with Smart Systems

Most first-time guests don’t become regular attenders right away—but consistent follow-up makes all the difference.

Growing churches use automated text and email systems to thank visitors, share next steps, and invite them back.

This approach ensures no guest slips through the cracks and helps them become part of the family faster.

💬 Use an automated “12-week follow-up sequence” to nurture first-time guests.

6. Clarify Your Brand Identity

From your logo and signage to your website and social graphics, your brand should feel cohesive and inviting.

A clear, consistent brand communicates stability, vision, and purpose—it helps people instantly recognize and trust your church.

🎨 Great branding doesn’t just look good—it builds connection and confidence.

7. Tell Your Story with Purpose

People may not remember every sermon, but they’ll remember a story that moved them.

Growing churches use storytelling in videos, blogs, and social posts to show real-life transformation.

These stories help others see themselves in your message and realize that hope and community are waiting for them too.

❤️ Share stories of baptisms, outreach, or life change regularly—your story is someone’s invitation.

Ready to Reach More People?

Your church has a message of hope that your community needs. Don’t let outdated marketing—or an old website—keep people from finding it.

At Church Brand Guide, we help churches create smart websites, powerful branding, and automated systems that turn visitors into members.

👉 Schedule a call today to learn how to get a new church website set up for just $1 this month—and start growing your reach right away.