March Marketing Strategy

Easter represents the biggest attendance opportunity of the year for churches. Research shows church attendance doubles on Easter Sunday compared to regular weeks, with an average increase of 102% according to LifeWay Research.

Just as Starbucks builds anticipation for their seasonal offerings months in advance, churches can create momentum leading up to Easter. The key is starting your outreach efforts in March, giving you 4-6 weeks to engage both your congregation and community.

The data supports this early preparation – churches that begin Easter planning at least 6 weeks out see 27% higher visitor retention rates according to Church Growth Magazine. Additionally, congregations that equip their members with invitation tools in March report 3x more personal invitations extended.

Your March strategy should focus on three core areas:

• Empowering your congregation with simple invitation tools
• Building and training strong volunteer teams
• Creating pre-Easter worship experiences that draw people in

The most effective approach combines digital outreach with personal connections. Studies show that 82% of unchurched people would attend if personally invited by a friend. By starting your Easter preparation in March, you give your congregation time to build these relationships naturally.

Remember to track key metrics like:

• Number of invitation cards distributed
• Social media engagement rates
• First-time visitor registrations
• Volunteer sign-ups
• Small group connections

With intentional March planning, your church can create a welcoming environment that helps Easter visitors become regular attendees.

What Church Leaders Can Learn from Starbucks’ Seasonal Marketing Strategy

Starbucks has mastered the art of seasonal marketing, and one of their most famous strategies revolves around the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). When the PSL launched in 2003, Starbucks didn’t just introduce a new drink—they created a cultural phenomenon by making it available for a limited time each fall.

How the Pumpkin Spice Latte Became a Marketing Powerhouse

1️⃣ Anticipation Builds Demand – Starbucks starts teasing the return of the PSL weeks in advance, creating buzz and excitement on social media. Customers eagerly wait for it, and when it arrives, they rush to buy it.

2️⃣ Limited Availability Creates Urgency – By offering the PSL for only a few months each year, Starbucks makes it feel special and exclusive. People don’t want to miss out, so they buy it while they can.

3️⃣ Expansion of Seasonal Offerings – Because the PSL was so successful, Starbucks developed other seasonal drinks—like the Peppermint Mocha in winter and the Strawberry Açaí Refresher in summer—to create year-round engagement.

How Churches Can Apply This Strategy

Churches can use this same seasonal marketing approach to build anticipation and engagement leading up to major church events like Easter, Christmas, and Revival Sundays.

✅ Plan Ahead & Build Anticipation – Just like Starbucks teases the PSL, churches should start talking about big events weeks in advance. Use social media, email campaigns, and personal invitations to build excitement.

✅ Create a Sense of Urgency – Limited-time events like Family & Friends Sunday, Worship Night, or Serve Team Rallies can drive higher attendance because people know they only happen at key moments.

✅ Develop a Yearly Rhythm – Seasonal events should feel like a tradition people look forward to. If your church consistently hosts pre-Easter Worship Nights or Christmas Outreach Sundays, your congregation will start anticipating and inviting others naturally.

Momentum Leads to Growth

Just as Starbucks’ seasonal drinks increase foot traffic and sales, a well-planned church event calendar can create momentum, grow attendance, and strengthen community engagement. By marketing intentionally around seasons, you can help people feel more connected and excited about what’s happening in your church!

Understanding the Easter Opportunity

Easter represents a significant opportunity for churches, with attendance typically jumping 25-50% above regular Sunday numbers. Recent studies from Lifeway Research show that 93% of churches see their highest attendance during Easter services.

This surge creates a perfect chance to connect with new visitors. Research indicates that first-time guests who form at least seven personal connections during their visit are 80% more likely to return. However, most churches only retain about 15% of their Easter visitors.

A three-pronged approach helps maximize this opportunity:

• Personal Connections: Train your regular attendees to be genuine welcomers. Simple actions like starting conversations and offering to sit together increase visitor comfort significantly.

• Clear Next Steps: Make it easy for visitors to get involved. Studies show that guests who join a small group within the first month are 4 times more likely to become regular attendees.

• Follow-up Strategy: A structured follow-up plan is crucial. Churches that contact visitors within 48 hours see a 70% higher return rate than those who wait longer.

To put these numbers in perspective: If your church welcomes 100 new visitors on Easter Sunday, traditional methods might retain 15 people. But implementing these proven strategies could help you connect with 35-40 new regular attendees.

The key is preparation. Starting your Easter planning in March gives your team enough time to build strong systems while maintaining authentic relationships at the core of your approach.

Family & Friends Sunday Strategy

Personal invitations drive 82% of first-time church visits, making them the most effective outreach tool available. Creating a dedicated Family & Friends Sunday in March sets the stage for Easter success.

Start by equipping your congregation with simple invitation tools. Digital invite cards work best – they’re easy to share and track. Include service times, location, and a clear value proposition for visitors. Make these available through your church app or website.

Set up a three-week rollout plan:

• Week 1: Launch invitation training during Sunday services
• Week 2: Share success stories from previous years
• Week 3: Host the actual Family & Friends Sunday

Give your members practical conversation starters. Research shows people are 3x more likely to extend invitations when they feel confident in how to start the discussion. Create short scripts that feel natural and authentic.

Track these key metrics to measure success:

• Number of digital invites shared
• First-time visitor attendance
• Return visitor rate in following weeks
• Member participation percentage

Encourage members to focus on genuine relationships over numbers. Studies indicate that visitors who come through personal connections are 7x more likely to return and get involved.

Create a welcoming environment by:

• Training greeters specifically for first-time guests
• Setting up clear signage and information stations
• Having coffee and simple refreshments ready
• Preparing visitor welcome packets

Remember to follow up within 48 hours – this increases return visits by 50%. Have your teams ready with thank you notes and next steps information for every new guest.

Building Strong Serve Teams

Strong volunteer teams are the backbone of a successful Easter service. Research shows that churches with well-trained greeting teams retain 85% more first-time visitors. Here’s how to build effective serve teams during March.

Start with a clear structure. Break down your service areas into four key teams:

• Welcome Team (parking, doors, information)
• Kids Ministry
• Hospitality
• Service Support

Create a March training schedule that builds confidence. Plan two training sessions:

• Week 1: Core values and basic procedures
• Week 3: Role-specific skills and scenarios

Focus on quality interactions. Train your teams to:

• Make eye contact
• Smile genuinely
• Learn and use names
• Anticipate needs
• Solve problems quickly

Set up a buddy system for new volunteers. Pair experienced team members with newcomers to provide real-time support and feedback. This approach increases volunteer confidence by 60%.

Recognize and celebrate your teams. Consider:

• Weekly appreciation messages
• Team spotlights in church communications
• Special volunteer gatherings
• Public acknowledgment during services

Track these key metrics:

• Volunteer satisfaction rates
• Guest feedback scores
• Team attendance consistency
• Problem resolution speed

Remember: happy volunteers create happy guests. When serve team members feel valued and prepared, they naturally create better experiences for visitors.

Leveraging Worship Nights

Worship nights create powerful moments that draw both regular attendees and newcomers into meaningful experiences. Research shows that 73% of first-time visitors who attend special worship events are more likely to return for Sunday services.

Start by scheduling 2-3 worship nights throughout March. These events work best when planned as 90-minute experiences that combine music, prayer, and brief teaching moments. Keep the format simple and accessible for newcomers while maintaining depth for regular members.

Make these gatherings count by:

• Setting up prayer stations focused on community needs
• Including times of guided corporate prayer
• Creating space for personal reflection
• Offering simple response moments

Encourage your worship team to blend familiar songs with special seasonal selections. Studies indicate that a 70/30 mix of known and new music helps visitors feel comfortable while keeping the experience fresh for regular attendees.

Track success through:

• Attendance numbers compared to regular services
• First-time visitor cards completed
• Prayer request submissions
• Follow-up connection rates
• Easter service registration numbers

Promote these nights through your congregation’s social networks. Personal invitations drive 82% of first-time attendance at special church events. Equip your members with simple digital invites they can share on social media or through text messages.

Remember to capture contact information sensitively. A simple connection card with a clear next step works better than complicated forms. Follow up within 48 hours with a personal thank you and information about Easter services.

Creating Your Seasonal Marketing Calendar

A well-planned seasonal marketing calendar helps your church connect with your community throughout the year. Start by marking major Christian holidays and local events where your church can make an impact.

Break your calendar into quarters, with specific themes and goals for each season. For example, focus on community service in summer months when families are more available to participate. Plan fall events around back-to-school season when families establish new routines.

Your communication channels should work together smoothly. Use your website, social media, email newsletters, and Sunday announcements to share consistent messages. A good rule is to start promoting major events 6-8 weeks in advance.

Consider your budget carefully when planning seasonal activities. Set aside 40% of your annual marketing budget for Easter and Christmas campaigns, as these typically draw the most visitors. The remaining 60% should support other seasonal initiatives throughout the year.

Make the most of your resources by:

• Creating content that can be used across multiple channels
• Building a photo and video library during each event
• Training volunteers to help with social media
• Using free tools like Canva for design work
• Planning printing schedules to get bulk discounts

Track which seasonal events bring the best results. Measure attendance, engagement, and new visitor numbers. Use this data to adjust your calendar for the following year. Remember that successful seasonal marketing isn’t just about big events – it’s about building lasting relationships with your community.

Conclusion

Easter presents a unique opportunity to connect with your community and grow your church family. By starting your preparations in March, you’ll set your church up for success during this important season.

The strategies we’ve covered – from building strong serve teams to organizing impactful worship nights – work together to create a welcoming environment for visitors. When you combine personal invitations, well-trained volunteers, and meaningful worship experiences, you create lasting connections that extend far beyond Easter Sunday.

Remember these key takeaways:

• Start planning at least 6 weeks before Easter
• Focus on equipping your congregation to invite friends and family
• Invest time in volunteer training and appreciation
• Create multiple touchpoints through worship events

Your next steps are straightforward:

1. Review your current Easter preparation timeline
2. Identify areas that need strengthening
3. Select the strategies that best fit your church
4. Begin implementing your plan this month

Need help putting these ideas into action? Our team is ready to support your Easter outreach efforts. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you make this Easter season truly meaningful for your community.

Take action now – Easter success starts with March preparation. Your church has incredible potential to impact lives this season. Let’s work together to make it happen.