Unity Church Marketing

I am always surprised to hear people ask me the question about what videos on your church web site can do. The usual response is: Does video really make a difference?

Indeed it does! We are drawn to the medium of video. Video fills the bill better than either the written word or pictures. Don’t get me wrong. Pictures are good. Video is just better.

The cost of video has decreased and it has never been easier to operate.

You can actually get a high definition video camera for $200 or less. Add to that the fact that most cell phones are able to record video that is web quality and you don’t have the excuses that expense is too high to get involved. With cameras such as the Creative Vado (the camera I use) or Flip Mino (both in HD), you literally just point and shoot. Yes, you can enhance the overall effect with better lighting and a good mic, but the point is you can definitely get started without a lot of expertise. And both of these (as well as other cameras) have internal interfaces/software that will upload your video either to YouTube or your website.

Video begins the relationship.

Video on the internet is an awesome way for churches to either begin or further relationships with both church members and potential visitors to your church. A video introduction allows your church website visitors to view it on their time and terms. They can then come to their own conclusions about whether your church may be right for them to attend or not. What kind of videos would you want? The list is endless, but here are a couple of suggestions:

• Your weekly Sunday message. What better way for regular congregants who aren’t able to make it to keep up? And new/potential visitors can a better feel about what they might be getting into.
• New Classes/Programs – Video provides a great way to promote upcoming classes and give a little more flavor than a brochure might offer. Once again, a better opportunity to be seen if you aren’t a regular attender and/or member.
• Mid-Week Minister’s message.
• Weekly notices of upcoming events
• Special Services – Children’s programs such as Christmas are sure to attract viewers.
• Weddings and other services – what better way to promote what your sancturary/grounds are available for?
• Ministries within the Church – each ministry can showcase what they are about
• Needs. If you need a new refridergerator, what better way to do so than to demonstrate on video what condition the current one is in?

Video is not just for your website! And you are not limited to putting those videos just on your church website! You can go to a variety of video sites such as YouTube, Viddler and others to help get your church more exposure. And as I said, the mini digital video cameras have the video embedded in them to allow you to upload immediately without a lot of technical know-how needed.

Video tells the story better than the written word.

Let’s face it, we live in a visual world. People prefer that medium over any other. Don’t take my word for it. Just look at how well people respond to video and you will understand that if you don’t currently have video, you should be thinking about it sooner rather than later.

This doesn’t have to be a big production. In fact, I would make it more informal. Kind of like a one on one conversation. Just keep in mind what the purpose of the video should be. It is usually to let folks know either about your church or what is going on at your church. Of course you can include doctrine. Isn’t that one of the things that people are wondering about? Think about what you would want to know about your church if you didn’t know anything about it.

The only caution that I advise is to make the videos short and sweet. Leaving them wanting more is a good thing. The fact that they want more may be the reason they come for an onsite visit next Sunday. As such, keep them 2-4 minutes in length. Think ala carte and let them select what they are interested in. You will be surprised at what videos will attract the most views. Be sure to track that information and if a video isn’t viewed as often as the other, perhaps you should review why that is. Either remove it or replace it (and maybe re-title it).

Bottom line: video can add an extra dimension to your church website design. Make sure your church (or business for that matter) profits from it.