Starting fresh with church marketing in 2025 might feel exciting and a little intimidating all at once. With how much content and technology shift year to year, it’s completely normal to look at a blank planner and wonder what comes next. Many churches are rebuilding their digital presence, hoping to reach real people in a meaningful way. If that’s where you are right now, you’re in good company.
Fall is a natural time for reflection and planning. As the year winds down, a new one starts to take shape, full of possibility. We often hear leaders talk about how it’s time to start from scratch, and we get it, it takes courage to say, “Let’s try again.” But beginning again doesn’t mean going it alone or making it perfect. It means being clear, honest, and steady in the way we show up online.
Starting From Zero: Know Who You’re Talking To
If we could only give one starting point for building content, it would be this: know who you’re trying to reach. It seems simple, but it’s where most people get stuck.
Churches serve different kinds of communities, and online content works best when it speaks directly to those people. Before planning what to post, it helps to picture who’s on the other side of the screen. Is it young families, older members, first-time visitors, or longtime regulars? Each group looks for different messages, styles, and ways to connect.
You don’t need a deep marketing study to figure this out. Just talk to people. What questions are they asking? What kind of encouragement are they looking for? Use what you already know from things like neighborhood events, school calendars, or conversations during Sunday service. That local insight is pure gold when it comes to making content that invites connection, not just clicks.
When you understand your community’s unique character, you become more confident in your planning and outreach. Listening closely during events or casual gatherings can reveal what people really need from your online presence. This ongoing understanding shapes every choice you make, from the topics you share to the tone you use.
Plan Before You Post: Building a Weekly Rhythm
Once you know your audience, the next step is to plan what you’re going to share. A weekly rhythm helps take the pressure off making on-the-fly decisions and avoids stress during busy seasons.
We suggest thinking in layers: start with seasons, then break it down by month, then by week. For fall, there are themes that already fit naturally into church content: gratitude, reflection, new beginnings, and slowing down. If you’re planning for November, posts about thankfulness and preparing the heart for Advent feel on time and comforting.
You don’t need to plan for every day of the week. Start with one or two regular posts, like a weekend encouragement or a midweek quote. Over time, this builds trust. People start to expect your voice in their feed, and predictability often leads to more engagement.
It helps to keep a simple calendar or spreadsheet to map out your main topics and recurring posts. This saves time and energy throughout the year, especially when seasonal events or holidays approach. By preparing ahead with outlines or caption ideas, you free yourself up to focus on your ministry and respond to needs as they arise.
Write It Like You’d Say It: Making Your Words Feel Real
The simplest way to connect with people online is to sound like yourself. Too often, churches try to sound polished or formal when real voices work better.
If you wouldn’t say something out loud to a friend at lunch, don’t post it online. Use short sentences, plain wording, and a warm tone. Write drafts and then read them out loud. Does it sound like a speaker announcement or like a pastor talking after service? Aim for the second.
Add short scripture verses or stories when they fit, but keep them short and clear. A well-placed quote or small moment from church life can make a post feel personal and real. Posts that sound like a conversation invite people to pause, not just scroll past.
If you want to develop this habit, consider creating templates for captions or video intros. This helps your team stay consistent while leaving room for personal touches. As your church’s social media voice becomes more recognizable, your online community will feel more connected to your leadership and message.
Pick Your Platforms With Purpose
When starting over with content, less is often more. You don’t have to be on every app. Instead, choose one or two platforms where your people already spend time, like your church website and one social media channel. Then, use those spots with purpose.
As you embark on this journey to build a church content plan that resonates with your community, remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let The Business Co-op guide you in exploring church marketing resources to enrich your outreach efforts. Embrace the power of authentic connections and start crafting a digital presence that truly reflects your church’s mission. Together, let’s create meaningful engagements that inspire and uplift your audience.