Church Marketing Sucks

This is the time of year when we begin to reflect on what was as we look toward what will be in 2015.

We have gathered a collection of posts from around the Internet to help us reflect and plan.

What Was?

Twitter

Twitter has created an easy-to-use microsite dedicated to showing the highlights of 2014. #BringBackOurGirls, #Ferguson and #WorldCup were just a few of the key moments of this year.

Relive all of the biggest moments from Twitter this past year.

Facebook

What topped Facebook’s year? The World Cup, which generated more than 3 billion comments, likes and posts from over 350 million people.

Instagram

Instagram is ending 2014 with some pretty big news. It now has more than 300 million monthly users, and has surpassed Twitter in size.

What Will Be?

7 Social Media Resolutions for 2015

From trying new networks to keeping social media out of the bedroom, here are seven resolutions you can work on in 2015.

29 Predictions for 2015

Wireless charging, the Apple Watch, and 3D printed organs?! Check out all of the predictions from the team at Fortune.

11 Marketing Trends To Watch For In 2015

Transparency, agility, and personalization lead the way for brands in 2015.

15 Data-Backed Tips for Successful Digital Marketing in 2015

63% of women and 73% of men will check their phones every hour. Focus on your mobile presence.

What does this mean for your church?

Here are five takeaways for churches as we head into 2015.

1. Get on Instagram! Not only is it now larger than Twitter, but it gives your church the ability to
   visually tell stories.
2. Don’t shy away from the hard topics. If we have learned anything from #Ferguson, it’s that our culture is willing to engage in difficult conversation, may the church be willing as well.
3. Get Mobile! 2014 was the year when mobile internet usage finally passed desktop usage. Just having a website for your church is no longer enough. Your church needs to think mobile. Apps, responsive sites, whatever. Make sure people can find and engage with your church from their phone.
4. The Power of Story. Don’t default to using your church’s social media and website as an event bullhorn. Use those platforms to tell the stories of what God is doing in the lives of people at your church.
5. Give Yourself Space To Unplug. As the world around us becomes more and more connected, the danger is to never allow ourselves to disconnect. Make sure and give yourself space to unplug. In the bedroom, on the weekend, as part of a getaway. Self care in a digital world will become increasingly important, and the church can lead the way.