Photos are your primary avenue of communication to your followers. Avoid posting photos of flyers or other similar materials that are text heavy. Edit photos in VSCO. Avoid over-editing photos. The more natural they look, the better. Like and comment on photos that are church-related.
Instagram Stories
Post in the moment. Use the features on IG Stories: Boomerang, Live, Music, Type, etc. Videos can only be 15 seconds. Post throughout the week. Examples may look like: meet the staff, polls, behind the scenes, wallpaper. Re-post people who tag you in their stories.
To help achieve good engagement, it is encouraged to keep the content rich by including photos or videos in your posts. If your posts do not contain either, keep the copy short and concise. Use line breaks when applicable. Include any relevant mentions, as long as the account is active and the names of the mentioned accounts aren’t too long and cumbersome. Delete the text URL from your post if displaying the link preview. Like comments from users. Hide spam.
Post 2-5 times a day if you are choosing to use Twitter. Use images when possible. Try to have an image every 3 or 4 posts. Do not be ambiguous. Clearly state your idea, Bible verse, or promotion. If you cannot be clear in 140 characters or less, do not post. Favorite tweets from followers. Retweet relevant information. We only follow staff. Do not follow anyone else.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Engage with your audience by responding to messages/comments.
- Be kind. If you want to have a friend, be a friend.
- Do not be afraid to ask your church/ministry audience questions.
- All messages are posted in the church’s voice.
- Don’t attach names.
- Don’t post pictures of children without written permission.
- Avoid personal opinions and views.
- Do not take images from places like Google/Bing image search, unless they are copyright, royalty free assets.
- Do not use acronyms or church lingo. Examples: BWB, fellowship