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How to Show Up on Google Without A Huge Budget

Jono Long • December 26, 2021

We all know the importance of ranking high in a Google search, but how does a small nonprofit contend with big competitors who have more time, money, and resources? The good news is that you can’t just buy your way to the top of a Google search. There are many factors that go into what shows up in search results, and many of these can be handled by someone with experience and expertise, no matter how large or small your organization is.

Here are four ways to boost your search engine optimization (SEO) and climb those Google rankings.

Know Your Audience

Who is your audience? There are two types of audiences: those who actually visit your website and those who you want visiting your website. Learn more about the general demographics of your current audience and how they may be similar to or different from your target audience. Consider whether the style of your website and the tone of your content matches your intended audience. Analyze how your current site functions, whether the fonts are easy to read yet still grab attention, and whether or not a more professional or conversational tone is appropriate for your audience.

Develop Unique Content

What is the audience looking for and how do you meet their needs? Specificity is key to demonstrating how you stand out from your competitors. Once you have a better idea of the target demographic, you can start to learn more about what they are looking for and how they search for your site. This strategy allows you to focus on what is already working well and capitalize on that. But more than that, unique content all across your site is key to capturing the attention of your audience and keeping them on the site. Avoid directly copying sentences and paragraphs from one page to the other, which actually harms your ranking, and instead create unique, original content on each page of your website. If you feel ill-equipped to do this, as many business owners do, consider outsourcing content writing and blogging to an expert in the field to ensure your content is informative, engaging, and serving your site and readers appropriately.

Use Keywords Strategically

What keywords is your audience using to find you and how often do they appear in your content? Finding out what keywords your audience types into Google can help you get a better idea of how to develop or update the content on your site. The more strategically you mention these keywords, the more likely they are to attract your intended audience. Additionally, consider multiple ways of using the keyword and add locations or other specifics to help your site stand out. Do a quick search of your existing content to see how often these keywords are used and make a plan to work more in as appropriate.

Link to Other Content

How do you keep the audience engaged with your site? The goal of search engine optimization should not just be about showing up first in the rankings, but also about what keeps your audience coming back to your website time and time again. The content on your site should be clear, helpful, and informative so your audience can depend on it as a quality resource. Consider additional pages with infographics, step-by-step guides, bullet points, or numbered lists that take a deeper dive into your specific content than what is on your home page. Put yourself in the shoes of your audience and find the logical routes to commonly searched information so you can make sure everything is easily accessible across your site.

If you are overwhelmed at the suggestions above and still feel like you aren’t certain about your next step, get in touch with Faithworks Marketing for some expert assistance.

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Church Marketing and Evangelism in the Digital Age: Why Your Church Needs to Embrace Social Media

By Jono Long • February 19, 2025

The mission of the church has always been to reach people with the gospel, but the methods of doing so have evolved. In the past, word-of-mouth, community events, and print media were the primary ways churches engaged with their communities. Today, however, people spend a significant portion of their lives online, making digital platforms the new mission field. Despite this shift, some pastors and church leaders resist the idea of marketing, believing it to be unspiritual or unnecessary. However, as Pastor George Ashford of Journey Church in Columbia, SC, explains in a recent episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast , evangelism has always been about meeting people where they are—and in 2025, that place is social media. This blog will explore why churches need to embrace digital marketing, how Journey Church successfully uses social media for outreach, and practical steps your church can take to expand its online presence. The Misconception About Church Marketing One of the biggest pushbacks against digital marketing in churches is the belief that "we don’t need marketing, we just need to preach the word." Many pastors see social media outreach as unnecessary, or worse, a distraction from traditional evangelism. However, as Pastor Ashford pointed out in the podcast, evangelism has always been about going where the people are . John Wesley, one of the founding figures of the Methodist movement, didn’t wait for people to come to a church building—he went into fields, coal mines, and public squares to preach. The same principle applies today: if people are spending hours on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, then churches must be there too. Critics of church marketing often don’t realize that many of the methods they already use—flyers, event invitations, and even a church website—are forms of marketing. Digital platforms simply allow churches to do the same thing more effectively and on a larger scale . How Journey Church Uses Digital Marketing Effectively Journey Church, under the leadership of Pastor George Ashford, has embraced digital marketing as an essential tool for reaching people. Their approach includes: ✅ Social Media Outreach – Journey Church actively shares sermon clips, event promotions, and ministry highlights on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok . This ensures their message reaches beyond just those who attend on Sundays. ✅ YouTube Testimonies – The church created a "Journey Responsible Church" YouTube page featuring real-life testimonies on topics like mental health, addiction, and domestic violence . These videos are not just about promoting the church but providing valuable content that helps people . ✅ Online Giving Strategy – By establishing a strong online giving system before the COVID-19 pandemic, Journey Church was able to sustain financial support even when in-person attendance was not possible. ✅ Quality Over Quantity – They prioritize good sound and video quality to make sure their messages are heard clearly and professionally. As Pastor Ashford said, “If people can’t hear you, then your message is lost.” These strategies have allowed Journey Church to grow in both reach and impact —all by leveraging the power of digital marketing. Key Strategies for Churches to Improve Their Online Presence If your church is new to digital marketing, here are five key steps to help you get started: 1. Embrace Social Media Your church doesn’t have to be on every platform, but it should at least have an active presence on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Each platform serves a different purpose: Facebook – Best for engaging with church members, sharing announcements, and live streaming. YouTube – Perfect for sermon uploads, Bible studies, and testimonials. Instagram/TikTok – Ideal for short, engaging clips that attract younger audiences. 2. Be Consistent A social media page that only posts once every few months isn’t effective. Create a schedule for regular posts, whether it’s daily, weekly, or bi-weekly . 3. Prioritize Quality Good lighting, clear audio, and engaging visuals make a difference. Invest in a good microphone and camera or partner with a company like Faithworks to ensure high-quality content. 4. Encourage Online Giving Digital giving is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Services like Tithe.ly, Pushpay, and PayPal allow members to give from anywhere . As Pastor Ashford pointed out, 50% of Journey Church’s weekly giving now comes from online sources. 5. Track Your Progress Use analytics tools to track engagement. Facebook and YouTube provide insights on views, shares, and comments , helping you understand what type of content resonates most with your audience. Overcoming Fear and Resistance Many churches hesitate to embrace digital marketing because they fear change or feel overwhelmed by technology. However, as Pastor Ashford pointed out, resistance to social media often comes from fear of being left behind . He shared a humorous but profound analogy: "If someone tells me social media marketing isn’t necessary, I ask them—do you still have a big, old-school TV in your house? Probably not. Technology has changed, and so should the church." Churches that fail to adapt are missing out on reaching an entire generation that consumes content primarily through digital platforms. Instead of rejecting social media, churches should use it as a tool to expand their impact . Conclusion The message of the gospel is timeless, but the methods of sharing it must evolve. Social media is not a replacement for evangelism—it is a tool for evangelism. As Pastor Ashford passionately emphasized in the podcast: "Just do it!" Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Start small, stay consistent, and use every tool at your disposal to reach more people for Christ. By embracing digital marketing, your church can extend its reach, engage its community, and fulfill its mission in the modern world. If your church needs help with social media marketing, consider partnering with experts like Faithworks to ensure your content is professional, engaging, and effective. Also, check out Journey Church’s YouTube channel (search for Journey Responsible Church ) to see a great example of how a church can use digital platforms to make an impact. 🔹 What’s one step your church can take today to improve its online presence? Let us know in the comments!

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Be Known Before You're Needed: Innovative Outreach Strategies for Churches

By Jono Long • January 3, 2025

As churches navigate an ever-evolving cultural and technological landscape, reaching communities effectively requires innovation, intentionality, and an unwavering commitment to serving people where they are. In this episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Jono Long sat down with Doug Garasic, pastor of Rust City Church in Ohio, to discuss what it means to truly impact communities in meaningful ways. Their conversation offered a wealth of insights for pastors and church leaders ready to embrace bold outreach strategies and sustainable growth. The Foundation: “Known Before Needed” One of the standout principles Doug shared is that churches must be “known before needed.” In times of personal crisis or pivotal life moments, people look to the church. Doug emphasized that making an impact requires consistent presence and visibility in the community. This visibility isn’t about flashy marketing or gimmicks—it’s about meeting tangible needs and building trust over time. For example, Rust City Church moved beyond traditional outreach methods like backpack giveaways, which were already saturated in their area. Instead, they asked local schools what they truly needed. The answer? Support for teachers. The church transformed a school library into a spa day for faculty and staff, complete with massages, gift cards, and supplies. This disruption of expectations created a memorable and meaningful experience, leaving a lasting impression of care and support. Building Outreach on Intentionality A key takeaway from Doug’s story is the importance of intentionality. Churches must resist the urge to replicate what others are doing and instead focus on real community needs. Before launching an outreach effort, Rust City Church asks, “What’s not being done that needs to be done?” This intentional approach not only avoids redundancy but ensures their actions resonate with the people they serve. One innovative example is their "Black Friday Survival Kit" initiative. Instead of focusing on shoppers, they provided lattes, snacks, and stress-relief items to mall employees working on the busiest day of the year. Simple yet impactful, this initiative highlighted the church’s creativity in identifying overlooked segments of the community. Sustaining Momentum: Less is More Doug highlighted the danger of burnout for both church leaders and members. To combat this, Rust City Church focuses on doing fewer events but executing them with greater impact. By choosing two to four key outreach initiatives annually and dedicating their full resources to them, they ensure each event is impactful, memorable, and sustainable. Doug also shared an essential leadership principle: every successful initiative needs a “champion” within the congregation and an external “coach” for guidance. This dual structure helps churches maintain energy, focus, and excellence without overwhelming their teams. Learning from Failures Not every effort yields the desired results, as Doug candidly admitted. In one instance, Rust City Church gave away a fully remodeled home to a family in need, only to have the family sell the house within weeks. While disheartening, the experience reinforced the importance of learning from mistakes and seeking guidance from organizations with more experience in similar efforts. “Cracking the code” of impactful outreach requires patience, trial, and humility. It’s about aligning passion with processes to create enduring change. Marketing Beyond the Walls For Doug, effective church marketing isn’t about flashy ads or exaggerated promises. He describes the dangers of “monster truck marketing”—overblown promotions that fail to deliver genuine impact. Instead, he advocates for sharing authentic stories of community engagement. By amplifying the meaningful work churches are already doing, they not only attract people but also build a reputation as a vital and trustworthy presence in the community. Playing the Long Game Doug’s advice for 2025 is clear: churches must embrace the long game. The goal isn’t to fill seats overnight but to create a culture of care and service that naturally attracts people when they’re ready for spiritual growth. As Doug puts it, “Even people who don’t attend our church should be glad we’re here.” For pastors and leaders looking to make a deeper impact in their communities, the principles shared in this conversation offer a roadmap: be intentional, prioritize sustainability, embrace innovation, and always lead with love.

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