Developing a Digital First-Time Visitor Kit: Engaging Newcomers Online

Looking to attract and engage more first-time visitors to your church? If so, this eye-opening statistic from Pew Research is worth noting:

According to Pew, 30% of U.S. adults go online to search for information about religion. That’s about 77.4 million people using Google, social media, and other platforms to explore religious questions – and potentially discover your church.

We all want our church buildings to be beacons of hope for our community. We want people to feel welcome and know they can step through our doors confidently. However, the reality is that most people will visit your church’s website or Instagram before they ever have the courage to attend in person.

This is exactly where a digital first-time visitor kit comes in. These kits extend a friendly welcome and help newcomers feel at home before they even visit. Let’s dive into how to develop a church digital welcome that informs, delights, and engages newcomers.

The Purpose of Digital First-Time Visitor Kits

A digital first-time visitor kit is a collection of digital resources designed to welcome and engage new visitors at your church. Unlike traditional welcome packets handed out in person, this digital version allows church seekers to explore your church at their own pace, from anywhere. It serves as a first touchpoint and offers an introduction to your church’s community, values, and opportunities.

There are several benefits of a digital visitor kit. First, it provides a convenient and easy way for visitors to learn about your church, making it easier for them to commit to an in-person visit. Second, it offers your church an opportunity to engage the digital mission field with information about your church – and, more importantly, the reason your church meets in the first place, Jesus!

Creating a Digital First-Time Visitor Kit

Ready to create your church digital welcome kit? Here are some essential elements to include in your first-time visitor kit:

1. Welcome Message

A personal welcome message from the pastor or church leaders can set the tone for the entire church's digital welcome experience. Consider creating a short video where church leaders introduce themselves and express their excitement about new visitors joining the community. This personal touch can make a big difference in making newcomers feel valued and seen.

2. Church Overview

Many prospective church visitors will be interested in the context of your church. Make sure to provide a brief history of your church, its mission, and its vision. Introduce key staff and volunteers, highlighting their roles and what they love about the church. This helps newcomers feel connected to the people who make the church what it is. Share stories that capture the essence and heart of your church community.

3. Virtual Tour

Do you want to help new visitors become familiar with your church environment prior to visiting? Thanks to technological advancements over the years, you can showcase your church via an interactive video or 360-degree photos of the church facilities. Make sure to highlight key areas such as the sanctuary, children’s ministry spaces, and fellowship areas. This virtual tour can demystify the physical space and make newcomers feel more at ease when they visit in person.

4. Service Information

One of the most intimidating parts of visiting a new church is not knowing what to expect. Outline the details of your worship services, including times, styles, and what visitors can expect. This can help alleviate any anxiety about attending a new church!

5. Ministry and Program Highlights

Your church digital welcome is a great place to offer an overview of key ministries, small groups, and programs. Highlight opportunities for children, youth, and adults, showcasing the diverse ways people can get involved. Use testimonials or short video clips from members who participate in these programs to add a personal touch.

6. Engagement Opportunities

Don’t forget to detail ways for newcomers to get involved in the church community, from volunteer opportunities to upcoming events. This section can help visitors see how they can become an active part of the church. List specific roles, such as greeters, worship team members, or children’s ministry volunteers, and how to sign up.

7. FAQ Section

Answer common questions about the church and its services. This can include information on dress code, childcare, communion practices, and more. Providing this information upfront can help ease any apprehensions newcomers might have.

Creating Engaging Content for Your First-Time Visitor Kit

The key to a successful digital visitor kit is engaging content that feels genuine and inviting. Here are some tips for creating content that resonates with your online audience:

Welcome Message

Make it personal and friendly. People want to know who you truly are as a church community, so be authentic! Share stories, express genuine excitement about meeting new people, and keep it short and sweet. The goal is to create a connection and make new visitors feel immediately welcomed.

Interactive and Multimedia Content

Use videos, photos, and interactive elements to make the experience dynamic. Virtual tours, video testimonials, and interactive FAQs can make the content more engaging. High-quality visuals and compelling stories can capture the essence of your church’s community.

Authenticity and Personalization

Be real and relatable. Show the genuine warmth of your community and personalize the experience as much as possible. Use real photos and stories from current members to highlight the church’s culture and mission. Avoid stock photos if at all possible! Most people would rather see a cell phone picture of real people in your church than a stock image. 

Implementing Your Church Digital Welcome

Once you’ve created your content, it’s time to implement the digital visitor kit on your church’s website and other platforms:

Website Integration

Once you are ready to launch your digital visitor kit, make sure it is easily accessible from your church’s homepage. Consider creating a dedicated landing page for new visitors to enter their contact information in exchange for the visitor kit. Make navigation simple and intuitive so visitors can easily find and explore available resources.

Social Media and Email Campaigns

Promote the digital visitor kit through your church’s social media channels and email newsletters, and encourage current members to share it with friends and family. This will help pique interest and drive traffic to the landing page.

Church Management Software

If you are collecting emails in exchange for your digital first-time visitor kit (which is highly recommended), make sure to use a church management system like Breeze to manage and track engagement. 

Conclusion

With the digital world becoming increasingly central to our everyday lives, it's time for churches to start getting more serious about casting a digital net. A church digital welcome helps build a bridge to your physical church community. 

At Breeze, we know how much the digital church space matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way! Our easy-to-use church management software will help you stay organized, follow up with website visitors, and grow your church community! Get your free trial here.

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