How should we be leveraging social media in this season when everyone is burned out from information overload? Here are three ideas.
A few months ago, when the COVID-19 crisis first hit my region, I was always on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest information.
I don’t know about you, but I only open social media now when I have to.
I think a lot of people are getting burned out from information.
So, what should your church’s social media strategy be when people are tuning out?
Do we just shut it off and wait until everything settles back down?
I don’t think that’s the solution.
What we likely need is yet another pivot. (Anyone tired of pivoting yet?)
The good news is we are becoming so flexible and adaptable that we can handle anything!
The question to ask is, “What do people need?”
Right now, I don’t feel people need more content.
They don’t need more advice.
People are tired of all the different voices, from all angles, telling them what to do.
That’s the content people are starting to filter out.
So, what do people need?
I would argue what our people, and all people, are craving right now is real connection.
Here are three ways to leverage social media as we pivot yet again toward connection and away from content.
In our church, we’re seeing people hungry to help and serve.
The challenge is, they often don’t know how or where.
Now that some organizations are beginning to reopen, there are opportunities to connect your people with local needs so they can serve.
It might look like grocery shopping to collect supplies for a local ministry, or it could be making your people aware of needs and inviting them to creatively meet those needs.
Use your social media platforms to connect people to local needs.
This has been one of the most discouraging seasons.
The impact of the virus is terrible, our economy is struggling, and racial tension and division in our country is heart-breaking.
Connecting your people with stories of hope can be incredibly encouraging right now, and people need to be encouraged.
Here are a few ideas:
Showing your people that good is happening can be incredibly life-giving.
Zoom fatigue is happening, and people are growing tired of screens.
People are hungry for real relationships and connections.
Our most popular social media posts have been when our church staff members have included their family.
I believe our people love seeing our staff in their natural setting, and they enjoy getting to know them more personally.
It’s all about real connections, not just information.
People are craving real, deep connections.
If you haven’t already, now is an excellent opportunity for sharing stories such as having staff or church members post their testimonies or faith journey.
If your church is struggling with how to utilize social media right now, I suggest less content and more connection.
Spend less time telling people what they should be doing and more time sharing who you are.
How are you accomplishing this within your church?
We’d love to hear your ideas!
We'd love to show you what we built!