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It is hard not to recognize Facebook’s massive reach. Over a billion people use Facebook every day, yet many parishes resist joining or have pages that haven’t been updated since their original creation. Are you thinking about starting a page for your parish but don’t know where to start? Unsure if you should create one or what to do after you start a page? We’re here to help!
The main reason most parishes join Facebook is fairly simple: their parishioners and potential parishioners, are on Facebook. While initially this may have mostly applied to parishes with a younger congregation, Facebook is used widely by people of all ages. According to the Pew Research Center as of November 2016, 36% of people 65 or older are active users - down from 49% in 2014. Facebook allows parishes to connect with their parishioners in a new way outside of Sunday Mass. It also allows people to learn more about what’s happening at the parish and find a new group or activity to join.
One main benefit of using Facebook is the ability to create and invite people to events. This enables people to see what’s going on in the parish and to RSVP. Facebook can be an easy way for parishioners to keep track of what events they would like to attend and for parishes to see who plans to come to events.
While more of a next step, Facebook advertising allows parishes to target people living within their area to promote both events and the parish Facebook page. This is relatively inexpensive way to potentially reach hundreds of new people in your parish boundaries and engage them in a new way. Facebook also allows for instant updates – cancelled events, location changes, and other important announcements can be made in real time.
The main reason most parishes join Facebook is fairly simple: their parishioners and potential parishioners, are on Facebook. While initially this may have mostly applied to parishes with a younger congregation, Facebook is used widely by people of all ages. According to the Pew Research Center as of November 2016, 36% of people 65 or older are active users - down from 49% in 2014. Facebook allows parishes to connect with their parishioners in a new way outside of Sunday Mass. It also allows people to learn more about what’s happening at the parish and find a new group or activity to join.
One main benefit of using Facebook is the ability to create and invite people to events. This enables people to see what’s going on in the parish and to RSVP. Facebook can be an easy way for parishioners to keep track of what events they would like to attend and for parishes to see who plans to come to events.
While more of a next step, Facebook advertising allows parishes to target people living within their area to promote both events and the parish Facebook page. This is relatively inexpensive way to potentially reach hundreds of new people in your parish boundaries and engage them in a new way. Facebook also allows for instant updates – cancelled events, location changes, and other important announcements can be made in real time.
So you’ve followed the steps and set up your brand new Facebook page and are asking yourself, "what’s next?". Maybe you have a parish Facebook page, but haven’t posted anything in a while...a long while. Or your Facebook is active and has a lot of fans, but are always looking for new inspiration for post ideas.
Many parishes struggle to find relevant content to post consistently on their Facebook pages. Think of your Facebook page from the point of view of a parishioner or visitor - what things would be useful to see? Basic information on your “About” tab such as Mass times, locations, and contact information are vital. Beyond the basics though, here are some suggestions for what can make your page as inviting and interactive as possible:
Many parishes struggle to find relevant content to post consistently on their Facebook pages. Think of your Facebook page from the point of view of a parishioner or visitor - what things would be useful to see? Basic information on your “About” tab such as Mass times, locations, and contact information are vital. Beyond the basics though, here are some suggestions for what can make your page as inviting and interactive as possible:
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Tips for posting on Facebook
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What makes for good posts?
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A vital part of maintaining a Facebook page is interacting with followers.
Remember, Facebook is a tool that your parish can use to spread the Gospel and engage your parishioners in new ways. It can be used for thought-provoking reflection, a call to action, to connect with potential parishioners and maintain those you have or even to make your followers smile.
- Be sure to respond to questions about events/parish life.
- Share relatable items
- Ask questions - asking questions is a great way to encourage people to interact with you. Questions should be simple and non-confrontational. A good example is asking before Lent what people are thinking of giving up. A bad example would be asking about political or divisive issues.
- If first comment is offending, hide the comment.
- If offensive comments persist, privately message the individual if you feel comfortable doing so.
- If you feel uncomfortable sending the person a message, Facebook gives you the option to ban that individual from your page.
Remember, Facebook is a tool that your parish can use to spread the Gospel and engage your parishioners in new ways. It can be used for thought-provoking reflection, a call to action, to connect with potential parishioners and maintain those you have or even to make your followers smile.
When you have an active, engaging, and consistent Facebook page that you want to take to the next level, using Facebook Ads might be a good fit for your parish. Facebook Ads allow you to target ads to specific zip codes so you can effectively reach people living in your parish boundaries and nearby. Facebook Ads can be used for a number of uses:
- Gaining more page likes
- Promoting an event
- Boosting page views