Alternative Ways to Promote Your Church (That Don’t Involve Buying a Billboard)

When most churches think about “promotion,” their mind jumps to big signs, boosted Facebook ads, or maybe a mailer during Easter or Christmas. And while those things can have their place, there are plenty of simple, low-cost (or free) ways to get the word out, especially to people nearby looking for a church like yours.

If you’re a pastor or church staff member trying to reach more people without blowing your budget, here are some alternate ways to spread the word this spring.

Activate “Neighborhood Evangelists” in Local Facebook Groups

Quick Tip: Remind members to respond naturally to existing conversations rather than starting posts that feel like advertisements.

Many subdivisions, HOAs, and apartment complexes have their own Facebook groups—usually just for residents. These are the digital equivalent of neighborhood bulletin boards. And while official church pages can’t join, your church members who live in those neighborhoods can.

Instead of trying to post from the church account, identify people in your congregation already in these groups. Ask them if they'd be willing to be “neighborhood evangelists”—not in a pushy way, but in a natural, friendly tone when appropriate.

Here’s how to guide them:

• Share about upcoming events when others are posting about family activities
• Invite neighbors to church outreach events, especially family-friendly or service-based ones
• Offer to pray for people when needs are shared (if allowed in the group)

Make sure to coach them to be genuine, not salesy. A good rule of thumb: if it wouldn’t sound weird in an everyday conversation, it’s probably fine for a post.

Use the Nextdoor App Through Your People

Quick Tip: The best Nextdoor posts don’t start with “Come to our church”—they start with “We’re hosting a free egg hunt for families this weekend!”

Nextdoor is another underused tool for churches—but again, it's most effective when used by your members, not just the church account.

Ask folks who live in nearby neighborhoods and use Nextdoor if they'd be open to occasionally posting about your church, especially when something is coming up that might interest the community (an egg hunt, vacation Bible school, summer camp, parenting workshop, etc.).

You could create a small team of people in different ZIP codes to help with this intentionally throughout the year. You don’t need dozens—just a few people willing to represent the church naturally in their online circles.

As with Facebook groups, make sure your team understands the tone. This isn’t about spamming the feed with church invites—it’s about being a kind neighbor who happens to be part of a church that serves the community.

Encourage and equip your congregation to invite others

Quick Tip: Keep invite cards in highly visible spots like coffee tables, info desks, and even your church bathrooms for easy grab-and-go access.

One of the best ways someone discovers your church? A personal invite.

But even people with the best intentions often freeze up or forget. That’s why you need to make it easy for them.

Here are a few tools to put in their hands:

• Wallet-sized invite cards with basic info
• Business card-style reminders for special series or events
• QR cards that link directly to a “Plan Your Visit” page
• Simple social media graphics that they can share or text

Set up an invite station in the lobby. Change the cards out seasonally. Encourage your people regularly: “Think of one person you could hand this to this week.”

Keep your church’s Yelp and Google profiles current

Quick Tip: Add at least three new photos every season to keep your profiles looking fresh and relevant.

It might sound surprising, but people use Yelp and Google to find churches, especially when they’re new in town or looking for something specific (like a good kids’ ministry or a friendly vibe).

Make sure you’ve claimed your listings, and check:

• Service times are accurate
• Photos are current (show people, not just a building)
• Reviews are recent

Ask a few members to leave a kind review—not a novel, just a few honest sentences about their experience. Don’t script it. Let it be real.

Connect with local businesses or schools

Quick Tip: Pair event flyers with a small thank-you treat for the staff—it builds goodwill and makes them more likely to display your material.

If your church already has good relationships with local organizations, look for ways to quietly promote upcoming events or ministries.

Try:

• Leaving a small stack of event flyers at a coffee shop or community center
• Sponsoring a youth sports team with your church’s name on the back
• Dropping off treats to a local school with a thank-you note and invitation

Don’t try to squeeze an altar call into everything. Be helpful and present, and be ready when someone asks about your church.

Update your website and social bios for newcomers

Quick Tip: Test your site’s “New Here” page on your phone—if it takes more than 10 seconds to find service times, fix it.

Once someone hears about your church, they’ll look you up online. What will they find?

Check:

• Are your “New Here” instructions clear?
• Is your Google listing accurate?
• Do your Facebook and Instagram bios reflect your current service times?

This isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being helpful. Your online presence should make it easier for someone to show up on Sunday, not harder.

Final Word

Promoting your church doesn’t have to involve billboards, radio spots, or flashy campaigns. Some of the best tools are already in your church—sitting in the pews each week.

Give your people the tools and encouragement they need to speak up when the moment’s right. Keep your info updated. Show up where your community is already talking. And don’t underestimate the power of one simple invitation.

‍