Expert Tips on How to Effectively Launch a New Online Giving Tool
01
Jason Caston
www.ichurchmethod.comMake it accessible so people can give in the way that is most comfortable to them. Don't make it hard for people to give money.
Some people like to give online, some like mobile, some like text. Whatever they like, let them give in that way if you can.
02
Brady Shearer
www.storytape.comTalk about it every single week. Consistently promote it on every platform.
Be patient. We all resist change.
03
Michael Lukaszewski
www.churchfuel.comLaunch it to your staff, your leaders, and your volunteers (in that order) and help those groups use it before you launch it publicly.
04
Greg Atkinson
www.firstimpressionsconference.comTeach it in your new member class.
Allow for people to sign-up right on the spot via their mobile phone (or through a laptop or iPad for those that don't have a mobile device handy).
05
Justin Dean
www.thatcc.comOn launch weekend, have volunteers and staff accessible with iPads to walk people through how to set up an account and get recurring giving configured.
06
Daniel Irmler
www.churchhero.comOn a regular basis, tell stories from members who are using and loving it.
You don't don’t need a big production value shoot. Keep it simple by using an iPhone (horizontal) and a decent mic.
07
Ariel Nieves
www.thrivechurchcoaching.comInvite your congregation to take out their phones and download the mobile giving app right in the service.
08
Nik Goodner
www.crtvchurch.comExplain the why behind the change and highlight the benefits of the new system.
People like to be "on the team".
09
Kevin Ekmark
www.church.orgI always tell people, "you need to clean your house before you invite friends over". It's crucial that your giving platform is easily found, whether it's on the web or in the church.
On the web, making sure that your website is mobile friendly (Google and Bing both recommend mobile responsive design) can be a huge help. You can also incorporate bots from Facebook or a service like Intercom to help walk people through online giving on your website. When necessary, a human can jump in and help too. This helps complete the process from being found online to completing the online giving.
10
Logan Fields
www.theappguys.orgTell them the real reasons. Giving members are concerned with what's best for the church and not just what they individually prefer. Transparency.
"This platform will allow us to better manage finances and spend less staff time on the books and more on people." etc. The temptation is to treat members like consumers who we need to impress instead of team members. Treat them like equals who you assume are interested in what's best for the church/ mission and people will likely rise to it.
11
Kenny Jahng
www.kennyjahng.comLaunch a $3.16 campaign. Ask people to all give just $3.16 to a weekly or bi-weekly blessing fund. Then, pick one person or cause to bless IN TOWN and go give that person all the money collected.
- It could be the all volunteer firefighter squad in town. "We'll take all the $3.16's collected and go buy a meal or treat and drop off for the firefighters who volunteer."
- It could be a widow the church knows about - bless her with something new for her home or hobby or pets.
- Single mothers - supply them with a night out. Or pay for a house cleaner or a handyman for a couple of hours.
- Special needs families - pay for evening out for the parents and child care for the special needs kids so the parents get a break.
- You can ask for "sponsors" in the future, getting people to nominate good causes (let the youth do this!) and let them deliver the blessing and report back each sunday.
- You can ask for "sponsors" in the future, getting people to nominate good causes (let the youth do this!) and let them deliver the blessing and report back each sunday.
This works incredibly well because you are teaching generosity / outward posture to your people on a consistent basis and getting people to give on mobile- while making it about PARTICIPATION vs AMOUNT. You'll have people regularly trying out the mobile option as well as pre-register them in the system.
There you have it! Some amazing tips, right?
Which tip stood out the most to you … or looked to be the craziest?! Share with us in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
