Social Media Success: Unlocking Growth Through Felt Needs

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, social media has become an indispensable tool for churches to connect with their communities. However, many churches find themselves in a social media lull, struggling to engage as effectively as they once did. 

If you’re involved with social media at your local church, you may wonder how to reengage your online presence. The answer actually lies outside of your walls. Addressing your community's "felt needs" will transform your church's social media from an overlooked digital bulletin board for events into a valuable resource that meets people where they are.

So what is a "felt need"? "Felt needs" refer to the real, tangible concerns and desires people in your community experience daily. Whether parenting advice, financial guidance, or navigating relationships, individuals turn to the internet as a search engine to find solutions to these challenges. By identifying and addressing these felt needs, your church can become a beacon of support and inspiration in the digital realm.

To get practical, the internet operates as a vast search engine, and individuals constantly seek answers to their pressing questions. Consider the statistics: A recent survey shows over 90% of online experiences begin with a search. 

Think about it: When your church creates content that directly speaks to the needs of your community, you position your church to be discovered by those actively seeking solutions.

5 Ways to Address Felt Needs on Social Media

How can we utilize felt needs? Here are five ways to get started. 

1. Conduct Research:

Start by understanding the specific needs of your community. Conduct surveys, engage in conversations, and pay attention to the questions people are asking online. This research will provide valuable insights into the topics that matter most to your audience.

2. Create Searchable Content:

Develop content that directly addresses the identified felt needs. Craft blog posts, videos, and graphics that provide practical solutions, encouragement, and biblical perspectives on topics such as parenting, finances, mental health, and more.

3. Optimize for SEO:

Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to ensure your content ranks high in search results. Use relevant keywords, create compelling meta descriptions, and optimize your content for both desktop and mobile searches.

4. Engage Authentically:

Foster genuine connections by responding to comments, messages, and shares. Encourage dialogue and create a sense of community around your content. Authentic engagement builds trust and strengthens your online presence.

5. Be Consistent:

Establish a consistent posting schedule to maintain visibility and engagement. Regular, timely content reinforces your church's commitment to addressing the community's needs.

Over to You

By refocusing your church's social media strategy on felt needs, you can revitalize your online presence and connect with your community in meaningful ways. The internet is not just a platform for promotion; it's a tool for ministry and outreach. 

Embrace the opportunity to become a valuable resource, providing guidance and support to those searching for answers. As you address felt needs, your church will grow and foster a deeper sense of community and engagement- not just in the walls of your church but outside in your online space. 

Together, let's harness the power of social media to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve because we know that people live forever.