Presenter: Valerie Holton vholton@uua.org
More resources available at http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/congregationscount/index.shtml
Steps in membership Commitment:
Interest-worship-fellowship-covenant relationships-commitment-leadership –evangelize
Website analysis through the eyes of visitors
People first go to church when they are tension or transition
Ask visitors “What can we do for you?”
Make sure they meet 4 people
Worship is visitor friendly--avoid acronyms like UUA, RE, etc.
Families as greeters
First 10 minutes are crucial
Follow up contact within 72 hours
Send a stamped, self-addressed Postcard in the Guest Letter: what did you notice first, what did you like most--least
Must build relationships--like covenant group
Membership questions
Do I fit?
Does someone want to know me?
Am I needed?
How to stop doing everything
The journey is a process
Ask guests "What can we do to help you?"
Emails are good because they can reply
Track number of first time visitors
Yearly number Should be same as number of members
Give members postcards or email to invite friends
Count new members compare to number of first time visitors: should be 12% to 20%
Active members-
Track involvement of new members
What is the number of people who leave
Exit surves would you recommend us to friends or family
Have people committed to talk to guests
Call folks who have not been attending
Covenant groups service project: being ambassadors
Marketing
What is the objective?
Who do we want to reach?
What do you offer?
Focus groups with people like the ones you want to attract
Direct mail brings about 2% response
Samples of direct mail pieces available on UUA website
Mailing lists from like-minded organizations
Postcards effective
Geoselect.com is a source for addresses
Use new banner developed by the UUA: Nurture your Spirit. Help Heal our world.
Google ads
Google home page
Choose key words and create ads that speak to that
Natural search results --increase your links relevant to search words
Guerrilla marketing
Join UUA PR e-list: pr-l@lists.org
Sun shades
Bumper stickers
Testimonials during services
No church work for 15 minutes before and after service
Partner with another congregation to sleuth visit and evaluate welcoming practices
Cluster of congregations
Regional website
Regional workshops
Special events
Targeted direct mail
Share templates--customize for individual congregation
