Are Your Emails Being Ignored?

It can be frustrating when someone tells you, “I didn’t get the email.” even though you know very well that they received it.  But, is it really their fault or are they just inundated by all the noise out there?

Communicating anything to your audience is a challenge because their inboxes are constantly full.  To get through you need a little creativity.  Instead of relying on the mass email approach consider:

BEING MORE PROACTIVE WITH YOUR COMMUNICATIONS

Schedules fill up quickly and if you want to get events, meetings or programs on people’s calendars you need to plan ahead.  Start by:

• Scheduling 1 day every 6 months to answer the question, “What do I have coming up?”

• Write out a list of meetings, events and registrations.

• Distribute it to your target audiences via mail, email and in person.

The idea of pre planning might overwhelm those of you who are more spontaneous.  Remember we’re just talking about dates and not the content.  As you get closer to the actual dates then you can start putting together the agenda, materials, etc.

INVESTING IN TEXT MESSAGING SERVICES

While most people have email on their phones the most direct way to reach them is via text.  But, let’s face it the idea of texting dozens to hundreds of people seems impossible.  Fortunately, there are a variety of services designed with ministry in mind.

Michael Marchand over at ProjectYM has a great article and breakdown of services they’ve reviewed.  I would definitely consider checking it out.  To read the post click HERE.

DELEGATING THE BURDEN TO YOUR TEAM

While you might be the leader the burden of communication does not fall on your shoulders.  Build a group of people who have at least one of the following gifts:

• They are comfortable with social media.

• Connected to larger and more influential groups of people.

• Aren’t afraid to make phone calls and approach people they’ve never met.

Make sure they know what to communicate and who your target audience is.  The more you can share the burden the further your reach will be.

CREATING SOMETHING STATIC

That might sound odd considering we’ve discussed being proactive; however, people aren’t always going to wait for them to reach out to you.  They’re going to search for the answers to their questions and that’s why creating a webpage (Or Facebook page for parents and ministers) for them to find those answers is key.

OUTSOURCING YOUR EFFORTS

Most youth ministries can’t afford a marketing department; however, they don’t have to.  There are people in your congregation that own graphic design companies or freelance and could help you.

If you struggle finding someone you can always use a ministry like ParishDesigner.com who will help you with your communications.  For more on them check out HERE.

Communication is important in your ministry and that’s why you cannot just rely on email.  Be creative, think outside the box and reach people no matter where they are in life.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: 

• Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die  by Chip and Dan Heath

• Communicating For Change: Seven Keys To Irresistible Communication by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones

• Rebuilding Your Message by Michael White and Tom Corcoran