It’s that time of year when most churches go into hyperdrive getting all their ducks in a row to prepare for their largest Sunday gathering of the year. If you’re part of a church communications team, or a solo pastor, you’re probably thinking through ways to make your Easter rise to the top. So whether it’s a mailer, invite card, or social graphic, following these 7 tips will help your promotional materials stand out.

1. Have a clear message:  Don’t forget to include all the options that your church has to offer. When people are considering where they may want to attend, sometimes it’s not the Sunday service that draws them in. Maybe you’re having a community event or a family-friendly activity. Be sure to include all the options for them.

2. Make use of color: Colors work together to help people know what the most important thing to look at when they are scanning information. But be sure to use bright colors that draw attention and stay away from calming neutrals. You want to convey importance through using high contrasting bright colors.

3. Use high-quality images: Give people a preview of their experience through using inviting images taken from your actual church. Pictures of your church are best, but if you don’t have them, or if they are low quality, then you can consider using stock photos that represent your current church body well. Make sure to set the correct expectation with their age, ethnicity, etc.

4. Be creative: The style, layout, and font choices you make are important in a similar way as color. When people are materials, these are the things that make them stop and read more. Pair cursive, hand-written style fonts with clear legible ones for important information. Or try an alternative layout for the piece. For example, a portrait orientation  vs. landscape can make someone have a double take.

5. Highlight anything special: If you’re giving away something or having a special element in your service be sure to include that on the communications piece in a prominent way. This will help people know how your service/event will be different from others they could attend. Most people have been to an Easter service, but make sure to show them how your’s will be unique.

6. Make it personal: Work to tailor your promotional materials to your target audience. What kind of things are they looking for? What interests them? What struggles are they facing? Communicating these things helps them know that you understand them. People care about the things that make them feel seen and heard.

7. Highlight community connections: Showcase if you’re connected with another organization or church family. These connections can act like mutual friends to lower people’s barriers and make them more comfortable and likely to attend your church. 

Bonus Tip: Use Humor. Using humor and laughter when appropriate can help make your church likable in the eyes of your audience. It helps you not come across too stuffy and shows that you don’t take yourself too seriously.   

We all want to put our best foot forward when we have guests attend our home. In the same way, considering how to communicate well in your promotional materials demonstrates the intentionality, warmth, friendliness that makes people feel important. This intern makes them much more likely to attend. The more people attend, the more people will get to hear the life changing story of Jesus. If you need help with the graphic design to follow these tips, please reach out to us. We’re happy to help.