Most churches are posting consistently. Multiple times a week. Sunday highlights. Announcements. Quotes on a background. And most of those posts get 4 likes — from the pastor's wife, the worship leader, and two people who liked it by accident.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: you're not competing with other churches on social media. You're competing with Netflix, TikTok, and your neighbor's dog. The algorithm doesn't care that your content is wholesome. It only cares if people stop scrolling.
So here's the one shift that changes everything: stop posting FOR your congregation, and start posting AT the person who hasn't walked through your doors yet.
The Tactical Fix
Think about the person within 10 miles of your church who is lonely, anxious, or spiritually curious — but has no idea you exist. What would make them pause their scroll? Not your bulletin. Not your sermon title. But a real answer to a real question they're already asking.
This week's action: Pick one felt need — loneliness, anxiety, parenting stress, purpose — and write one post that speaks directly to that person. No churchy language. No event promotion. Just one honest sentence that says: "If you're feeling X, you're not alone, and there's a place for you." Then put your city name in it so the algorithm knows who to show it to. Example: "If you're a parent in Hutto feeling overwhelmed, you don't have to figure it out alone." That's it. Try it this week.
Your people inside the church will still see it and appreciate it. But for the first time, the algorithm will have a reason to show it to someone new. One post. One felt need. One city. Do it before Sunday.