The traditional media – newspapers, magazines, radio, television – is still an important church marketing tool which has a powerful influence on people’s perceptions of churches and parishes.
Effectively using the media is of considerable advantage.
(It is also of benefit to the media.)
Do not be afraid of the media! Be respectful!
A common misconception is that the media will contact the church / parish on a regular basis for stories. Most often this is not the case.
When a good relationship is developed between the church / parish and the various media outlets, a balance and appreciation of each other’s needs will be reached.
Positive Relations
Parishes need to develop positive relations with the media. Having the media work for you is a real advantage.
Also, having the media not work against you is another advantage.
Most media outlets want to work with churches to portray positive stories to their readers. These are the feel-good stories, which sell newspapers, television and radio time. This builds the media’s advertising base, hence profits. They are also seen as good community advocates.
This positive relationship doesn’t just happen.
The Church Marketing Manager, in particular, needs to develop this relationship in a number of ways. These include contact with journalists, good media releases, advertising with them and the availability of the PMM to the media outlet.
Other Topics Discussed
These topics may be found in this chapter in the church marketing manual ebook:
- Church Contact Person
- Media Release
- Direct Contact with Media Outlets and Journalists
- Balanced Relationship is Needed
- Church Marketing Manager’s Availability
- Be Careful
This ‘Church Marketing Needs to Use the Traditional Media Alsol’ blog post wasa writtten by Bryan Foster author of Church Marketing Manual for the Digital Age (2nd ed) 2010
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