This is part 3 of our series of articles on “Effectively promoting your Sermon Player.” This article discusses the impact of print in promoting your archive. While announcing your Sermon Player audibly is important it is also very important to give your audience a written reminder that your sermons are available online. We have outlined several areas that will keep the Sermon Player before your congregation and community.

Mailings:
Many churches still mail letters, newsletters, and postcards to congregational members and the community. These mailings are great opportunities to mention your online sermons. Many times we hear something and forget it before we even get home but if we can communicate our message in writing the chances of someone acting on it is far better. Include the podcast feed and sermon player web address in all mailed correspondence to jog the memory of recipients. Many in your community may not visit your church until they have sampled what your services are like. Sending out a letter or postcard announcing the Sermon Player will give everyone in your community an opportunity to listen to a sermon and feel part of the church even before their first visit. Many communities will provide churches with a list of new move ins. New people often shop for their new church online. A simple postcard mailing to all new residents will help get the gospel out and reach souls for the Kingdom. Newsletters are another way that churches stay in contact with the community. Always take advantage of the opportunity to mention the Sermon Player or speak about a specific highlighted message or series in these publications.

Bulletins and Handouts:
The church bulletin is still one of the most effective ways churches communicate with their audiences. The bulletin is where most church members get their weekly church news. In addition to posting your calendar and events the bulletin is the perfect place to promote your online sermon archive. Remind your congregation to listen online and share the URL with their friends and family. Give simple instructions as to how to listen or even how to subscribe to your podcast. Written step by step instructions will make using the player system simple for everyone. If you need help writing up these instructions let us know, we can help. Handouts are another popular item today in many churches. Pastors pass handouts around as a visual aid to the message being preached. A simple note on this handout about the availability of online sermons will serve as a reminder when they find the handout in their Bible in the coming days or weeks.

Newspaper Ads:
The Newspaper is still a very valuable way to promote your local church. In many communities the local paper is the most utilized source for news. If you’re already running newspaper ads insert your podcast feed and Sermon Player information to inform the community of your online archive. Newspapers are often looking for news and will sometimes publish a church event at no cost to you. Take advantage of these community papers to gain exposure for God’s Word and your local church.

Signage:
Signage is another way to promote your Sermon Player. While church signs aren’t exactly print they are often the most read signs in the community. Add your Sermon Player information to your marquee. Many folks read these signs even though they may not attend your church. Another recent trend in church promotion is yard signs. Like election signs these small yard signs can attract the eyes of your community. Adding the web address is another great way to share God’s word online and prompt visitors to attend one of your weekly services.

Print can be a very affordable but effective way to communicate a message. These are just a few ideas to utilize print and print media to share your sermons with your community. I’m sure there are other ways we have overlooked, please feel free to comment with your suggestions.

Blessings,
Sermon Player Team