Archive for August, 2006
Two ‘Invest and Invite’ Biz Card Examples
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I’ve used full-color business cards for special promotions and as invite cards several times — especially after a friend pointed me to this site that offers 2,500 two-sided, full-color cards for $65, plus shipping! [BTW, I have no affiliate relationship with them.]
At the right are two examples of biz “invite” cards I’ve done recently … some have called them “invest and invite” cards.
The ones with the hands [see larger graphic: front \ back] was for a sermon series; and the fireworks one was for a Fourth of July event [see larger graphic] we host with a neighboring church.
As I reflected on these two cards and evaluated their effectiveness, I realized the importance of a “unique selling proposition” for them — or lack thereof.
Asking, What makes this different? Why should someone who has no attachment to church come as a result of the card or “offer?,” I realized they are a little weak.
In particular, the idea for the sermon series card — “Reconnecting: Restoring Life’s Broken Relationships” — was for our congregation to invite others to hear about practical ways they can repair and restore their relationships in life.
Looking back, I wish I had included some kind of responsive mechanism, like a free PDF-type report online, or a special message from the pastor, to help them take the next step toward coming (by giving them an easy, non-intrusive “baby step”), to track the card’s effectiveness, and to offer solid resources. [I even wrote a report about using "Free Offers" here.]
Re: the “fireworks” card … I wish I had some sort of a “prize” for registering at the event, like a free $20 tank of gas, or something. Our registration for that night wasn’t good, and hasn’t been in years past I am told. The card could have served as an incentive for them to do that … like, “Turn this card in to register for a door prize,” etc.
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Megachurch and Megatraffic: The Busiest Sites of the 5 Largest Churches
Posted by: | CommentsWhich Web site of the 5 largest churches in America get the most Web site traffic?
Will it be:
Get your fix … see the chart here.
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Tags: Church Marketing | Church Communications | Church Marketing | Church
Last Week on CCP — Post Roundup
Posted by: | CommentsI’ve been putting up a lot of stuff lately (I’m on a binge) … and don’t want you to miss any of it (hey, I stay up way too late doing this!). 
[Ranked according to what I think you should read first]
THE MEAT
THE POTATOES
ON THE MENU FOR THIS WEEK
What is branding worth to you?
Posted by: | CommentsI have had some interesting conversations with church planters lately about branding. There are different schools of thought and viewpoints as to what a strong brand is worth and what a church planter or church should invest for this type of service.
Now I could go on to state my philosophy about the value of branding…but that’s what The Branding Shed does so it would be one sided at this point. I will blog my thoughts later. What I would like to get is your thoughts and input on what is a strong brand worth and what would you invest for a memorable and effective brand.
Here are a few questions that I would like for you to ponder, answer, and to post or e-mail back to The Branding Shed.
- How much would you spend or invest on branding your church?
- What do you consider more important; a logo and identity, a website, or public relations?
- If funding isn’t a main issue, what would you be willing to spend for each one?
- Do you feel you have a deep understanding of what branding can do for your church?
Please let me know your two cents on these questions and any other thoughts you would like to discuss. Let’s open up some dialogue!
Cooking up the redesign of my church’s Web site was no easy task — ask Mama. Here are the super-secret, but not really, ingredients and utensils I (we) used to do it:
THE INGREDIENTS:
One $62 Web Site Template No. 9679 — Click on this link for the affliliate commission please. Warning: This is for advanced users. For the rest of us, check these guys out [him, him, them]
A pinch of this great IStock Family Photo — That’s been used like 1,000 times too many all over the Web. Funny aside: The day before we go “live,” our state convention went live with their new design … with the same photo.
Content from the old site — A major, major help. Volunteers in the church had went through a lot of the thought work for me. It helped having something to work with. Seriously, do you have any clue how much work it is to track down random facts, like, how long one of the age-group ministers had been there? How about photos? [Whole other post altogether for that one.]
Spicy meatball calendar — Jury’s still out on this one. It’s one of the projects I’ve got to get updated. But the function within this service looks to be excellent. Lots of function for about 60 bucks.
Daddy’s special Express Email Marketing sauce — I’m sad to say they’ve changed their prices. It’s a good service. I really like it. They were cheaper than the other big boys I checked into. I like the interface and function in it too.
UTENSILS:
The Swiss Army knife of graphic design, Adobe Photoshop — To cut everything up [i.e. mess it up]
Magic Macromedia Dreamweaver — my favorite WYSIWYG for dummies (letting you get just dangerous enough to mess with text. Hint: Ctrl Z is undo.)
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