1. Social Media 101 Why churches need social networks and How to use them to your advantage

2. Why Us? Claim your space Connect with visitors and members – create relationships Event promotion Share announcements Share your story

3. Facebook Difference between profiles, pages, and groups Create a unique page for your church Photo/Video friendly – connect with Instagram and YouTube using apps Promote events- encourage sharing Create conversations- get followers commenting

4. Twitter A fast way to connect by 140 characters Constant connection with quick response Videos and photos – short life span Connect with other social networks Twitter handle: @username Uses #hastags to categorize tweets by keywords.

5. YouTube Tells your story- embed them on your website Videos can be made free from a phone Post sermon clips Event promotion or highlights –mission trips, VBS, youth service etc. Ask members to shoot a quick video- ‘Video of the Month’

6. Pinterest Inspiration boards of pictures with captions Each picture is a link to a website Use for crafting, recipes, VBS, humor, gift ideas, decorating, party planning, fitness, quotes, and more. Possibilities are endless Group boards Pinterest Party Nights

7. LinkedIn Active resume – background, education, credibility, and skills More of a formal social network Connect with other organizations, pastors, ministers, and churches Post job openings

9. Instagram Visual way to tell your story Allows for creativity Connect to Facebook and Twitter for instant sharing Uses #hashtags Mainly works from phone

10. Google+ Operates with “circles” – multiple circles (WMU, youth, VBS, choir, etc.) More of a tool – post to individual circles or all Credibility with Google maps Photo and Video upload capability Video Hangouts

11. Google+ Video Hangouts

13. Tips for Success Be consistent- stay active Design posts around the social network Be careful about cross-network posting Get volunteers Be patient! Have fun with it

14. Stumped about posting? Create a plan: verse a day, sermon highlights, ‘Mission Tuesday’, staff/member of the day etc. Use photos and videos (tag people if possible) ‘Share’ or re-tweet 3x’s more than you post Use conversational questions – get people talking Try not to just “sell” your church all the time

15. Hash Tags Specific searchable keyword (ex: #cupcakes) Only use on Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ Can be placed anywhere in the message No spaces (ex: #webreadychurch) Allows you to view all tweets and posts that use that hash tag