Reaching Your Community with Facebook Ads

Jono Long • December 17, 2024

Facebook ads offer a powerful way for churches to connect with their community. With millions of people using Facebook daily, it’s an effective platform to spread your message and invite more people to join your church events and services. By creating targeted ads, you can reach those who are most likely interested in what your church has to offer.

Setting up a Facebook ad campaign may seem complicated, but it's manageable with the right steps. From creating engaging ad content to targeting the right audience, you can tailor your ads to align with your church’s goals. The benefits are significant; you can increase awareness, attendance, and even online engagement by effectively using Facebook ads.

At Faithworks Marketing, we understand how vital it is for churches to stay connected with their community. That’s why we want to share insights on how to leverage Facebook ads for advertising for your church. By following our tips and strategies, your church can create compelling ads that resonate with your audience and achieve your outreach goals.

Understanding Facebook Advertising for Churches

Facebook ads are highly effective for churches because they allow you to reach a large number of people with precision. Using Facebook's targeting options, you can connect with specific groups such as families, young adults, or even people interested in community events. This targeted approach helps ensure your message reaches the right audience.

One of the key benefits of using Facebook ads for churches is the ability to raise awareness about your church and its activities. Ads can promote events, share inspirational messages, or invite people to visit your services. Since Facebook provides analytics, you can see how well your ads are performing, making it easier to adjust your strategies for better results.

Another significant advantage is community engagement. Facebook ads can encourage interactions, such as likes, shares, and comments, helping to foster a sense of community online. This increased engagement can lead to more people attending church events and participating in church activities.

Setting Up Your Campaign

Creating a Facebook ad campaign involves several steps. First, set up a Facebook Ads Manager account if you don’t already have one. This is where you’ll create and manage your ads. Once logged in, click the "Create" button to start your campaign.

Next, choose an objective for your campaign. For churches, objectives like "Engagement," "Awareness," or "Conversions" are often the most relevant. Engagement aims to get more likes, shares, and comments. Awareness increases the visibility of your church. Conversions encourage specific actions like visiting your website or signing up for an event.

Once your objective is set, define your target audience. Use Facebook’s targeting tools to select demographics, interests, and behaviors that match your congregation or community. For example, you can target people interested in family activities, community service, or spiritual growth.

Crafting effective ad copy and imagery is essential. Use clear and inviting language that aligns with your church’s mission. High-quality images of church events, friendly faces, and community activities can make your ads more appealing. Always include a call-to-action (CTA) to guide viewers on what to do next, such as “Join Us This Sunday” or “Learn More About Our Events.”

To learn more about creating effective Facebook ads for your church, check out our 2024 Guide to Facebook Ads for Churches. This resource provides in-depth insights and steps for successful advertising for your church.

Budgeting and Measuring Success

To make the most of your Facebook ads, setting a budget is crucial. Start by determining how much you can spend on advertising for your church each month. You don't need a large budget to be effective. Even a small amount can go a long way if used wisely.

Next, use Facebook’s budgeting tools to set daily or lifetime budgets for your ad campaign. A daily budget limits how much you spend each day, while a lifetime budget spreads your funds over the entire campaign duration. Choose the option that best fits your financial situation and campaign goals.

Measuring success involves tracking key metrics. Use Facebook Ads Manager to monitor important performance data such as click-through rates (CTR), engagement, and conversions. These metrics show how well your ads resonate with your audience. High engagement and CTR indicate that your ads are effective.

Adjusting your strategy based on performance data is essential. If an ad isn’t performing well, try changing the image or wording. Test different versions of your ads to see which one works best. Regularly review your campaign to ensure it stays on track and delivers the best possible results.

Best Practices and Tips

Creating compelling Facebook ads involves following best practices to ensure your campaigns are effective and engaging. Here’s a list of tips for advertising for your church on Facebook:

1. Use High-Quality Images: Clear and vibrant photos stand out more and attract attention.

2. Craft Clear Messages: Keep your ad copy simple and to the point. A clear message helps people understand your ad quickly.

3. Include a Call to Action (CTA): Guide your audience on what to do next, like “Join Us” or “Learn More.”

4. Target the Right Audience: Use Facebook’s targeting tools to reach people who are likely interested in your church activities.

5. Keep Testing: Experiment with different images and messages to see what works best.

Do's and Don’ts:

- Do's:

- Do use video ads when possible. Videos often get more engagement than images.

- Do monitor your ad performance regularly to make necessary adjustments.

- Do use A/B testing to compare different versions of your ads.

- Don’ts:

- Don’t use too much text in your ad images. Facebook prefers images with minimal text.

- Don’t ignore negative feedback. Address any concerns to create a positive image.

- Don’t set unrealistic goals. Be practical about what you can achieve with your budget and timeframe.

Conclusion

Advertising for your church with Facebook ads is a powerful way to reach and engage your community. From setting up your campaign to budgeting and tracking success, each step plays a critical role in making your ads effective. Following best practices helps ensure your message is clear and engaging, increasing the chances of connecting with your audience.

Ready to optimize your church’s Facebook ads? Faithworks Marketing can help you create compelling campaigns that resonate with your community. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can assist in making your church’s outreach efforts successful.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Latest Posts

How to Resolve Landing Page Issues Affecting Church Google Ad Performance

September 5, 2025

Fix landing page problems to boost Google Ad Grant results. Discover strategies for faster load times and better mobile designs to engage more visitors.

Fixing Keyword Match Type Errors in Church Google Ad Grant Accounts

By Jono Long • August 31, 2025

Learn to correct keyword match type errors in your church's Google Ad Grant campaigns for better outreach and more effective ad targeting. Keep reading!

How to Spend Your Full $10,000 Google Ad Grant

By Jono Long • August 24, 2025

Discover how to make the most of the Google Ad Grant for churches with expert guidance from Faithworks Marketing. Let's amplify your church's reach today.

AI, Side Hustles, Creative Ministry, and $10K Google Grants: What Every Pastor Needs to Know

By Jono Long • August 21, 2025

For many pastors today, ministry is both a calling and a financial challenge. As the cost of living rises and church salaries remain modest, more pastors are turning to side hustles and creative income streams to provide for their families. This trend is shaping what many believe will define the next generation of church leaders: bivocational ministry. In a recent episode of The Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Luke Clayton sat down with Jono Long , founder of Faithworks Marketing, to discuss their parallel journeys from ministry to entrepreneurship. Together, they shared practical strategies for church marketing, candid lessons from business, and encouragement for pastors who feel caught between calling and provision. Ministry Meets Entrepreneurship Both Luke and Jono began in full-time ministry, but financial realities forced them to adapt. Jono, a youth pastor in Georgia, found himself with five kids, a wife at home, and a salary that wasn’t enough to make ends meet. Out of necessity, he turned to social media management for local businesses. What started as a $300-a-month side hustle eventually grew into Faithworks Marketing , an agency serving churches across the country. Luke’s path was similar but marked by burnout. As a communications director at a large church and school, he was responsible for everything creative—websites, graphics, video, and media. With no budget to outsource and a workload that never stopped, he eventually hit a breaking point. Stepping away cold turkey, he launched his own creative business, Increase Creative , which now helps churches with websites, branding, and podcast production. Their stories reflect a growing trend: ministry leaders are often entrepreneurs at heart, using their creativity and problem-solving skills to build businesses that support both their families and the church. Why Bivocational Ministry is the New Normal While many pastors once saw bivocational work as a backup plan, it is quickly becoming the new reality. Church salaries often fall short of providing financial stability, especially for families. Meanwhile, the American cost of living continues to rise. This creates tension for pastors who want to devote themselves fully to ministry but also need to provide for their loved ones. Luke and Jono both noted the guilt factor many pastors feel when pursuing side income, as if it means they are less committed to the church. In reality, bivocational work can be freeing. As Jono shared, when pastors are less dependent on their church paycheck, they can lead with boldness, making decisions based on conviction rather than fear of losing their job. Unlocking the Power of Google Ad Grants One of the most practical tools for churches that Jono highlighted is the Google Ad Grant , which gives qualifying nonprofits up to $10,000 per month in free advertising . Many churches don’t take advantage of it, or they try but see little success. The most common reason: their websites lack content. “Church websites often have only a few words, a mission statement, and service times,” Jono explained. “That will never work for the grant.” Practical tips for churches to maximize the grant include: Create content-rich pages : Google rewards sites with valuable answers to common questions. Leverage sermons : Transcribe and summarize sermons into blog posts to boost SEO. Target felt needs : Ads about prayer, anxiety, or salvation resonate deeply with people searching online. By building a content-driven website and strategically using the grant, churches can expand their reach far beyond Sunday morning. SEO, AI, and the Future of Church Marketing The digital landscape is changing fast. With Google’s AI Overviews now answering many search queries directly, fewer people are clicking through to websites. For churches, this makes content strategy more important than ever . “Good content still wins,” Jono said. “Whether AI-generated or human-written, Google rewards sites that provide thoughtful, helpful answers.” For churches, this means focusing on practical, biblical content that speaks to real needs in their community. Lessons from the Trenches of Business Both Luke and Jono were quick to admit their mistakes. For Luke, the biggest was hiring too fast, taking on employees before his business could sustain them. For Jono, it was diving into websites and SEO without fully understanding them, learning through trial and error. Their honesty underscores an important truth: entrepreneurship is messy. But both emphasized that failure is part of the journey, and perseverance often matters more than a perfect business plan. Creative Side Hustles for Pastors Pastors and ministry leaders often have more marketable skills than they realize. Jono shared how he started a DJ and photo booth company, hiring youth pastors and worship leaders to serve at weddings and proms. Their stage presence, comfort with sound systems, and ability to engage people made them natural fits. Luke, meanwhile, has leaned into podcast production, helping churches launch and manage their shows. Both are examples of how ministry skills—communication, leadership, problem-solving—translate into entrepreneurial ventures. From web design to coaching, from content creation to event services, pastors have opportunities to create side income streams that complement their ministry instead of distracting from it. The conversation between Luke and Jono highlights a new reality: bivocational ministry is here to stay. Pastors no longer have to choose between serving the church and providing for their families. By embracing entrepreneurship, leveraging tools like Google Ad Grants, and using their transferable skills, pastors can thrive both spiritually and financially. The message is clear: you can do ministry, build a business, and serve God faithfully—all at the same time. 🔗 Learn more about Faithworks Marketing: https://faithworksmarketing.com 🔗 Connect with Luke Clayton and explore coaching for bivocational pastors: https://jlukeclayton.com/