Last September, life threw me a curveball. A significant personal loss left me unable to give my business the energy I had planned. Digital Congregations was ready to grow, but I wasn’t. So, I stepped back, paused most of my digital marketing efforts, and let word-of-mouth do the heavy lifting.
Looking back on that season, I’ve realized it offered me valuable lessons—not just for me as a consultant but also for churches and nonprofits navigating their own communications challenges. In an increasingly algorithm-driven world, here’s what I learned about staying connected and growing intentionally.
Lesson 1: Word of Mouth Alone Isn’t Enough
Word of mouth is a beautiful thing. It’s built on trust, authenticity, and community. But on its own, it can only carry you so far. Without regular email or social media efforts, I saw a noticeable slowdown in growth and engagement. For churches and nonprofits, this could mean missing out on connecting with potential members, volunteers, or donors.
These days, when algorithms often decide what gets seen, relying on word of mouth is like hoping to be found without a map. Digital tools aren’t just extras—they’re essential for ensuring your message reaches the right people consistently.
Lesson 2: Digital Marketing Is About Relationships, Not Just Algorithms
When I paused my digital marketing efforts, I worried about losing momentum. What I found, though, was that the relationships I had already built—through email, social media, and personal connections—helped sustain my business during that time. Those connections mattered more than the algorithm ever could.
As I recently read in an Instagram post, “Building meaningful relationships with a community of like-minded humans will be more important than ever.” This reinforced what I’ve always believed: social media isn’t about gaming the algorithm; it’s about using it as a tool to foster genuine connection and trust.
Lesson 3: Your Values Are Your Strategy
Stepping back from marketing also forced me to rethink what mattered most. Without time to create endless posts or emails, I focused on sharing what was genuinely important. That shift helped me see what truly resonates—content that reflects my mission and values.
For churches and nonprofits, this is your superpower. When your messaging reflects your values—whether through stories of impact or the heart behind your mission—you can cut through the noise and reach the people who need to hear it most. That clarity made all the difference for me, and it can do the same for you.
Lesson 4: Consistency Matters (Even When Life Isn’t Consistent)
When life got in the way, my social media and email communication went quiet. While stepping back was the right choice for me personally, it also reminded me just how important consistency is for growth. Showing up regularly—not perfectly—makes all the difference.
For churches and nonprofits, consistency doesn’t mean doing everything. It means finding a sustainable rhythm for your team and sticking with it, even when resources are limited.
Encouragement for the Road Ahead
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by algorithms, social media changes, or just the pressure to “keep up,” you’re not alone. The good news? Digital marketing isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. Building connections. Sharing your story. Staying true to your mission.
That’s why I created two Instagram classes to help you navigate these tools and use them to build meaningful relationships:
Instagram Basics (Starting February 4): Perfect for beginners, this two-session class will walk you through setting up your account, creating engaging posts, and connecting with your audience.
Mastering Instagram: Advanced Strategies (Starting February 20): Ready to go further? This class dives into analytics, reels, and crafting a content strategy that aligns with your mission.
These classes aren’t just about navigating the algorithm—they’re about creating real connections in the digital space, one post at a time.
Communications and growth are about balance—leaning in when we can, pulling back when we need to, and finding strength in the values that guide us.
Comments