$10K in Free Ads? How Smart Churches Are Using Paid Ads to Reach More People - The Connect marketing team
In an era where people spend more time scrolling screens than reading bulletin boards and print advertisements, churches face a pressing question: how do we reach new people in our communities effectively? At Connect Ministries, we’re passionate about helping local churches meet this challenge, and one powerful tool we’ve seen work wonders is paid advertising.
While the upfront cost of ads might raise your eyebrow, platforms like Meta Ads and Google Ads offer a way to grow your church that’s both affordable and impactful. Let’s explore how these tools can help, why the benefits outweigh the costs, and how your church can take the first step…without breaking the bank!
What Are Paid Ads? How Do They Work for Churches?
Paid ads are digital promotions that let you target specific audiences in your community with precision, putting your church’s events and service times in front of people who might never see them otherwise. Here’s how two key platforms can serve your mission:
Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram)
With billions of users, Meta platforms allow you to reach people based on their location, interests, and behaviors, like families within five miles of your church who’ve engaged with faith-related content. Picture this: you’re hosting a community potluck or a special Christmas service, and a $10 Meta Ad puts it on the radar of hundreds of local people. With Meta Ads, you are in control of the budget, starting as low as a few dollars a day, making this a flexible option for any church.Google Ads
When someone types “church near me” or “Sunday services in [your town],” Google Ads can ensure your church is at the TOP of the search results. Here’s the game-changer: churches, as registered nonprofits, can apply for the Google Ad Grant, which provides $10,000 in FREE ad credits every month. That’s a year’s worth of outreach—over $120,000 annually—without using any of your church budget. It’s perfect for connecting with people actively seeking a church home.
Why the Benefits Outweigh the Costs
We know that stewarding your ministry budget well is incredibly important for your church. The thought of adding “advertising” to your expenses might feel like a luxury you can’t afford—but hear us out. Paid ads aren’t just a cost in your budget; they’re a catalyst for connection. Unlike handing out flyers that might miss their mark, digital ads let you track every dollar spent: how many people saw your message, visited your website, or walked through your doors. That kind of insight ensures your money is spent where it can make the most impact in meeting new people.
Let’s break it down: a $20 Meta Ad campaign might reach 1,000 people and bring three new visitors to your next service. If even one of those visitors becomes a regular attendee, the spiritual impact of a new active member of your church far exceeds that initial expense. Research shows digital marketing can yield a return on investment (ROI) of 3x or more over time. And with the Google Ad Grant, you could see those results without spending a dollar of your own. The real cost isn’t in running ads… it’s in letting potential members slip by because they never knew your church existed.
How to Get Started Without the Stress
Diving into paid ads might feel like a big leap if you’re used to relying on word-of-mouth or print marketing. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a marketing pro or have a huge budget to make it work. At Connect Ministries, we’ve seen churches start small and see real impact—without the stress. Here’s how to ease in.
Start by picking one platform. For broad reach—like promoting a community event—try Meta Ads. You can target locals with a $5 or $10 campaign. Want to catch people searching “church near me”? Go with Google Ads and apply for the Google Ad Grant—$10,000 in free monthly credits for nonprofits. The application needs your nonprofit status and a Google account, but it’s easily doable with online guides.
Keep your ad simple and welcoming: “Join us Sunday at 10 a.m.!” with a website link does the trick. Both platforms have easy setup tools to guide you. If tech feels daunting, enlist a volunteer—like a tech-savvy youth group member—to assist. Run your ad for a week, check the results (clicks, visitors), and tweak as needed. It’s all about starting small and learning as you go.
Takeaway Points
Paid ads find the people you’re missing: Meta and Google Ads connect you with new community members efficiently.
The benefits beat the costs: Measurable results and free options like the Google Ad Grant make ads an investment, not an expense.
It’s easier than you think: Start small, use free tools, or partner with experts to keep it manageable.
You don’t have to do it alone. At Connect Ministries, we specialize in simplifying paid ads for churches, so you can focus on building relationships while we guide you through the process with expertise. If you’re interested in learning more about how our Connect Marketing Team can help your church, you can find out more at connect-ministries.com/connect-marketing or book a discovery call with our team today!