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06/16/2010 Bulletin Design - Mix It Up
Just as a supermarket or retail store will change its layout periodically to keep things interesting and fresh [Okay so maybe it is aggravating at first . . . ], you should change your church bulletin design and layout, too.
The default is to use the pre-printed bulletin covers and just photocopy the same format from previous weeks. It’s easy, it’s quick and it’s cheap.
Not that there is anything wrong with pre-printed bulletin covers or a regular format, but do you want people to look at your bulletin week after week and think it looks “easy, quick and cheap?” Or would you like them to say, “Gee, this is new” or “Hey, this looks interesting”?
Also, it’s important to look at your bulletin through the eyes of your visitors. Ask yourself, “What does my bulletin design and content say about my church? Is my church’s personality accurately reflected in it? What in the content would make visitors want to return?
Outreach Marketing (http://www.outreach.com) has a good suggestion about bulletins: “Ask the congregation what they’d like to see. Wondering if you have enough interest in a new Bible study? Ask them. Want to find out what information your congregation would like to see in the worship bulletin? Ask them.”
Take a look at the new designs Outreach Marketing offers. It will help you mix things up. Go to http://www.outreach.com and click on Bulletins.
Tip: Rather than include several small slips of paper with various bits and pieces of information (which often fall out onto the sanctuary floor), direct them to your website for more detailed information. If you want to include real value-added material, insert one of our Bulletin Boosters.
06/14/2010 Bulletins Can Be Boring
Let’s face it—church bulletins can be boring—especially if there is nothing new in them week after week. Yes, it's important to have all the necessary contact information, service times and meeting notices, but how interesting can it be after a while?
How is your church bulletin? Does it actually make it out the door on Sunday morning or are your pews filled with them at the end of the service? Or do people even say "No, thank you" when you offer them one at the door. Oops, something might be wrong.
You could include a short devotional or some well-chosen quotes and verses to support your sermon. And a cartoon or some humor can go a long way in encouraging your readership and softening even the dreaded "tithe" sermon.
Add fun and interest to your weekly handouts and inspire people to bring them home. Who knows? They may even read the announcements during the week!
If you don't have the staff or time, check out our work-time-and-money-saving Bulletin Boosters! Remember, it’s never too late to boost your readership!
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