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A Church Leader's Guide to Easter Marketing Success.

Easter is one of the most significant opportunities to celebrate Christ’s resurrection and connect with your community. But planning effective Easter marketing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re leading a large church or a smaller congregation of dedicated volunteers, a clear roadmap can ensure every detail is covered, so you can focus on what matters most—welcoming others to experience the hope of Easter.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your church’s Easter marketing with practical timelines, tools, and strategies.

Step 1: Start with Prayer

Step 2: Determine Your Message & Channels

step 3: Develop Your Timeline

Step 4: Plan and Order Promotional Materials

Step 5: Launch a Dedicated Easter Webpage

Step 6: Launch Your Digital Campaign

Step 7: Post-Easter Follow-Up

Vision Casting:

Share the importance of prayer leading up to Easter through sermons, emails, and social media. Help your congregation see the tangible impact prayer can have on individual lives and your community.

How can you clearly communicate the importance of prayer to inspire participation?

What stories from your congregation could illustrate the power of prayer?

Pair a message on the importance of prayer with personal testimonies for more impact.

Encourage members to pray for specific individuals they might invite to Easter services.

Launch a Prayer Campaign:

Host an event to kick off your prayer plan and provide resources like devotionals or prayer guides.

What type of event will draw the most people into your prayer campaign?

How can you make prayer resources accessible to everyone in your congregation?

Distribute digital versions of prayer guides for those who can’t attend in person.

Set up a physical or digital “prayer wall” where members can leave prayer requests or praise reports.

Engage with Your People:

Organize creative, interactive prayer events. Consider focusing on community revival or Easter service impact.

How can your church make prayer feel fresh and engaging for all ages?

Who can you recruit as prayer leaders to encourage widespread involvement?

Plan smaller, leader-led prayer initiatives for kids and youth groups to ensure full participation.

Include specific community outreach prayers to connect your church’s mission with your community’s needs.

Host a Prayer Vigil:

Plan a reflective prayer gathering the week before Easter to bring the church community together in unity and faith.

Where and when will your vigil have the greatest impact?

What elements (e.g., music, scripture) can make the vigil feel meaningful and inclusive?

Offer sign-up slots for continuous prayers if hosting a 24-hour vigil.

Incorporate interactive elements, such as prayer stations, sticky notes, or themed prayer prompts.

Step 1: Start with Prayer

Laying the foundation for Easter marketing starts with prayer. A strong prayer emphasis not only unites your congregation but also prepares hearts for outreach and celebration.

Start 10 weeks out

Map Out Your Tasks:

Break your campaign into phases, such as brainstorming, content creation, review, and launch. 

What major deadlines must your team meet to stay on track?

How will you check progress along the way to ensure nothing falls through the cracks?

Use project management software like Asana, Trello or Monday.com to keep everyone aligned.

Hold weekly team check-ins to identify issues early and stay on schedule.

Assign Deadlines:

Work backward from Easter Sunday to create clear deadlines for each task.

Which tasks need the most lead time, and how can you prioritize them first?

Who on your team can help ensure deadlines are realistic and achievable? 

Build in extra margin for unexpected delays, especially for hard deadlines like printing.

Use color-coded deadlines to highlight urgent tasks and avoid confusion.

February 9 (10 Weeks to Easter)

February 23 (8 Sundays to Easter)

March 9 (6 Sundays to Easter)

March 23 (4 Sundays to Easter)

April 6 (2 Sundays to Easter)

April 20 (Easter)

Use a Visual Timeline:

Create a schedule everyone can see—use tools like Canva’s editable templates or project management apps to keep everything on track.

What’s the clearest way to communicate your timeline to your team?

How often will you revisit the timeline to adjust as needed?

Share a printed version of the timeline in central areas where your team meets regularly.

Include task owners on your timeline to ensure accountability.

Step 2: Develop Your Timeline

Careful planning helps ensure every aspect of your marketing falls into place seamlessly. Planning early gives you the time you need to communicate effectively and avoid last-minute decisions.

At least 9 weeks out

Define Your Core Message:

What is the heart of your Easter celebration? Examples might include “Celebrate Hope,” “New Life in Christ,” or “Come as You Are.”

What message will resonate most with both members and guests?

How can your Easter message reflect your church’s vision?

Create one short sentence or tagline to summarize your campaign theme.

Test your message on a few trusted members to get feedback before finalizing.

Set Goals for Easter Outreach: Decide what you want to achieve. Goals could include increasing attendance, engaging your local community, or encouraging members to invite friends.

What specific outcomes would make this Easter season a success for your church?

How will you measure these outcomes effectively?

Write down your top 3 goals and communicate them to your team for clarity.

Align your goals with measurable actions, like inviting a certain number of guests.

Know Your Audience:

Identify who you’re trying to reach. Is it families, young adults, or the unchurched? Tailor your message so it resonates with them.

What unique challenges does your target audience face that your message can address?

How can you ensure your message feels welcoming and approachable?

Interview a few regular attendees to better understand why they attend and what drew them in.

Segment your audience into groups for better-targeted messaging (e.g., young families, seniors).

Pick Your Promotion Channels:

Choose platforms that effectively reach your target audience. Digital channels like Instagram and Facebook are great for younger demographics, while direct mail or local newspaper ads might work better for older audiences or families.

Which channels currently work best for your church’s communication efforts?

How can you repurpose content to keep your messaging consistent across multiple platforms?

Pick one or two primary channels and execute them well rather than trying to use too many at once.

Map out a basic content strategy including all platforms, including social posts & ads, email, texting, mail, print and in-service.

Step 3: Determine Your Message & Channels

Before you create any promotional materials, take the time to clarify what you want to communicate. A well-defined message will set the tone and focus for all your church’s Easter marketing.

Start 9 weeks out

Essential Print Tools

Banners: Use outdoor banners to invite the community to your services. Make sure your banners are easy to read with key details like service times and location.

Yard Signs: These make great tools to help your people invite their neighbors to your services. Hand out Easter yard signs that are easy to read, and that include your website or QR code.

Invite Cards: Equip your members with invitation cards, encouraging personal outreach. Place stacks in prominent areas like the welcome desk or coffee stations.

Direct Mail: Send postcards to your neighbors, aimed at inviting them to a warm and welcoming Easter celebration.

How will you encourage members to hand out invite cards in meaningful, natural ways?

Where will the banners be most visible in your area?

Include a QR code that links to your Easter webpage for easy access.

Print cards on thicker cardstock to make them feel high-quality and lasting. (Noonday Prints uses a high-quality 16pt cardstock, glossy or matte.)

Use bold, high-contrast colors and large fonts to ensure readability from a distance. (Noonday Prints can help with banner design and printing.)

Essential Digital Tools

Social Graphics: Consistent branding on social media excites your audience and invites them to connect before they arrive. Use visuals that highlight your Easter theme, event details, and key moments to keep them engaged.

Email Graphics: Catch attention fast with bold, branded visuals in your Easter emails. Add clear banners or buttons that stand out and encourage RSVPs, while keeping designs aligned with your theme for consistency.

In-Service Screens: Ensure a seamless service with dynamic slides for welcomes, Scripture, and announcements. High-quality visuals can enhance focus and make the Easter message even more impactful.

Videos for Social Posts/Ads: Nothing connects like video. Share a warm pastor invite, quick testimonials, or behind-the-scenes clips to inspire and draw in your community. Authenticity matters more than perfection!

Are our digital tools, like graphics and videos, inviting and clear enough to reach someone who has never attended church before?

How can we use videos or visuals to share the heart behind our Easter message in a way that connects personally with viewers?

Start With Your Audience in Mind: Design social graphics and email visuals that resonate with your community. Simplify text, focus on vibrant imagery, and include key details like dates and times.

Keep It Consistent Across Platforms: Use the same colors, logos, and fonts in your social posts, emails, and in-service screens. A unified look reinforces your Easter theme and builds

February 9-12: Brainstorm tools & messaging.

February 13-16: Gather content & approvals.

February 17-23: Draft and finalize designs.

February 24-27: Approve proofs & submit orders. (Tip: Assign one person to review all proofs.)

February 28 – March 6: Printing & production. (Tip: Order from Noonday Prints early.)

March 8: Delivery & prep.

March 16: Start distributing materials -5 Sundays before Easter. (Tip: Pair physical invites with digital campaigns to boost outreach.)

Step 4: Design & Order Outreach Materials

With your message and timeline set, it’s time to create tangible materials that will promote your Easter services effectively. Start early so you’re not caught in a last-minute rush.

Start 7 weeks out

Highlight Event Details:

Include your Easter service times, kids’ events, egg hunts, or special offerings. Provide concise descriptions for each.

What details about your Easter events are most likely to attract first-time visitors?

Are there additional ways to make key information easy to find quickly?

Use headers or bulleted lists to organize information for fast scanning.

Add “Save the Date” buttons or calendar integrations to help visitors plan ahead.

Add a “Plan Your Visit” Feature:

Help guests feel welcome by offering a form where they can RSVP or ask questions.

How can your form make visitors feel cared for and welcomed?

What added elements (like parking help or greeting teams) could provide extra support?

Include fields that ask for family details (kids’ ages, accessibility needs) to personalize their visit.

Send a friendly confirmation email with helpful tips after visitors fill out the form.

Make It User-Friendly:

Test the functionality of the page on a variety of devices, from desktops to smartphones, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Is your webpage easy to read and interact with on all screens?

Could any elements (e.g., forms, navigation) confuse or frustrate users?

Use a mobile-first design approach to ensure it works perfectly on phones.

Include a short FAQ section addressing common questions about Easter services.

Share Visuals:

Encourage your church members to share social media graphics or videos directly linked to your webpage.

What visuals will inspire your members to share invites enthusiastically?

How can you highlight the diversity and warmth of your church community?

Use vibrant, welcoming photos of previous Easter services or church life.

Add social sharing buttons to the webpage for easy access.

Step 5: Launch a Dedicated Easter Webpage

Creating a dedicated Easter webpage ensures there’s a single place for visitors to find all the details they need. Make it practical and visually appealing.

Start 6 weeks out

Build a Content Calendar:

Plan out posts for Facebook, Instagram, email, texting and other platforms leading up to Easter Sunday. Use authentic & relevant messaging, videos, graphics, and heartfelt captions.

Are your social media posts balanced across types of content (e.g., videos, testimonials, announcements)?

How can you ensure consistent quality and tone throughout the campaign?

Use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to plan posts in advance.

Regularly feature members of your team or congregation in videos to create a personal touch.

Leverage Ads:

Use targeted Google Ads or social ads to reach people in your local community with phrases like “Easter services near me” or “Family Easter events.”

What keywords, interests or radius should you focus on for local ad targeting?

How can you optimize your budget to maximize ad reach and impact? (Try A/B testing!)

Include a call-to-action (e.g., “RSVP now” or “Plan your visit”) on every ad.

Track ad performance weekly and adjust based on which ones are resonating most.

Ask Your Members to Share:

Encourage your community to repost your church’s Easter content, tagging friends and family for a wider reach.

What incentives or encouragement can you offer to inspire members to share content?

Are there creative ways members on different platforms could help amplify your

Create ready-to-use images and captions for members to share effortlessly. 

Launch a hashtag campaign to track and spotlight member posts (#EasterAt[YourChurchName]).

Step 6: Launch Your Digital Campaign

Digital outreach is a fantastic opportunity to expand your reach beyond your congregation. Optimize your social media and online ads to connect with those who might be searching for a church this Easter.

Check out these winning strategies:

Start 6-7 weeks out

Say Thank You:

Send a thank-you email or card to each visitor. Keep it personal and include an invite to return next Sunday or for an upcoming event.

How can you make your thank-you note feel personal and impactful?

What church events or services should you promote immediately after Easter?

Include a link to a post-Easter event calendar in the thank-you message.

Highlight sermon series that align with Easter values, like grace or renewal.

Call New Guests:

Have a follow-up team call visitors within 3 days. Offer to answer any questions and express genuine gratitude for their attendance.

What questions or concerns might visitors have after attending for the first time?

Who on your team has the warmth and communication skills for personal follow-ups?

Keep conversations short but meaningful—thank, invite, and encourage.

Send text messages as an alternative to calls for less intrusive follow-up.

Invite to Small Groups:

Help guests build community by extending invitations to join a small group or attend a casual gathering.

What groups or events could create a welcoming “next step” for visitors?

How can you identify each guest’s best fit for long-term involvement?

Host a post-Easter newcomers’ luncheon to connect them with group leaders.

Include a short testimonial about what small groups have meant to current members.

Track Your Results:

Use guest cards and other touchpoints to measure which strategies kept people engaged post-Easter.

How will you document follow-up efforts to refine your approach next year?

What indicators will show whether guests are integrating into your church?

Use a shared spreadsheet or CRM tool to track follow-up progress.

Celebrate wins (like new group sign-ups) with your team to keep momentum high.

Step 7: Post-Easter Follow-Up

Easter Sunday might be the highlight, but follow-up ensures the impact lasts beyond one service. Turn first-time visitors into connected members with thoughtful next steps.

The Monday After Easter

A Closing Word of Encouragement

Easter is more than an event—it’s a chance to share the hope of Christ’s resurrection with your community. By implementing a strategic 10-week plan, refining your message, and following through with personalized follow-up, your church can make a meaningful, lasting impact this season.

Remember, this isn’t just about logistics—it’s about building connections and pointing people to Christ. Take joy in knowing that every small action, from a prayer meeting to a kind follow-up note, contributes to something much bigger. You’ve got this – and God’s got you!

Need a Coach?

You’re not made to do it all yourself and we’re here to be your outreach partner. Let’s schedule a Discovery Call to see how we can help you develop and implement your Easter outreach plan. 

schedule a discovery call with a church consultant

Looking for a trusted partner to elevate your church’s Easter outreach? Choose Noonday Prints for expert church outreach solutions. From stunning, high-quality print materials like invite cards and banners to seamless digital campaigns that engage your community, we’ve got you covered. With years of experience serving churches, we’ll help you connect with your audience and share the message of hope effectively. Make every invite count with Noonday Prints—your mission, beautifully delivered.

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