Why Online Reviews Matter for Churches (And How to Get Them)

Online reviews aren’t just for restaurants and shops—they’re an essential tool for churches too. In today’s digital world, people often search for a church online before ever walking through your doors. Reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook help potential visitors get a sense of what your church is like and whether it’s a good fit for them.

Let’s explore why reviews matter and how to collect them effectively.

Why Reviews Matter

When people search for a church in your area, they’ll often see a list of churches on Google Maps or Facebook—complete with star ratings and reviews. Positive reviews can:

• Build trust with newcomers.
• Show that your church is active and engaged in the community.
• Highlight the real experiences of people who’ve visited.

Think of reviews as modern-day word-of-mouth.

Where to Focus Your Efforts

The two main platforms to focus on are:

• Google Reviews: Appear in search results and on Google Maps when people search for a church near them.
• Facebook Reviews: Often used by people looking for events, community groups, and to check out photos and posts.

Encourage members to leave reviews on both platforms. A healthy mix of positive reviews on both Google and Facebook makes your church more visible and trustworthy.

How to Collect Reviews (Step by Step)

1. Ask at the Right Time

The best time to ask for a review is after a positive experience—like after a service, event, or when someone shares how the church has helped them.

You could say:
“Hey, we’re so glad you enjoyed the service today! Would you be willing to leave us a quick review on Google or Facebook? It really helps others find us.”

2. Make It Easy

Provide a direct link to your Google and Facebook review pages. Add these links to:

• Your website
• Emails
• Social media posts

This removes barriers and makes it more likely people will leave a review.

3. Show Them How

Not everyone knows how to leave a review, especially if they’re not tech-savvy. Create a simple guide with screenshots or a short video tutorial showing exactly how to leave a review.

4. Say Thank You

When someone leaves a review, thank them—either privately or publicly. A simple “Thanks so much for your feedback!” shows appreciation and encourages others to share their experience too.

5. Respond to Reviews

Engage with reviews by responding thoughtfully. Thank people for positive reviews and address any concerns raised in negative ones. This shows you care and are actively involved.

Take the Next Step

Final Thoughts

Online reviews are one of the most powerful ways to build trust, show your church’s heart, and reach new people. By making it easy for your congregation to leave reviews and responding thoughtfully, you’ll create a welcoming digital front door for your church.

Ready to get started? We’d love to help you build a review strategy that works. Get in touch today!