If you want to connect with and retain visitors, you need to listen to them. But you already knew that. The real question is how to get your visitors to talk so you have something to listen to.
One way to do this is to set up a guest services desk
A guest services desk is a great place for people to come with questions, ask for directions, etc. Give it a prominent position, put up some eye-catching decorations, and make it an exciting place to be. This attracts your visitors’ eyes so they’ll notice it, and it also shows that you care about them and genuinely want to hear what they have to say. After all, you’re basically giving them a room in your house. This will make them much more willing to talk to you, and will make them more honest in their responses.
What are you looking for in a church?
Another way you can listen and encourage your visitors to talk is by having someone contact them to ask what they’re looking for in a church. Maybe wait until they’ve come a few times so they won’t feel pressured by the contact, then e-mail them, or have someone invite them out to eat after church. Do whatever will make them comfortable, and be sure to ask what they’re looking for. You’ll be astounded how much people will tell you. A lot of people will tell you about a passion they have for serving in some area, and you can use this to get them involved in the church. A lot of people will give you suggestions for how to improve your greeting team. A few people will even tell you about a ministry they’d like to see started. You’ll be amazed at how many ideas you’ll get from these talks.
Record the feedback
You’ll want to track all of this feedback in one central database, so you can report on it and look for common responses. Excellerate Church Management is a perfect place to store that feedback, because it will be recorded right there with all of the member’s other information such as their stage in life, how many times they’ve visited, etc…
