So, do you remember that time that Instagram sold for 1 billion dollars after making $0 in revenue? Yeah, I do too.

If Facebook valued Instagram enough to purchase it for 1 billion dollars, what value does it bring to you as a church planter? Just like other social media sites, Instagram is a great way to get the word out about your new church. It’s, of course, not the only way, but Instagram is all about posting artsy pictures, and it’s a unique and newer approach. Here are a few ideas about how to use it:

1. Post pictures relevant to your upcoming launch.

Use your Instagram for work and play. I recommend not over-posting about your church plant to the point where people are annoyed by it or numb to it. But posting pictures of the school you just rented for Sunday morning or of meetings with your launch team are non-intrusive ways to show your friends what you are up to. And try to post pictures of your life outside of the plant too.

2. Encourage your launch team to use Instagram.

The more people you have posting about the church plant, the better. It’s not rocket science. Why not have your entire team take advantage of this free tool to market your plant?

3. Set up an account for your church

Not a lot of churches have an Instagram account, but why shouldn’t they? If your target audience uses Instagram, then your church should have an account. Post pictures of baptisms, church events, behind-the-scenes moments, or outreach events. Here are some examples for you to look at (Unfortunately, Instagram is only available as an app so we can’t provide links to these here):

@NewSpring_Church
@crosspoint_tv
@hillsonchurch
@marshillpdx

So, there are three ways to use Instagram. Why not take advantage of any free tools out there?

How have you used Instagram to market your church?