When someone searches for your church, the wrong address or old service time can turn a visitor away before they ever arrive. Here’s the quick check that makes sure your details are working for you, not against you.
Step 1: Search for Your Church Online
Open Google and search for your church using:
- Your church name
- Your church name and suburb
- “Churches near me” while near your church location
Check what visitors see in the search results.
Step 2: Review Your Google Business Profile
Confirm that the following details are correct:
- Church name
- Street address
- Map location or map pin
- Phone number
- Website address
- Opening hours
- Worship service times
- Office hours
Make sure the map pin leads visitors to the correct entrance, especially if the church is inside a large property or shared building.
Step 3: Check Your Website
Visit your church website and review the pages where location information may appear, including:
- Homepage
- Contact page
- “Plan Your Visit” page
- Events page
- Website footer
Update any old addresses, service times, phone numbers, or email addresses.
Step 4: Review Your Social Media Accounts
Check your church’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media profiles.
Make sure the address, website link, contact details, and service times match the information on your website and Google Business Profile.
Step 5: Check Other Online Listings
Search for your church on platforms such as:
- Apple Maps
- Google Maps
- Bing Maps
- Facebook Places
- Local church directories
- Community directories
Correct any outdated or duplicate listings you find.
Step 6: Test the Directions
Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to get directions to your church from a nearby location.
Confirm that the directions:
- Lead to the correct property
- Use the correct driveway or entrance
- Do not send visitors to a neighbouring building
- Work for both drivers and pedestrians
Step 7: Test Every Contact Link
Click the phone number, email address, website link, and directions button.
Make sure each one works correctly and reaches the right person or page.
Step 8: Ask Someone Outside the Church to Check
Ask a friend or community member who is unfamiliar with your church to search for it online.
Have them check whether they can quickly find:
- Where the church is
- What time the service begins
- Where to park
- Which entrance to use
- How to contact the church
Their experience can reveal problems that regular members may overlook.
Step 9: Make the Information Consistent
Use the same church name, address format, phone number, website link, and service times across every platform.
Consistency helps visitors trust the information and makes it easier for search engines to recognise your church.
Step 10: Review the Details Regularly
Check your church information at least once every three months and whenever there is a change to:
- Service times
- Church location
- Contact details
- Website address
- Parking arrangements
- Building access
A few minutes of checking can prevent confusion and help visitors arrive with confidence.