Did you hear what they’re saying about you?
Whether you’re aware of it or not, people are talking about your organization. And according to research by Heinz Marketing, “90% of people say reading online reviews has influenced their decisions.”

If you lead a business, you probably already understand this.
But online reviews impact every type of organization including schools, nonprofits, ministries, and even churches!
Yes, my fellow church leaders, this applies to us too. We may not think of someone’s decision to visit a church as a “buying decision” but it is a decision that is influenced by reading online reviews.
Do you know what you would do if you got a review like this?
Would you even know if someone posted a review like this?
Did you know the number of reviews and average rating also affect search rankings?
Our focus in September at OurChurch.Com is Online Reviews Month
This month our goal is to help you learn everything you need to know about online reviews including…
- Learn what to do if you get a negative review
- Learn how to use online reviews to get better search rankings and more website visitors
- Learn how to get more positive reviews
- Learn which online review sites you should be monitoring
- Learn how to “claim” and “verify” local listings so you can update information in them and respond to comments and reviews
- And much more…
To get started, share your perspective in month’s Listening Post survey, it’s more of an assessment that will help you understand your online reviews.
[Update 9/26/24] Throughout the month we have published 9 more articles in this series, and compiled them into one comprehensive guide:
The Ultimate Guide to Online Reviews
And if you would like our team of Christian SEO pros to help you with SEO or our online reviews service, complete the form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop) to schedule a call.
Comment and Discuss…
- What questions, concerns and issues you would like us to address during Online Reviews Month.

Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.