How to Use SEO Tools to Craft Relevant Sermon Topics: A Church Communicator’s Guide
Do you find yourself struggling to develop sermon topics that really resonate with your congregation and community? You’re not alone. In today’s online age, knowing what people are looking for online can be a game-changer for church communicators and leaders. On this episode of the Smarter Church Communications Podcast, host Zack Esgar shares: How to Use SEO Tools to Craft Relevant Sermon Topics: a feasible way of using SEO (search engine optimization) tools to produce sermon series, titles, and content that resonate with people right where they are—online.
Why SEO Matters for Sermon Planning
Let’s face it: most people turn to Google with their deepest questions, including those about faith, prayer, and spirituality. If your church’s sermons and resources address the very questions people are searching for, you’re not just more likely to show up in search results—you’re also more likely to connect with real needs in your community. That’s the heart of effective church communication.
Using “Answer the Public” to Find Out What People Are Searching For
Another of Zack’s go-to tools is Answer the Public, a free tool that exposes what exactly people are searching for on Google. Here’s how it’s used:
You simply type in a keyword—such as “prayer”—and the tool creates a visual map of associated questions and themes. When Zack typed in “prayer,” he got questions such as:
- Why is prayer important?
- How does prayer function?
- What is the right manner to pray to God?
- Are prayer plants toxic to cats? (Mixed reviews… But most likely not… Do your own google searching)
The tool also shows you how many people are searching for each question every month. For instance, “prayer for healing” gets a whopping 135,000 searches, while “prayer for strength” gets 60,000. This helps you decide what things might resonate most with your audience.
Making Search Insights into Sermon Series
So how do you turn these findings into good sermons? Start by looking at the most popularly searched questions and queries. If one of the most-popularly-searched terms is “why is prayer important?” then maybe make it a sermon title or even a series. If the most popular search is “how to pray to God the right way,” address that in your teaching head on.
Zack points out that these aren’t just random questions—they’re real concerns people are Googling late at night, hoping to find answers. By addressing them from a biblical perspective, you’re meeting people at their point of need and showing them that the church is listening.
Practical Tips for Church Communicators
Use free SEO tools like Answer the Public to brainstorm sermon topics and titles.
Take note of how much search traffic (how many individuals are searching each question) and order your content accordingly.
Don’t hesitate to answer “niche” or unanticipated questions—oftentimes these are the ones that generate the most conversation
Keep in mind, your aim isn’t necessarily to get clicks, but to actually help individuals find answers within God’s Word.
Need help reaching more people online? Discover how we can boost your church’s SEO here.
Conclusion: Meet People Where They’re Searching
In a world where Google has become the first stop for spiritual questions, churches have a unique opportunity to show up in those search results—and in people’s lives. That’s why mastering How to Use SEO Tools to Craft Relevant Sermon Topics is crucial. By utilizing SEO resources to assist in planning your sermons, you can ensure your messages are timely, relevant, and actually helpful.
What are the questions on people’s minds in your community? Have you tried incorporating SEO tools into your sermon planning? Leave your questions or experience in the comments below!
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