Did you know that guests decide if they are going to return to your church in the first 8 minutes of their visit.
What you don't want is for guests to have to spend those 8 minutes trying to get checked in.
A smooth, easy check-in process is vital if you want to see guests return.
Guests are already a little on edge as they try to get checked in.
For many of them, this is the first time in a long time that they are visiting a church.
Here are some tips to make your check-in process easy and smooth.
Have a separate check-in area for guests.
You don't want guests to spend valuable time standing in a long check-in line. Have your guests check-in area clearly marked and adequately staffed. A big part of giving them a VIP experience is having an area designated just for them to check-in.
Don't require them to give you their entire life history when checking in.
Just get their basic information. Child's name, age, and birthday. Parents' name, address, phone number, and email. Any allergies.
Always walk them to their classroom. Never just point or give verbal directions. We tend to forget how challenging it can be to navigate a building as a guest. Personally walk them to their room. This also gives you a few minutes to talk with them and make friends with them on the way to the classroom.
Explain your safety and security process.
This is a huge deal. Parents want to know their child will be safe in your care.
Volunteers have all had background checks done.
No one is every alone with a child.
Parents or guardians must present their security tag to pick up their child.
These are the big 4 things you want to master. Get these four right and you will see guests return for a second visit.
Here is a text message I recently received from a guest.
"I thought your registration process was so well done. Everyone was so friendly, helpful, and the organization of it was amazing. I really appreciated how well organized and secure the whole process was."
Due to this, they returned for a second visit and I believe they will become a part of our church.
BTW - don't forget you only get one opportunity to make a great first impression. Make it count. Families returning hinges on this.
Have you read my new book "Be Our Church Guest?" This book contains many more tips and trainings on how to make your check-in process go smoothly. You can order it at this link. Many churches have ordered this book for their entire volunteer check-in team.
