Church Plan A Visit Strategy: How to Increase First-Time Guest Attendance
Discover how to use a digital Plan A Visit strategy to help more people step through your doors and into community.
Why Your Church Needs a Plan A Visit Strategy
Did you know that 80% of people will visit your website before they ever visit in person? Your website is your front door and your Plan A Visit feature is the door handle. Without it, potential guests may leave without ever taking the next step.
That’s why thousands of churches trust Text In Church to power their Plan A Visit experience. Our easy-to-use tools help you capture guest information, follow up before and after their visit, and make them feel known, noticed, and loved from the first click.
Benefits of Plan A Visit for Churches
More Guests Follow Through
When people plan their visit, they’re more likely to show up. You’ve helped them overcome fear and uncertainty by providing clear next steps.
Personal Connection Before They Arrive
You can connect with guests in advance, preparing a warm, personalized welcome. This increases the likelihood they’ll return.
Follow-Up with No-Shows
When someone plans a visit but doesn’t attend, you still have their info to extend a gentle, thoughtful follow-up invitation.
Where to Place Your Plan A Visit Form
Make it easy for guests to find and use your Plan A Visit form. Top access points include:
- Landing Page – Direct links from social ads, emails, and QR codes
- Website Button – Prominent, visible call to action
- Sticky Banner – Keeps the invite visible as visitors scroll
- Chat Bubble – Low-barrier way to connect
- Pop-Up – Friendly reminder before they leave your site
👉 Check out how it looks on this website
How to Design a Plan A Visit Form That Works
Use Interactive, One-Question-at-a-Time Forms
With Text In Church, forms feel personal and simple, not overwhelming.
Keep It Short
Ask only what you need:
- Name
- Email
- Phone number
- Which service they plan to attend
- Names/ages of kids (optional for pre-check-in)
Sample Plan A Visit Form Welcome Text
Hi Alisa! Thanks for planning your visit to Hope City Church! We’re excited to meet you. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly with details. If you have questions, just reply!
Personalize the Guest Experience
Pre-Register Kids
Parents can pre-register children, easing anxiety and speeding up check-in.
Custom Branding
Make your form look and feel like your church by including your colors, logo, and tagline.
Welcome Video
Send a personalized welcome video introducing your pastor or tour of the space using Text In Church Video Messaging.
👉 See 5 Creative Ways to Use Video Messages in your Church
Follow-Up: The Key to Turning Visitors Into Family
A Plan A Visit form is just the beginning. What you do next matters most.
6-Week Plan A Visit Follow-Up Rhythm
- Immediately: Confirmation email + text
- 2-3 days later: Personal email or text offering prayer or answering questions
- Weekend before visit: Reminder text
- After visit: Thank-you text + email + invite to next steps (small group, coffee chat)
- No-show follow-up: Friendly re-invite text + email
👉 Resource: Download our Plan A Visit Blueprint
Why Choose Text In Church for Plan A Visit?
Churches love Text In Church because we:
- Simplify guest connection and follow-up
- Provide done-for-you templates and workflows
- Offer tech support (no tech skills required!)
“67% of guest families who plan a visit using Text In Church take next steps and become regular attenders.” - Faith Brown, Text In Church User
👉 Hear how Text In Church Member, Charles Simmons had a lot of success with his Plan A Visit System at his church
