Beyond Print: How Feast Books Continues to Thrive & Inspire in the Digital Age
Meet Feast Books: A Legacy of Faith & Inspiration in the Philippines
For over three decades, Shepherd’s Voice Publications, now widely recognized and beloved as Feast Books, has been a steadfast beacon of spiritual nourishment and practical wisdom for countless Filipinos. Their journey began in 1990 with the groundbreaking Kerygma Magazine (thoughtfully rebranded as Feast Magazine in 2020)—famously dubbed “the publishing miracle of Asia.” This was soon followed by cherished daily devotionals Didache (1993) and Companion (1994).
Through these award-winning publications, filled with practical articles, inspiring stories, and guided reflections, Feast Books has consistently fulfilled its core mission: to bring God’s Word creatively and accessibly to as many people as possible, inspiring them to live fantastic, faith-filled lives.
The Challenge: Sustaining a Vital Mission in a Rapidly Evolving Digital World
As the global publishing landscape underwent profound shifts driven by digitalization and changing media consumption habits, even deeply-rooted institutions like Feast Books faced new frontiers. While their strong relationship with their readers and unwavering commitment to their mission provided a powerful anchor, the broader decline in demand for physical books presented an ongoing strategic consideration. Internally, after several dedicated attempts to build an in-house marketing team, Feast Books leadership recognized the need for a more agile and expert approach.
In June 2020, they made the strategic decision to engage an external consultant under a long-term retainer agreement—seeking a partner who could provide consistent, high-level strategic guidance and hands-on support to help them not only adapt to digital channels but to truly thrive and continue their vital mission with renewed impact in a new era.
Our Solution:
Integrating Strategic Consulting, Marketing Execution, Systems Development, and Team Empowerment
Our transformative engagement with Feast Books, spearheaded by our founder Gretchen Veran, commenced in June 2020 and has flourished into a deep, ongoing strategic partnership. Over the past five years (and still counting!), GSB has delivered a comprehensive and adaptive suite of services designed to empower their mission and ensure their continued relevance and growth:
Strategic Digital Marketing & Sales Integration
We manage their results-driven Meta (Facebook) sales and engagement advertising campaigns, run targeted Google Ads, and orchestrate their successful annual Christmas private sale via email marketing to top e-commerce buyers. This includes advanced customer segmentation, Mailchimp automation series for nurturing first-time buyers, and the creation of “free chapter” lead magnets to expand their audience.
High-Level Business Strategy & Planning Facilitation
Gretchen also facilitates annual business planning and comprehensive strategy sessions with Feast Books’ top management team. On an ongoing basis, we analyze sales reports, plot monthly sales performance against annual targets, and propose data-driven recalibrations or strategic redirections as needed to ensure goals are met and exceeded.
Spearheading Digital Transformation & Innovation
A pivotal element of our partnership was proposing, strategizing, and guiding the comprehensive digitalization of Feast Books’ entire rich content library (spanning decades of magazines and books). This culminated in the successful conceptualization and launch of The Feast App, a mobile platform which now proudly boasts nearly 60,000 downloads, making their content more accessible than ever.
Advanced Data Systems & Business Intelligence
To provide clear, actionable insights, we created a custom Google Looker Studio dashboard. This gives their team leaders and top management quick, easy, and real-time access to crucial business numbers derived directly from actual sales data. Furthermore, we initiated the programming and development of a central internal CRM system to enable them to better understand, serve, and build lasting relationships with their valued customers.
In-House Team Empowerment & Mentorship
We conduct bimonthly checkpoint meetings and dedicated mentorship sessions with their in-house marketing personnel, fostering their skills and strategic thinking. We also hold regular sessions with their sales teams, equipping them with effective digital tools and modern strategies for B2B client engagement.
The Results: Feast Books' Enduring Relevance, Expanded Reach, and Strengthened Mission in the Digital Age
Our strategic partnership with Feast Books has yielded profound and multifaceted results, empowering them to not only navigate the complexities of a dramatically changed publishing world but to flourish, innovate, and significantly expand their ability to inspire:
Landmark Digital Adaptation & Innovation
The successful launch and impressive growth of The Feast App to nearly 60,000 downloads represents a monumental leap in making their extensive library of inspirational content readily accessible to a wider, mobile-first Filipino audience and beyond.
Sustained Relevance & Deepened Audience Connection
Despite global trends impacting traditional print, Feast Books has maintained and even strengthened its profound connection with its readership. By strategically meeting their audience where they are – on accessible digital platforms – while remaining steadfastly true to their core mission, their message of faith and inspiration continues to resonate powerfully.
Enhanced Marketing Effectiveness & Measurable ROI
Our integrated approach to digital advertising, targeted email marketing campaigns, and consistent lead generation efforts have contributed to robust engagement and sales, with clear data insights continuously guiding and validating ongoing improvements.
Empowered & More Capable In-House Teams
Consistent, dedicated mentorship and practical training sessions have equipped Feast Books' marketing and sales personnel with valuable new digital skills, enhanced strategic thinking capabilities, and greater confidence, fostering significant internal capacity.
Data-Driven Decision Making & Strategic Agility
The implementation of the Google Looker Studio dashboard and the development of a central CRM system have provided their leadership with readily accessible, real-time data. This has enabled smarter, more informed business decisions, optimized resource allocation, and greater strategic agility.
Fortified Operational Foundation & Scalability
Initiatives such as the affiliate portal and improved data management systems contribute to a more robust, efficient, and scalable operational framework, ready to support future growth.
An Enduring Partnership Built on Trust & Shared Values
The continuation of our retainer engagement for over five years stands as the strongest testament to the deep trust Feast Books places in Gretchen Veran and the GSB team. It reflects the consistent, tangible value we deliver in helping them "Get Smarter and Better" as they fulfill their profound and far-reaching mission.
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IT'S YOUR TURN!
Our enduring strategic alliance with Feast Books (formerly Shepherd’s Voice Publications) has been a journey of navigating the digital landscape together, ensuring their vital inspirational content continues to reach, uplift, and transform lives across the Philippines and beyond. Here’s a snapshot of our collaborative achievements:
most notably by strategizing and initiating the development of The Feast App (now with nearly 60,000 downloads), bringing decades of invaluable content to a new generation on a modern, accessible platform.
including effective Meta & Google Advertising, successful targeted email campaigns (like their annual private sales), and robust lead generation systems.
with top management, complemented by regular mentorship and digital upskilling programs for their in-house marketing and sales teams.
including a custom Google Looker Studio dashboard for real-time business insights and initiated the architecture for a central CRM system to enhance customer understanding and engagement.
in a rapidly evolving publishing industry by continuously adapting their digital strategies, embracing innovation, and staying laser-focused on their core mission of inspiration.
Is Your Organization Ready to Future-Proof Its Mission & Amplify Its Digital Impact?
Feast Books’ remarkable journey of digital adaptation, innovation, and sustained relevance is a powerful testament to what becomes possible with a dedicated, insightful, and long-term strategic partner. Whether your organization needs comprehensive digital marketing leadership, innovative strategies for new platforms like mobile apps, robust data systems for smarter decision-making, or empowering mentorship for your team, GSB offers tailored, ‘Smarter and Better’ solutions for mission-driven organizations and businesses in the Philippines poised for growth.