The Ultimate Guide to Your Cremation Marketing Strategy
Dec 01, 2022
Only targeting families who prefer burial won’t cut it for much longer. NFDA predicts every state’s cremation rate will be higher than 50% by 2035, and some states exceeded that prediction already.
The growing demand for cremation doesn’t just fall into one category. These are just a few of the top reasons people choose cremation over burial.
- Cost – Cremation doesn’t cost as much as a traditional burial service with embalming and selecting a casket.
- Environment – People want eco-friendly disposition options like cremation rather than burial with embalming fluids and casket materials that harm the planet.
- Religion – The Neptune Society found some religions consider cremation more acceptable than they did before, and more people consider themselves atheists.
Don’t let your community’s cremation leads slip by. Target families who prefer cremation and show them why they should work with your firm by following these three cremation marketing steps.
Step 1: Establish Your Brand
Your firm needs to answer this important question before you can establish your brand.
- Is your cremation business separate from your funeral home or a part of your funeral home?
Next, you need to determine how to stand out from the competition. See if you’re competing with any cremation-only businesses or funeral homes that offer cremation services. Then, figure out what makes you different from them.
For example, the funeral industry isn’t any different from other industries like the car industry. People want to buy from the experts who know the ins and outs of what they’re selling. Let your community know your firm hires and trains cremation experts. This gives them peace of mind they’re putting their loved ones in the best care.
Step 2: Invest in Your Website
A major part of cremation marketing and establishing a brand involves investing in your website. Many families’ first interaction with your firm includes searching online and coming across your site. Make sure they leave your website feeling educated and interested in your services by creating compelling copy and design.
Start with these five suggestions to create a website that wows families both from a design and content perspective.
- Start a blog for your cremation-only business or create a cremation blog category on your funeral home’s existing blog. This educates families while showing you’re knowledgeable about cremation.
- Create downloadable resources to further educate and nurture leads and show you’re the cremation experts, such as an eBook about the ins and outs of cremation or a checklist for planning a cremation service.
- Share an interactive cremation quiz to test your community’s knowledge. If users viewed your educational content and still scored low, revisit your content. Make sure people outside of the funeral industry can understand it.
- Include your general price list on your site. Remember, your firm has competitors besides other funeral homes. Companies like Amazon and Etsy sell urns, jewelry, and other mementos. Show why your products are the best option.
- Your website isn’t just about the content. Make sure your site has a user-friendly design, so people can navigate it on all device types. People should be able to easily browse your website on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.
Step 3: Bring in the Traffic
The first step to bringing in the traffic aka leads involves search engine optimization (SEO). SEO tactics like keywords, titles, and descriptions for your webpages help your site appear higher on search engine results pages. Adding multimedia like images with alternative text and backlinks to reputable sources also boosts your SEO.
Online advertising isn’t optional if you want to bring in more website traffic. The easiest way to do this involves the Rule of 7. Did you know consumers need to be exposed to your brand 7 times before they’re ready to make a purchase?
These are just a few examples of online exposure to your brand:
- Visiting your website.
- Reading your blog.
- Downloading your resources.
- Clicking Google Ads.
- Interacting with Facebook Ads.
- Engaging with social media posts.
- Opening an email.
When social media started — notably with the quick rise of Facebook — it was all about “the likes” at first. It was exciting to watch the notifications roll in! However, now that we’re many years into the social media game, “the likes” are less exciting. Even if you have a bunch of likes on a photo, it doesn’t mean you’re converting your friends or followers to act. To put it plainly, likes don’t always translate into loyalty. It’s not just about having conversations on social media... it’s about having the right conversations on social media. You know better than anyone just how sensitive bereaved families can feel. You need a marketing partner who can navigate your social media presence (including responses to community members) with respect and poise. We even have some funeral homes who respect their community members so much that they prefer for us to respond to each commenter with their formal title, like Mr. or Mrs. It’s tiny details like these that make a social media experience more memorable... and create loyalty. We’d love to talk to you about how to enhance your social media strategy. We’ve partnered with the experts at MKJ Marketing to provide premier services you won’t get anywhere else. Learn more here.
Tribute Technology has announced a new partnership with C&J Financial, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of enhanced and efficient services to the funeral profession. C&J now manages Tribute's Insurance Assignments division, promising faster funding services. Claim submission remains unchanged for clients, ensuring a smooth transition. This collaboration allows us to focus on innovation, shaping a more compassionate approach to funeral services. We can’t wait for you to see ALL the benefits of this impactful partnership. Stay tuned for more! Do you want to learn more about how C&J Financial can help you with insurance assignments? Click here to get started.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 2024 Contact For Further Information: Tribute Technology 315 Raemisch Rd., Ste G Waunakee, WI, 53597 press@tributetech.com **Tribute Technology Partners with C&J Financial to Enhance Insurance Assignment Processing** WAUNAKEE, WI — Tribute Technology, a leading provider of technology solutions for the funeral profession, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with C&J Financial, the leader in insurance assignment funding™. Effective Thursday, April 25, C&J Financial will become the exclusive insurance assignments partner for Tribute Technology, taking over operations previously managed by the Tribute Insurance Assignments division. This partnership marks a significant step in Tribute Technology's ongoing commitment to providing seamless and efficient services to its clients. By aligning with C&J Financial, Tribute Technology leverages C&J's extensive experience and specialized capabilities in processing insurance assignments. This collaboration ensures that funeral homes and their clients receive fast, reliable funding services from C&J and allows Tribute Technology to focus on building new and innovative technology solutions for the funeral profession. “Tribute Technology is on a mission to create technology that helps funeral professionals run their business and better serve their families. Our partnership with C&J Financial is the perfect pairing between Tribute’s technology with C&J’s financial expertise to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Charlie Cole, CEO of Tribute Technology. “C&J’s reputation for fast, accurate, and dependable insurance processing aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver comprehensive, user-friendly solutions.” All insurance claims processing for Tribute Technology clients will be handled by C&J Financial beginning from the specified date in April. However, the process for submitting claims will remain unchanged for Tribute Technology users. Clients will continue to utilize the existing platforms provided by Tribute Technology, ensuring a smooth transition and no disruption in services. “We are excited to partner with Tribute Technology and bring our specialized expertise in insurance assignments to an even broader audience,” stated Jamie Meredith, Executive Vice President of C&J Financial. “This partnership allows us to focus on what we do best, enabling funeral directors to spend more time supporting families during their time of need which provides a better experience for the family.” Members of the media with questions about Tribute Technology or any of the company’s products and services are asked to contact press@tributetech.com . **About Tribute Technology** Tribute Technology provides comprehensive technology solutions for the funeral sector, aimed at enhancing the way funeral professionals manage their services. Tribute Technology’s platforms offer a range of tools from payment processing to memorialization features, designed to streamline operations and improve the client experience. **About C&J Financial** C&J Financial is the leading provider of insurance assignment funding for funeral services, specializing in processing and funding life insurance benefits. With a commitment to quick, efficient service, C&J eliminates the challenges faced by funeral homes when accepting insurance assignments. By doing so, C&J empowers families to honor their loved ones while easing the financial burden during difficult times. **Media Contact:** Jamie Meredith Executive Vice President C&J Financial, LLC 800.785.0003 JamieM@CJF.com **Media Contact:** Tribute Technology Press@tributetech.com **### End of Release**
Tribute Technology is partnering with Magnolia Memorial Marketplace to make urn distribution more efficient and cost-effective for funeral directors like you. Why Magnolia Memorial Marketplace? They aren't just another supplier; it's a company created by funeral directors who understand what funeral homes and cremation providers need. They've designed their service to cut down on your costs — without cutting corners on quality. By joining forces with Magnolia Memorial Marketplace, you could save 25-30% off your usual expenses. Early Adopters Group – A Special Invite We're looking for forward-thinking funeral homes to join our Early Adopters Group. Your feedback will be invaluable, and we think the extra savings will be too! We have a limited number of spots available for our Early Adopters Group. If saving money and being at the forefront of industry innovation sounds good, don't wait. Click here to sign up now and secure your spot.
Online obituaries are a cornerstone of a funeral home's digital presence, driving substantial website traffic and serving as a critical marketing asset. Amidst the sea of metrics, one often overlooked aspect holds immense potential for amplifying brand visibility and fostering meaningful connections: comments. Why are comments on online obituaries more than just a digital nicety? Foster Community and Support : Condolences from friends and family not only provide comfort to those who are grieving but also demonstrate a funeral home’s commitment to being a pillar of support during difficult times. Non-Invasive Community Outreach : Unlike traditional marketing tactics that may come across as intrusive, engaging with online obituaries allows funeral homes to reach their community in a subtle and respectful manner. Improved SEO : The Facebook algorithm judges content (in part) based on engagement levels. If visitors to your online obituaries offer you the chance to increase engagement, take it. Every positive comment on an online obituary serves as a powerful endorsement and referral for the funeral home, acting as social proof in an era where consumer trust is paramount. In today's digital landscape, where consumers rely heavily on reviews and recommendations, leveraging these comments as a marketing tool can significantly enhance the credibility and reputation of funeral homes, ultimately attracting new clients and driving business growth. Questions? don’t hesitate to reach out: CSS-Team@Tributetech.com
If you’ve been active on your funeral home’s Facebook page in recent months, you’ve probably noticed an influx of direct messages, wall posts, or even emails from “Facebook” alerting you to problems with your page. Some examples include:
Tribute Technology and Treasured Memories® Partnering to Elevate Funeral Service WAUNAKEE, WI — Tribute Technology, a leading provider of technology solutions for funeral directors, is proud to announce its partnership with Treasured Memories®, a premier consultancy and benefits provider for independent funeral homes. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in making advanced technology more accessible and meaningful for funeral directors and the communities they serve across North America. Treasured Memories has been a beacon of support for funeral homes across the U.S. since its inception in 1988. Led and championed by Jimmy Altmeyer Jr., a fourth-generation funeral director, Treasured Memories has grown to epitomize excellence and dedication within the funeral service profession. Jimmy's commitment to exceptional service is mirrored in the legacy of Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, which has expanded to serve numerous communities across Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida since its founding in 1917. The partnership heralds a new era of enhanced support for funeral directors, with Treasured Memories clients gaining access to Tribute Technology’s cutting-edge software and resources. The initiative will begin with introducing Tribute Technology’s Premier Partner, Legacy Touch, to Treasured Memories clients, allowing them to offer beautifully crafted Fingerprint Keepsakes to families seeking to memorialize their loved ones in a uniquely personal way. "Deciding to partner with Tribute Technology was the best choice for us. Tribute Technology stands out as the premier provider of technology solutions in our profession. Their commitment to innovation, combined with a deep understanding of the needs of both funeral directors and the families they serve, aligns perfectly with our values at Treasured Memories,” Altmeyer said. “This partnership is not just about enhancing our service offerings; it's about setting a new standard in the profession.” This partnership ensures that all members of the Treasured Memories network benefit, reinforcing both organizations' commitment to supporting funeral directors in offering compassionate, personalized services to families during their time of need. "Jimmy is an incredible leader within the profession, and we are honored to partner with Treasured Memories. This partnership is poised to deliver the finest technology solutions for funeral directors, and we are excited for what the future holds,” said Tribute Technology Chief Customer Officer Courtney Gould Miller. Members of the media with questions about Tribute Technology or any of the company’s products and services are asked to contact press@tributetech.com . About Tribute Technology: Tribute Technology’s mission is to bring the best technology to all funeral homes, to help communities around the world celebrate life, and to pay tribute to loved ones. Over 9,000 end-of-life providers already use Tribute Technology’s software and product offerings, including websites, marketing services, management software, online planning, personalized memorial keepsakes, payment processing, and other solutions. Tribute Technology is focused on innovating to help funeral directors save time on tasks, so they can focus more on connecting with the families who have lost a loved one. The company’s goal is to give funeral directors everything they need to run their business in one place, making their lives easier. ### Contact For Further Information: Tribute Technology 315 Raemisch Rd., Ste G Waunakee, WI, 53597 press@tributetech.com
Tribute Technology and Treasured Memories® are teaming up to make technology more accessible, visible, and meaningful to funeral directors and the communities they serve. Treasured Memories is a trusted resource for independent funeral homes, providing supplier benefits and consulting services to its extensive membership of over 200 funeral homes across the U.S. since 1988. Jimmy Altmeyer Jr., a fourth-generation funeral director, founded Treasured Memories and serves as the president of Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, which now operates more than 50 firms. He draws upon a rich legacy of family service. The family business was started back in 1917 in Wheeling, WV, and has since expanded to Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. Jimmy has become well-known in the profession for his dedication to offering outstanding service to families and for supporting funeral directors across the country. “Jimmy Altmeyer is an incredible leader within the profession, and it’s been impressive watching him build up Treasured Memories over the years. It’s an honor that he chose to work with us,” said Tribute Technology Chief Customer Officer Courtney Gould Miller. “This partnership will offer the very best technology solutions for funeral directors, and we can’t wait to share what’s happening next.” As part of this collaboration, Treasured Memories clients will receive personalized solutions for their firm through Tribute Technology’s software and resources. The first stage of the partnership will involve Tribute Technology’s Premier Partner, Legacy Touch. Treasured Memories clients now have access to sharing Legacy Touch’s incredible Fingerprint Keepsakes with families. Stay tuned for updates on what’s coming next! Click here to learn more about Treasured Memories.
It was a true honor for Tribute Technology’s Obituary Writer to be named a winner in the 2024 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards program, hosted by the Business Intelligence Group. Tribute Obituary Writer was honored in the Artificial Creativity category for a Product or Software. As families navigate the complexities of loss, Tribute Obituary Writer stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology in honoring loved ones. Tribute Obituary Writer’s intuitive design empowers users to navigate the writing process with ease. The software streamlines the editing process, allowing for adjustments to content and length as needed, ensuring that every tribute is a heartfelt representation of a loved one’s legacy. We deeply appreciate this recognition of our AI-powered technology, which underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence. Click here to read more about the award. Click here to learn more about Tribute Obituary Writer. Click here to learn more on why online obituaries matter
A first-of-its-kind bill that would have impacted the legality of fingerprint recording by deathcare professionals was not advanced by a committee within the Florida Senate. Many within the funeral profession were closely watching the development of this bill. Florida Privacy Bill SB 504 sought to regulate funeral homes' collection, notices, and practices related to the biometric data of decedents. If passed, the bill would have required funeral homes to provide written disclosure of their policies related to the use of biometric data collected from the deceased. The funeral home would have also been required to give the option to opt out of such a sale. Though the proposed Florida bill did not pass, the proposal highlights the importance of funeral homes’ print collection practices and underscores the concerns that families may place on these matters. Tribute Technology’s Premier Partner, Legacy Touch, which is a leading provider of Fingerprint Keepsakes, strongly encourages funeral homes to (1) inform families they’re taking prints and (2) obtain a signed Release or Acknowledgment confirming that the family either consents to the collection or understands that a print cannot be obtained later or replaced once deleted if the family declines print collection. You can learn more about this important topic by watching Legacy Touch’s webinar hosted by Tribute Technology on the legality of Fingerprint Keepsakes. At a minimum, Legacy Touch recommends that firms should have a sample disclosure, which could be included in your Statement of Funeral Goods and Services. You can view an example of a disclosure in our resource guide, which can be downloaded here .
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