An interesting discussion on our blog about drive-thru funerals got us thinking…Is it the formality of a funeral service that people are shying away from? Or are they simply looking for a more unique, personalized service?

So, what better way to find out than to poll our social network of funeral professionals on Facebook?

Here’s the question we posted:

Of all the responses we received, an underlying theme remained consistent—change is upon us.

Families are moving away from the more formal, traditional funeral services, and moving toward personalized, unique funeral services.

So where does that leave funeral professionals like you?

The truth is…it’s up to you!

The shift from traditional, to unique funeral services doesn’t have to exclude you. But you have to be willing to adapt to meet your families’ needs. And those who are adaptable and responsive to the needs and wants of their families, will succeed.

Although it sounds simple, we’re all creatures of habit, and the idea of change tends to scare us. So let’s not think of this so much as a change per say, but more as an evolution of traditional funeral services

Let’s break this down and see how you can adapt the funeral services you currently offer, to better meet the needs of today’s modern families.

Step 1

The first thing you need to understand is that families are still in need of your professional services and expertise; they just don’t understand the unique service options offered at your funeral home. You need to show them.

By featuring an interactive planning tool on your funeral home website, you give families the ability to explore different service options, as well as unique and memorable ways they can celebrate the life of their loved one. Was their loved one a sports fan? Offer your families a celebration filled with their favored team memorabilia. Or maybe their loved one was a veteran. Offer them a patriotic tribute with a flag presentation ceremony and the playing of taps.

Step 2

Once your families learn about the different types of services offered, they want to know how they can personalize the service to better represent the life lived. Lucky for you, the advances in technology have made it not only possible, but affordable, to create a slew of personalization services in-house – such as personalized printing, tribute videos, webcasting & more.

For example, transform that traditional register book into a memorial book that tells the story of the life lived through pictures, prayers, stories and more. Instead of the typical display boards, combine all the family photos into a cinematic-quality memorial video that becomes a family keepsake.

Step 3

A traditional obituary provides very little support to the family suffering the loss of a loved one. Tap into your families’ desire to connect, interact and share with friends and family on social networking sites with a social memorial website.

By incorporating social memorial websites into your funeral home website, you’re creating an online gathering place for your families. A memorial website gives family and friends a place to go to view their loved one’s obituary, share stories and memories through uploading photos or videos, and offer their condolences through messages and virtual gifts.

You see…these unique and personal funeral services are just traditional funeral services evolved.

At the heart of everything, it’s still about connecting with your client families, educating them on the value of your services and ultimately, creating healing experiences. Your families are just changing with the times, and it’s your responsibility to adapt and meet their needs.

Kelly Murad

funeralOne

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