Look, I get it. The whole “internet marketing” thing can feel like a monster under the bed, especially for funeral home owners who are used to the old-school ways of doing things. But here’s the deal — it’s not rocket science. You don’t need a PhD in tech to make it work. And, honestly, the death care industry can benefit from it more than most. So let’s cut through the noise and break down the basics.
1. A Website That Actually Does Something
If your website is just sitting there like a digital tombstone — not converting, not bringing in business — you’re leaving money on the table. The whole point of having a website is to increase case counts, drive revenue, and make it easy for people to choose you.
Here’s where a skilled marketer steps in. We’re talking about sharpening up your content, adding calls to action that aren’t buried under a mountain of text, and making sure every page screams professionalism while maintaining the respectfulness your business demands.
2. The Power of Search Engine Marketing
When a family is suddenly in need and hasn’t prearranged services, guess where they go? Yep, online. They type in something like “funeral homes in [insert city here],” and if your funeral home isn’t front and center on that search results page, you’re missing out on that crucial first call.
To dominate in the search game, you’ll need three things:
- Pay-per-click ads: Instant visibility, and you only pay when someone clicks. It’s like buying a prime billboard spot, but on Google.
- Local search map listings: Show up on maps right where they’re looking. No guesswork involved. They know where you are, fast.
- Organic search results: This is the long game. Boost your SEO so your funeral home shows up naturally in search results, without paying for each click. Consistency pays off here.
3. Manage Your Reputation Like Your Business Depends on It (Because It Does)
People don’t just look at your website; they check out what others are saying about you. And when it comes to a business as sensitive as funeral services, trust is everything. Good reviews can make or break you. But it’s not enough to just do a great job and hope for the best. You need to actively manage your online reputation.
A marketing expert can help keep tabs on reviews, get in front of potential problems before they blow up, and encourage your happy clients to spread the word. A few bad reviews won’t sink you, but ignoring them? That could.
So don’t let the digital world intimidate you. With the right moves, online marketing can become your biggest asset, turning clicks into clients and helping your business grow in ways you never thought possible.
