We live in an era when social media touches almost every aspect of our lives. Social platforms have become an integral part of our daily routines, from sharing happy moments with friends and family to getting news and information to interacting with our favorite brands.
This trend has also extended to the funeral industry. While dealing with loss is never easy, funeral directors leverage social media to better connect with families, share valuable content, and cultivate a positive public image during difficult times.
Let’s explore some of the key ways funeral homes are utilizing social:
Building Connections & Community
Perhaps the most valuable use of social media for funeral directors is building connections within their local community. Creating a Facebook page or Instagram account allows funeral homes to share updates, special events, and educational content personally and engagingly.
One funeral home doing this particularly well is Bradshaw Carter Memorial & Funeral Services in Houston. Their Facebook page has amassed over 1,700 followers by consistently posting uplifting content like inspirational quotes, community event details, and heartfelt stories/testimonials.
According to a 2022 survey by EdenTree, over 70% of people said being able to publicly share memories after a loved one’s passing helped them through the grieving process.
By nurturing an active social community, funeral directors can support families both before service and in the months/years after.
Sharing Vital Information
In the internet age, many families turn to search engines and social media when they unexpectedly need funeral planning resources or guidance. Having an established social presence allows funeral homes to share blog posts, videos, downloadable guides, and other educational content to help families during an overwhelming time.
Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries does this very effectively on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In addition to maintaining active social accounts, their website also has a robust archive of blog posts covering topics like funeral etiquette, cremation facts, helping children cope with loss and more.
A 2019 study found that roughly 75% of people felt more prepared and less anxious when researching funeral homes, processes and costs online ahead of time.
In an industry that can sometimes feel slightly antiquated, having an accessible digital presence shows your funeral home embraces modern technology and prioritizes giving families the information they need.
Telling Your Brand Story
In addition to community building and education, another key use of social media for funeral directors is brand storytelling and reputation management. Your social platforms are a prime opportunity to shape your funeral home’s public image and differentiate your services in an overcrowded market.
One funeral home excelling at this is Foothill Funeral & Cremation in California. Their Instagram feed goes far beyond simple cardboard posts, using authentic photography and captions to highlight their caring staff, beautiful facilities, and commitment to celebrating each family’s heritage and traditions. The overall aesthetic cultivates an image of a modern funeral home that blends time-honored services with fresh, personalized experiences.
Social media also allows you to monitor what others are saying about your business and respond promptly to any negative reviews or comments before they escalate. According to a 2018 study, roughly 25% of families said they chose a funeral home based on its online reviews/reputation.
The human side of the funeral industry is understanding that while death is inevitable, compassionate services and maintaining dignity for the deceased and their family is paramount. Social platforms give funeral directors an opportunity to convey this core value proposition in an engaging, shareable way.
As the world increasingly operates digitally and on-the-go through mobile devices, having an active social media strategy is no longer just an option – it’s a necessity for funeral homes looking to thrive now and in the future.