Social media is now the largest marketing tool available to small businesses.
It’s a tool that has changed how we communicate, access new information, and present ourselves. It is also a unique opportunity to present your business to new and potential customers. Death can be a daunting topic for many, so while your business is essential for family life planning, it can be hard to get the attention of potential customers who just aren’t ready to plan yet.
For small businesses, standing out on social media requires strategy, consistency, and, most importantly, time. That can seem like a lot for small business owners, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all structure. You can make your social media pages work for you with just a few simple steps.
Most Relevant and Valuable Content
Social media gives you the chance to be an authority within the death care industry. You want to post valuable information that customers can use over and over. You want customers to come back to your page to find information and facts that might otherwise be hard to find. When writing your social media posts, imagine you are answering the phone or greeting a family member at the door. You should be caring and optimistic as you give people the information they need about your business and services.
This is your chance to let people know if you offer family life planning. While you want your content to have value, you also want it to be entertaining and engaging. Work with your team to craft content that will catch someone’s attention and keep it. You want to keep the customer’s attention long enough to get your message across. Short, quick videos are a great way to do this. Before you post, ask yourself: Would I like this? Would this add value to my day?
Get Involved
The most active brands on social media are the ones that consistently engage, comment, like, and share within their community. That means responding to comments, questions, or direct messages, sharing posts when customers mention you, and leaving comments on the posts on your social feeds. Being active can establish your brand as a social media powerhouse and as a death care industry leader.
The easiest way to be consistent in engagement is to block off a set time frame each day or every other day to engage with your community. It takes as little as 30 minutes a day to be involved. You’ll be able to get feedback from customers and chat with potential customers about your services. It’s a simple and authentic way to foster a community.
Consistent engagement will also let your customers know you are available if they have any questions or want to give feedback. It’s an excellent customer service tool.
Be Authentic And Share Your Story
Social media is all about storytelling, and every business has a story. You want to give people a chance to understand who you are, your values, and why your funeral home is different from all the rest. At the end of the day, social media allows you to connect with customers, which should be your goal. Let them know you care about the community and their needs.
It’s essential to be authentic when you are communicating your message online. From years of countless advertisements, social media users are quick to spot inauthenticity. To stay authentic, make a list of some of your best qualities as a company and as a team. What makes your funeral home unique? Maybe your employees have a great sense of humor, or your funeral director has a green thumb. Take these characteristics and pepper them into your posts and online messaging.
Be Open To Feedback
Social media gives you a direct line to your customers. That means if a customer leaves a bad review, you have the chance to right your wrong and adjust your business or protocols to improve your services.
While you can answer questions, you can also ask questions. Asking questions is a great way to gauge what is and isn’t working for your customers. By listening to customers and observing social media activity, you will improve your ability to make positive changes.
As a funeral home, your business is built around establishing relationships. Each day on social media is a chance to participate and show interest in the communities you serve. It’s a chance to let families know they can turn to you for their family life planning and in times of need.
These social media tips can be used in conjunction with your marketing strategy. For tips on best marketing practices, check out our blog on an effective funeral home marketing strategy.
Since our inception, Osiris Software has been helping funeral homes, cemetery and crematory businesses prosper through innovative solutions and world class customer service.
