Marketing Natural Burial

Sarah Mayer and Jeffery Hodes, CCE presented on this subject so near and dear to us at Prairie Creek.  Jeffery Hodges has a long history in the industry and holds the highest certification from ICCFA as a  Cemetery Executive .  Their topic Marketing Natural Burial stated 'marketing is no easy feat.  It takes time, thought, personnel and budget.  But marketing natural burial is double duty since a large component of any natural marketing plan has to be dedicated to educating the consumer. 

Sarah Mayer of InfinitiMarketing Solutions asks us to look at our goals and then gave us some strategies and tools to reach our goals. 

TAKE AWAY:

• Today's buyer wants conversation, wants to check social media  -- change web site contents at least monthly and make sure it links back to social media.  Use your email list monthly to drive to your social media and to your web site.
• Public Relations is used to build brands - Advertising is used to sustain a brand
• Billboards are excellent for cemeteries and funeral homes.  She showed example of the one they did for Penn Forest Natural Burial Park.  The billboard had a lady saying "I was going to be cremated, until I learned about Green Burial."
• You should use as many networks as you can keep organized including Facebook, Linkedin, Google+, others
• Our newsletter should have links to our and other mentioned web sites. 

Jeffery Hodes, CCE a principal in Cemetery ManagementSolutions that believes in education in all aspects of cemetery management, operations, sales, environmental standards not only to operators, but also families and special interest groups.  Jeffery plays a large role in the growth and development of Penn Forest (see link above).  Jeffery calls himself a cleaned-up Hippy.  His wife says Natural Burial will be his last Hippy Act.

TAKE AWAY:

• Suggestion hold sunrise services on the grounds
• Should have an Obituary Page.  This page should take them to education if wanted.
• Educational web page should do the following;
•      1.  Why green burial is so important and valuable
•      2.  Why should you pre plan, the benefit to you and loved ones (no cost complaints)
•      3.  Why if you need it now the benefits
•      4.  Why pick us over any other options.