Every organization is concerned about cost savings, cemeteries are no different. We’ve talked previously about how building a website can generate revenue by automating your sales process, but today I want to explain how investing in your website can be one of the smarter ways to save your cemetery money year-over-year.

Owning a website enables organizations to establish new means of communication with their audience. Unlike an advertisement or brochure your website is a living document. It has the ability to change, grow, and reach your target with incredible accuracy. A website provides on-demand access to all types of media (social, videos, images, written material, etc.) that can engage viewers far better than traditional methods. Captivating an audience online presents your cemetery with many opportunities to save time and money! The more information you host online the less time you will potentially need to spend on the phone or in your office with a customer. When a website is built properly it can cultivate an incredible amount of influence and trust with it’s users. Customer’s are likely to spend more time investigating your website than any other media. Developing a professional website is essential to strengthening relationships with members of your community.

Enough rambling… How can I start saving my cemetery money? Follow these three tips to build a Cost Saving Website:

Plan to invest in your cemetery website.

As elementary as it may sound, the most costly mistake is failing to establish a schedule and budget for your website. If you have built a website without a plan you have certainly cost your cemetery valuable time and money. Contrary to popular belief, websites do not become successful on their own and can quickly become more of a burden than a blessing. It takes hours of effort to prepare appropriate content that visitors will find useful – schedule a few hours each week to work on your website. 2 hours a week adds up to over 100 hours a year – this time spent planning and generating content is more valuable than you realize. Decide on a budget. Websites are like homes you need to be wise when building/buying one. You can choose to live in a modest home in the country or in a penthouse suite in New York – each has it’s advantages and costs. You must determine to what you want your website to do and what you can afford.

Don’t overspend on web design or professional services.

The good news is the days of spending obscene amounts of money on your cemetery’s website are over. The cemetery industry is notorious for overspending on out-dated, non-revenue generating technology. If you are considering spending thousands of dollars on your website, make sure it has the ability to bring those dollars back. Never build a website without a clear online marking plan. It’s not the 90’s anymore, there are dozen’s of web design agencies out there – get quotes, compare features, and make sure you call their client’s for a referral!

Get Creative with your Cemetery: Write, Shoot, & Share.

The more interesting content you can publish the better! Now, I know that the local cemetery is not always atop the list of choice destinations, but perhaps its because it’s not described as one. There are dozen’s of reasons to attract locals and travelers to your cemetery – Are you inviting them? How intriguing are your invitations?

• Write about the attractions at your cemetery.
• Write about the products and services you offer.
• Write about your policies and procedures.
• Write about the local community: it’s history & current events.
• Take photos and videos, publish your content in style.

Like a great restaurant – it’s not about taste alone, the presentation is equally important. Your cemetery may offer a compassionate experience, but how is it viewed by your patrons?

Conclusion

Saving money does not happen naturally. If you are serious about operating a successful cemetery website you must take advantage of every minute and dollar. Don’t waste your time repeating yourself week-after-week. Don’t waste your money on an out-dated, stale, and ineffective website.  Get a vision for your website, count the cost, and start redeeming your losses today.