FIT Social Media

13/09/2024

Have you secured your Facebook personal profile against being hacked? A friend contacted me after experiencing a personal Facebook hack, which also put her Facebook business page at risk as her personal profile is connected to her business page. One of the best ways to secure your account is by enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Here's why this matters for you and your Funeral home/business:

✅ Prevent Unauthorised Access: 2FA adds an extra layer of protection, making it significantly harder for unauthorised users to access your account.

✅ Safeguard Your Business’ Online Reputation: Your personal profile is linked to your business page. Securing your profile protects your business's online presence.

✅ Peace of Mind: Knowing your account is secure allows you to focus on providing compassionate service to your clients.

Here are the steps via your Facebook app on your phone:

📲 Open the Facebook App and make sure you're logged into your personal account, not your business profile.

📲 Tap the Menu tab (shows your personal profile image) at the bottom of your phone screen.

📲 Scroll down and tap "Settings & Privacy" then tap "Settings".

📲 Select "Accounts Center" (this is where Facebook now manages security settings).

📲 Tap "Password and Security".

📲 Tap the "Two-Factor Authentication" section and select the account you want to secure.

📲 Follow the on-screen instructions to choose your preferred security method. Text Message (SMS): Receive a code via SMS, after entering the code, Facebook will confirm that Two-Factor Authentication is enabled for your account. Once you've turned on two-factor authentication, you can get 10 recovery login codes to use when you're unable to use your phone.

If you haven’t set this up yet, I highly recommend doing so today.

11/09/2024

Are you making the most of LinkedIn to grow your funeral business? It may not be the first platform that comes to mind, you might think of Facebook. LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for connecting with people/families who may only use LinkedIn, industry partners (eg: repatriation, suppliers etc) and future staff. Having an online presence is key across various channels and showcasing your expertise on LinkedIn can help you build valuable connections, expand your reach and further enhance your professional reputation within the funeral industry.

Delighted to share an article on this in The Journal for The British Institute of Funeral Directors. Thank you to the Editorial team for publishing my submission, and here’s a link for more: https://www.bifd.org.uk/the-journal/ 📕

The Institute, established in 1982, places the professional and educational needs of Funeral Directors at the heart of its work. Want to find out more, click here: https://www.bifd.org.uk/ I highly recommend following them for updates on courses, events and more! 😊💻📲

04/09/2024

Delighted to share that I'm speaking at ICCM - Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Learning Conference and Exhibition 2024. I wish to thank The ICCM for the invitation and I look forward to sharing practical social media tips to help cemeteries and crematoriums enhance their social media/digital presence, effectively engage with their community online, increase their visibility and more.

This innovative event promises to be a fantastic opportunity for learning, networking and sharing insights with professionals across the cemetery and crematorium sector. It's packed with insightful presentations by Mustafa Latif-Aramesh, Ben Whitworth, Angie McLachlan, Nick Betham, Maria Hanson, Paula Jackson, Ann Barber, Gill Hodgson and Carole Patilla, Justin Smith and more. Plus a comprehensive exhibition of products and services, various learning and networking opportunities, and that's not all... there's "Ask The Expert" speed learning sessions, which I’m delighted to be part of with Julie Dunk, Mat Crawley, Martin Birch, Sofia Allana, Trev Robson, Ian Henderson, Carole Henderson, Maria Bailey and Cath Brew. These sessions are a fast, fun way to get your key questions answered on a wide range of topics and meet other delegates you might not otherwise get to talk to. There’s so much to look forward to and it's going to be a great opportunity for everyone to connect off and online.

For more on this year's Learning Conference and Exhibition: https://www.iccm24.co.uk/.

P.S. Don't forget to use the event hashtag before, during and after the event. And if you’re attending do let me know and I'll see you there!

30/08/2024

Getting time to focus on social media can be a challenge. As a Funeral Director, your primary focus is helping families during their time of need. And using social media has become a key tool for Funeral professionals so you can connect with families and share valuable information.

However, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect your online presence. That’s why I’ve put together a blog on "5 Social Media Mistakes To Avoid For Your Funeral Home". Curious to learn more? Click here: https://bit.ly/3MeVuLw 👍

27/08/2024

📲 Want to leverage Instagram even more? Looking to reach more people on Instagram? One easy way to do it is through Instagram Collaborations. This just means teaming up with another local business or professional to share posts or stories together. It’s a simple way to expand your reach and connect with communities. Here’s how it works:

Why Collaborate on Instagram?

✅ Expand Your Reach: Partner with other relevant businesses to connect with new audiences.

✅ Build Trust: Collaborating with trusted local partners enhances your credibility.

✅ Strengthen Community Ties: It helps you engage more with your local community.

Who Can You Collaborate With?

👍 Local Funeral Suppliers: Share posts showcasing caskets, urns or memorial products.

👍 Bereavement Services: Partner with grief counsellors or support groups to offer helpful content.

👍 Charities or Nonprofits: Collaborate with local organisations that support families during times of loss.

How to Get Started:

1. Identify Potential Partners: Find local businesses or professionals relevant to the funeral industry.

2. Reach Out: Send a simple message proposing a collaboration and how it can benefit both of you.

3. Create Joint Content: Work together on a post or story, such as showcasing products or offering advice.

4. Tag and Share: Tag each other in the post and encourage your partner to share it with their followers.

5. Engage: Respond to comments and keep the conversation going.

Tip: Start small. Choose a relevant local partner, create something helpful and caring, and see how it works. Instagram collaborations can be a great way to connect with more people in your community while offering valuable content. If you have any questions or want to leverage Instagram more do get in touch 👍

23/08/2024

Have you seen the video interview "Are We Failing Students by Avoiding the Topic of Death?" with Clare Shaw of Clare Shaw Children's Books and John Adams of Perry & Phillips Funeral Directors. It resonated with me on so many levels, especially around the idea of how we, as a society, often avoid talking about death especially with children.

Clare's story about losing her brother at a young age and the lack of support she received really hit home. She and John are doing incredible work advocating for better death education in schools and providing resources to help families and professionals address grief in a healthier way.

If you have a chance, I highly recommend giving it a watch. It really made me reflect on how we can all do more to create spaces for these important conversations.

Clare Shaw joins us to discuss the challenges of talking about death, especially with children, revealing more about the inspiration behind her latest book a...

20/08/2024

Have you ever wondered how social media ads could help your funeral home connect with more families in your community? It’s a powerful tool that, when used thoughtfully, can make a real difference in reaching those who need your services. Targeted ads not only build trust, but also make sure your message reaches the right audience without stretching your budget too thin.

So what are the benefits and how can you get started? Here's a quick guide https://bit.ly/AdsForFuneralHomes and any questions do let me know: 📲📕

16/08/2024

When was the last time someone asked you "what do you do?" Whether it’s at a social event or just chatting with someone new, we’ve all been asked, “So, what do you do?” Here’s how I usually respond: "I help Funeral and Bereavement professionals to stand out in an increasingly competitive market."

In today’s digital world, simply showcasing excellent services isn’t enough, you need to be consistently visible and accessible across different platforms not just your website, to reach the families and clients who need you most. For example, with the rise of direct cremation providers offering lower-cost alternatives, many traditional Funeral homes are finding it at times challenging to communicate their unique real value compared to those providers. That’s where I come in.

As a Social Media and Digital Marketing Consultant and Trainer specialising in the Funeral and Bereavement sector, I assist Funeral Directors, Crematoria and Cemetery staff, Bereavement professionals and Funeral suppliers in building a stronger online presence. Covering all aspects of being online; my goal is to ensure your services are front and centre when families and clients are searching ahead or at need. I provide a range of services and programmes to ensure you and your team feel confident navigating digital platforms in ways that resonate with your audience. And if you need to outsource to someone to manage your online presence, then you'll have the insight ahead of time to know if their services will meet your expectations.

What makes my approach unique is that it’s designed specifically for the funeral industry. I understand the sensitivities involved and the importance of maintaining professionalism and compassion, even when faced with the challenges of a changing market. My services are here to help you connect with your community, improve your visibility so you stand out and stay top of mind, and continue to provide the personal, meaningful experiences that set you apart from low-cost competitors.

If you’re curious about how I can assist, feel free to explore my instant quote calculator and view the packages I offer: https://bit.ly/FreeQuote_ and if you are National Association of Funeral Directors Member, as a Gold Partner of the Association, I am now offering a 15% discount off all quotes.

All in all, I'm here to help Funeral and Bereavement professionals thrive in the digital sphere, save time and money, and gain knowledge and skills. If you’d like to chat, please feel free to reach out 📲💻

13/08/2024

Over the weekend I met up with a few friends I hadn't seen in ages and we were talking at one point about how we all ended up doing what we are doing and the interesting things that led us to where we are now so far. It got me thinking of the radio show "The Let's Get Social Show" I had co-hosted with Phillip Twyford, and the interesting guests we met and the social media/digital marketing topics we covered. And sometimes we did a show with just the two of us. Here's one of the shows we did together regarding hashtags and I hope you find it interesting! During it we cover how hashtags can help increase your brand's visibility and reach. From creating your own branded hashtag to discovering trending ones that resonate with your audience. Whether you're new to hashtags or looking to refine your strategy, check out the show on video #️⃣🎥👀⬇️

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Let's Get Social Show! In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of hashtags and how they can supercharge ...

09/08/2024

🍂 September is not far off with more events and conferences, this is a great time to be following, engage with and use the specific event hashtags in your social media posts ahead of the events.

So what's all the fuss about, when it comes to event hashtags?

An event hashtag is a unique hashtag created specifically for a conference, trade show or other event. It allows attendees, exhibitors, speakers and organisers to share content related to the event on social media platforms like X, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Using the event hashtag makes it easier to find and follow conversations, updates and what's going on with the event. But why is it so beneficial to follow and use the event hashtag? Let’s break it down:

For Attendees:

🗓 Stay Updated: Keep track of event schedules, announcements, and real-time updates.

🤝 Connect & Network: Engage with other attendees, share experiences and build valuable connections.

🎤 Engage with Speakers and Exhibitors: Start conversations before, during and after the event to deepen your learning and networking opportunities.

For Exhibitors:

📢 Promote Your Presence: Highlight your products, services and your stand/booth activities to attract more visitors.

🎁 Share Updates & Offers: Use the hashtag to announce special offers, giveaways or demonstrations happening at your stand.

💬 Engage with Potential Customers: Connect with attendees, answer their questions and gather valuable feedback.

For Speakers:

✍ Share Insights and Materials: Amplify your message by sharing key takeaways, presentation materials and insights using the event hashtag.

🌟 Build your Brand: Engage with the audience and expand your professional presence online.

👥 Connect with Attendees: Interact with those interested in your area of expertise and continue the conversation post-event.

Here are some upcoming events I am delighted to be attending and their event hashtags:

🏆 The Good Funeral Awards 2024:

📚 ICCM Learning Conference:

Top Tips for Maximising Event Hashtags:

🔍 Follow the Hashtag: Track it before, during and after the event to stay informed.

📝 Post with the Hashtag: Use it whenever you share updates, videos or photos related to the event.

💬 Engage with Others: Like, comment and share posts from other participants to expand your network.

📈 Discover Trends: Search the hashtag to find trending topics, popular sessions and the most valuable insights.

📇 Connect with New Contacts: Use the hashtag to engage with new connections and grow your professional network.

Using the event hashtags before, during and afterwards will not only enhance your event experience, but also help you make the most of your time by connecting with the right people and information. #️⃣😀



Association of Green Funeral Directors
ICCM - Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management

09/08/2024

Looking forward to the experience of this very unique event 🌿

Delighted to be attending as a Finalist in this year's Good Funeral Awards being held in The Eden Project hosted by the very esteemed Association of Green Funeral Directors. It will be a great event with John Adams of Perry & Phillips Funeral Directors as MC as he's always "The Host with the Most!" 🎤👏

I want to wish all Finalists, friends and colleagues the very best on 14th September 2024. If you haven't booked your event ticket time is a tickin'! ⏰

06/08/2024

When it comes to ads online, there are a couple of big platforms you can use to reach more families and share your services.

Doing some research and I'd love to know which one you'd like to do better and understand more about.

1) Google Ads
or
2) Facebook/Instagram Ads

Appreciate your input in the comments, let me know what you think.

03/08/2024

What to post on Linkedin? This is a frequently asked question I get. What kind of content should you share? Here's a quick guide:

🎥 Videos: Did you know videos are 5x more likely than other types of content to start a conversation among members? Share heartfelt testimonials, behind-the-scenes looks at your services, or educational content about funeral planning.

📸 Carousel Posts: Use carousel posts to allow users to scroll through a series of compelling images. This could include showcasing your facilities, highlighting community events, or sharing meaningful moments from ceremonies.

✍️ Articles: Articles are essentially blog posts hosted on LinkedIn itself. Write about industry insights, share your expertise on grief management, or discuss the importance of personalised funeral services.

🔗 Third-Party Content: Sharing relevant and informative content from other sources can position you as a well-informed professional. Post articles about the latest trends in the funeral industry, grief support resources or innovations in memorial services.

🎬 Native Video: Native videos uploaded directly to LinkedIn tend to perform better. Consider sharing messages from your team, virtual tours of your facilities, or clips from community events you’ve supported.

📷 Photos and Graphics: Stand out by sharing high-quality photos and graphics. This could include images of your serene spaces, memorial setup ideas, or infographics about the grieving process.

📝 Text Only: Sometimes, simple and easy-to-create text-only posts can be powerful. Share a daily reflection, a short story of comfort or updates about your services.

Start posting today and see the difference it makes 📲💻

30/07/2024

☀️ Summer, time to boost your listing on Google!☀️

Here's something that can really make a difference for your funeral home, your Google Business profile. So why does your Google Business Profile matter?

Your Google Business profile listing is often the first place people go to learn about your funeral home. It’s like your digital front door, showcasing essential information like your location, contact details, services, latest updates, reviews and more. A well maintained profile not only helps people find you more easily, it leverages online trust and will help you stand out in a competitive market. Here are a few steps to update your profile over the next few weeks:

✅ Check and update basic information. Start by logging into your Google Business account. Make sure your address, phone number and business hours are accurate. This ensures that families can reach you without any hassle.

✅ Add some warm and welcoming photos and videos. Upload recent photos and videos of your facilities, staff and any special features you offer. A few professional, warm images and videos can go a long way in helping families feel comfortable and reassured.

✅ Engage with reviews. Take a few minutes to read and respond to reviews within 24-48 hours. Thank those who leave positive feedback and address any concerns with kindness and understanding. This shows that you genuinely care about your families' experiences and are always looking to provide the best service possible.

✅ Share updates. Use the "Updates" feature to share news, events or helpful tips. Whether it's information about a service, staff updates or advice on pre-planning, these posts keep your profile active and informative.

Overall, make it a habit to review your profile regularly. This way all the information stays current, reflecting any changes in your services or contact details. There are other aspects to making the most of your Google Business Profile, if you have any questions regarding these or would like some assistance with your listing do get in touch to ensure your funeral home makes the best possible impression online going forward.

26/07/2024

Had a trip away and turned on my phone after landing to find a lovely surprise in my inbox 📲🛬

Delighted to be a Finalist in this year's Good Funeral Awards being held in The Eden Project hosted by the very esteemed Association of Green Funeral Directors (AGFD).

To everyone who took the time to nominate me you were very kind and I can't thank you enough. It was such an honour to be listed alongside the other Nominees for "Best External Supplier to the Funeral Industry" all of whom are very innovative and inspiring people/companies in the Funeral industry. Thank you to the judges for considering me and I want to wish all Finalists, friends and colleagues the very best on 14th September 2024.

The AGFD are very forward-thinking, established in 2009 and has three main objectives.

✅ To help members of the public find funeral homes in their area which are willing to provide more sustainable and eco-friendly options in the funerals they carry out.

✅ To encourage funeral directors (FDs) to become more green-minded in all aspects of their work and help bring natural funerals into the mainstream.

✅ To hold the yearly Good Funeral Awards which recognise all those in the industry offering the best service and/or products to their customers.

If you wish to attend or find out more information on the awards: https://bit.ly/GoodFuneralAwards and do follow the Association of Green Funeral Directors - AGFD on social media to keep up to date on the Awards and the Association itself.

Thank you again 😊

Eimer

P.S. The official hashtag for this year's Awards is follow this also on social media and don't forget to use it in your posts before, during and after the event.

22/07/2024

🎯 How to Create a Social Media Marketing Campaign for Your Funeral Home? Is this something you have been thinking about? Not sure where to start?

A thoughtful social media campaign can greatly benefit funeral homes by expanding reach and visibility. Help build and leverage a funeral home's reputation as a compassionate and modern service provider, attracting more families to their services.

Here are some key steps:

🎯 Be Strategic: Define your goals, whether it’s community engagement or expanding your reach.

🎯 Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on where your audience is. Facebook and Instagram are excellent choices for their community and visual features.

🎯 Create Meaningful Content: Share tributes, grief support resources, community activities and educational posts.

🎯 Consistency is key: Develop a content calendar and engage with your audience regularly.

🎯 Test, Test, Test: Try out different campaigns as you need to do various ones.

Want to get started? Here's my latest blog for more tips on crafting an impactful social media campaign: https://bit.ly/socialmediacampaign_ and if you have any questions do let me know.

18/07/2024

Want some dos and don’ts to help you make a meaningful impact on social media for your Funeral home/business. This is a good time to take a look at your social media platforms and see if there are things you can do more of, and those to avoid.

Thank you to Russ Bravo and the Editorial Team at Funeral Service Journal Limited (FSJ) for including my article in the July 2024 edition. 😊📚

Find out more about FSJ "The Industry Bible Since 1886" head to https://bit.ly/3zCBVd1 for the latest edition and more with lots of interesting articles and info! 💻👍

15/07/2024

Delighted to receive feedback like this. I always hope I meet and do my best to exceed expectations. Thank you Paula of R H Faulkner & Daughter for your very kind words. 😊

12/07/2024

What are the Best Social Media Platforms for Funeral Directors to Use?

At The National Funeral Exhibition 2024, I was giving a CPD session and asked, who was on social media? Everyone's hands went up. No surprise there then as many using personally and professionally. Just shows that social media is a powerful tool: You can reach a broader audience. The place to share valuable information. And where you can engage with local and global communities.

So, with that in mind, what are the best social media platforms to be on? What are the benefits for you personally and for your funeral home or business? And how can you use them more effectively? See below for some pointers on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and yes the dreaded TikTok!

Thank you to The Funeral Times Magazine Editor Ruth McQuillan for adding my article to this month's edition (see pgs 22-24). Here's a link to the digital version➡️ https://bit.ly/3xY2M2P with lots of other interesting topics, updates and more in this issue to read. 💻😀

10/07/2024

One of the most FAQs I get is "when is the best time to post on social media?" Here are some helpful timing guidelines that can serve as a starting point: https://bit.ly/45Vhx37 📲💻🗓

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance on your social media strategy.

08/07/2024

🔗 Elevate your professional presence with your own personalised LinkedIn URL! 🔗

Having a polished and professional presence on LinkedIn can make a world of difference. It's not just about networking; it's about showcasing your expertise, building credibility and making those meaningful connections that matter.

One simple yet impactful way to enhance your personal brand is by customising your LinkedIn Personal Profile URL. Your URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the web address that links directly to your profile.

Here's why it's so beneficial to customising your URL:

✨ Enhanced Visibility: A clean, professional URL is easier to remember and share.

✨ Increased Credibility: It shows attention to detail and a commitment to your professional image.

✨ Improved SEO: A customised URL can help your profile appear higher in search results.

🎥 Click below for my quick video to guide you through customising your own LinkedIn URL.

27/06/2024

Delighted to share that I've been invited to join the training panel at The Entrepreneurs Academy.

It was great to meet everyone today in 3D and hear more about the exciting projects and programmes. The academy is amazing for Entrepreneurs, offering great resources and a supportive network to help turn ideas into successful businesses.

Thank you to everyone at The Entrepreneur's Academy especially Lorraine, Noel and the EA support team for the very warm welcome.

26/06/2024

Great day today catching up with everyone! It is a real honour to work with such an inspiring group of people!

Thank you CyberSafeKids for a wonderful day ☺️☀️

😎 What a glorious day to catch up with our amazing panel of dedicated trainers, without whom our work in primary and secondary schools, and companies throughout Ireland would simply not be possible. Our education programme is a vital part of our mission to .

Thank you to each and every one of you for delivering this programme to children, young people, teachers, parents, adults, youth and social workers across the country. 👏

School may be out for the summer, BUT parents are still working! 🥲 If you would like to arrange a talk to empower and support your staff on how they can protect their kids online, please call (01) 582 5421 or email [email protected]

Check out our talks available ➡️ https://www.cybersafekids.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CSK-Staff-Talks-2024.png

21/06/2024

I know that finding the right social media content to share with your community can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like death and grief. That's why I want to highlight "Don't Tell The Children" by John Adams of Perry & Phillips Funeral Directors and Clare Shaw of Clare Shaw Children's Books. This amazing book is an invaluable resource that can help open up these important conversations with empathy and understanding.

Why This Book Matters: "Don't Tell The Children" is more than just a book; it's a powerful tool that will help people to talk openly about death and grief. For families navigating the complexities of loss, it offers guidance and support, helping to demystify a topic often left unspoken.

Recommend you feature "Don't Tell The Children" on your website and share it across your social media platforms. By doing so, you're not only providing a valuable resource, but also showing your commitment to supporting families through every stage of grief.

19/06/2024

"Want easy ways to you show your expertise, leverage being social and be the solution so you stand out online?"

This is something I covered in the talk I did with Ian Henderson of Flourishh.org at NFE "10+ Easy to Implement Actions to Stand Out Online." For those who couldn't make it, here are some simple, practical steps you can take on social media to show your expertise, engage socially and provide solutions.

🔍 "Show your expertise" as a Funeral professional, it is invaluable and here’s how to make it shine on social media:

- Educational Posts: Share tips on pre-planning, grief support or eco-friendly burial options. Short, informative posts or videos can position you as the "go to" expert.

- Client Testimonials: Post stories of families you've helped, highlighting your compassionate service. A heartfelt testimonial (feedback on the experience) can speak volumes about your dedication and expertise.

🤝 Be "Social Engaging" with your community on social media can strengthen relationships and build your brand:

- Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share photos or videos of your day-to-day activities, such as setting up for a service or participating in community events. It humanises your business and builds a personal connection.

- Local Involvement: Highlight your participation in local events or charities. Show that you’re not just a business, but a caring member of the community.

💡 "Be the solution", position yourself as the go-to problem solver in your field:

- Answer FAQs: Post answers to common questions families may have about funeral services. This demonstrates your knowledge and helps ease potential clients' concerns.

- Offer Helpful Resources: Share links to guides on planning a funeral or coping with loss. Providing useful resources shows that you’re proactive in helping your clients.

🚀 Take Action Today! Here’s how to easily incorporate these tips into your social media activity and stand out online:

- Post Regularly: Share testimonials/reviews, educational tips and behind-the-scenes content at least once a week.

- Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, answer questions and join conversations. Being responsive builds trust and shows you care.

- Share Your Involvement: Post about local events, community activities and charity work you’re involved in.

💬 If you have any questions or need more personalised advice, feel free to reach out.