Page A6 September 2024 By Welton Hong We all go through periods of time when we’re living in our own bubble, focused on only what’s in front of us. We forget to send our relative’s birthday card, fail to ask how our neighbor is feeling after a minor surgery or let two weeks pass before replying to a friend’s text message. Hey, we’re only human. And while that’s OK—sometimes even beneficial—in our personal lives, it’s not ideal when running a business. What I mean is, that type of insular thinking won’t help your funeral home thrive in a competitive landscape. To maintain a competitive edge, you need to be apprised of the bigger picture—in the know about industry trends, local news and what your competitors are up to. And one of the simplest and most effective tools to keep you in the loop is Google Alerts. This powerful, free service allows you to monitor the web for specific topics and get notifications whenever new content matching your criteria pops up online. Google Alerts can be a game-changer for funeral homes in several different ways. Let’s talk about industry trends first. By setting up Google Alerts for keywords like “funeral industry trends,” “funeral home innovations” or “cemetery management,” you’re setting yourself up to receive a steady stream of updates on the latest news and developments in the field. These insights are gold. They help you pivot and adapt your services to meet emerging demands and integrate new practices. Google Alerts can be your secret weapon to keeping an eye on your competitors, too. Set alerts for the names of local competitors, and you’ll be able to track their online activities—whether they’re rolling out new services, hosting events or grabbing media attention. This intel is invaluable for informing your own business decisions and fine-tuning your marketing tactics to stay competitive. Managing your online reputation is another area where Google Alerts shines. Create alerts for your funeral home’s name to stay informed about any mentions or reviews. This allows you to swiftly respond to feedback, address any concerns and engage with your community. Being proactive about your online reputation builds trust and credibility, crucial factors in attracting and retaining clients. Google Alerts can also help you spot media opportunities. By setting up alerts for terms like “funeral services” or “end-of-life planning,” you can identify chances to contribute to articles, blogs or news segments, positioning your funeral home as the go-to expert. Plus, staying updated on local news about community events, obituaries or other relevant topics can reveal opportunities where your services might be needed, helping you to offer timely support and build stronger community ties. Your Secret Weapon: How Google Alerts Can Benefit Funeral Homes Powerhouse Marketing with Welton While Google Alerts is a useful tool, don’t be afraid to explore other services to enhance your information-gathering efforts. Talkwalker Alerts offers comprehensive monitoring with more detailed filtering options. Mention provides real-time tracking of your selected keywords across various platforms, including social media, blogs and forums, with in-depth analytics and insights. Awario excels in social listening, keeping you tuned into conversations about your funeral home on social media. Don’t live in a bubble. Whichever route you choose, remember that in deathcare, being informed is your ticket to staying ahead and delivering top-notch service. Welton Hong is the founder of Ring Ring Marketing® and a leading expert in creating case generation from online to the phone line. He is the author of Making Your Phone Ring with Internet Marketing for Funeral Homes. For more information, visit www.FuneralHomeProfits.com. FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS www.NomisPublications.com Monthly Columnsonline at www.vischerfuneralsupplies.com DUPO, IL – Greg Leesman (L), Burce Leesman (R), of Leesman Funeral Home are shown with John Muster of Muster Coaches while taking delivery of their new 2024 Cadillac Heritage hearse built by Federal Coach. Established in 1896, Leesman Funeral Home has 4 locations serving the Dupo, Millstadt, Red Bud and Columbia communities. LEESMAN FUNERAL HOME Muster Coaches 1-800-274-3619 Calhoun, KY FILIGREE HEART SUN, MOON, STAR PUFF HEART 1-800-788-0708 The Original Keepsake Jewelry ORDERS@MADELYNCO.COM NFDA New Orleans Booth #1736 Service Corporation International Announces Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results HOUSTON,TX—Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI) reported results for the second quarter of 2024. Tom Ryan, the Company’s Chairman and CEO, commented on the second quarter performance: “Today we reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.79 and net cash provided by operating activities excluding special items of $220 million. Revenue grew $21 million due in part to the performance of the cemetery segment, resulting in slight growth in margins over the prior year quarter. During the latter part of the quarter, we experienced a higher than anticipated decline in funeral services performed, which in light of our high fixed cost structure, impacted our quarterly performance. On a positive note, we generated strong cash flow from operations that met expectations, which allowed us to reinvest and grow our business, as well as return capital to shareholders, through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter.” Quarterly Dividend Declared SCI also announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of thirty cents per share of common stock. The quarterly cash dividend is payable on September 30, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 13, 2024. Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI), headquartered in Houston, is North America’s leading provider of funeral, cemetery and cremation services, as well as final-arrangement planning in advance, serving more than 600,000 families each year. At June 30, 2024, SCI owned and operated 1,490 funeral service locations and 492 cemeteries (of which 306 are combination locations) in 44 states, eight Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information please visit www.scicorp.com. Return Home Partners with People’s Memorial Association SEATTLE,WA— Return Home, a leading terramation service provider, is proud to announce its expanded partnership with People’s Memorial Association in a joint effort to support access to affordable end-of-life care through the Funeral Financial Assistance Fund. This collaboration aims to alleviate the financial burden on families during their time of loss. As part of this partnership, Return Home will be donating four terramation services per year completely free of charge. In addition, four more services will be offered at half the market price, ensuring more families have access to dignified and eco-friendly end-of-life care. If someone is in need of financial assistance for a loved one who has passed away and are interested in terramation services, please contact the Co-op Funeral Home of People’s Memorial in Seattle, WA who will oversee the arrangements for the donated services. Applications are submitted to and reviewed by People’s Memorial Association. Terramation (aka natural organic reduction) is a process that mimics the natural decomposition of organic matter, which allows the body to return to the earth in a dignified and respectful manner. The journey begins with placing the deceased in a carefully designed vessel, alongside a blend of organic materials like alfalfa, straw, and sawdust. This vessel helps meet the need for a controlled environment that ensures optimal conditions for decomposition. Over time, naturally occurring microbes in the body work their magic, breaking down the organic matter in our bodies into nutrient-rich soil, referred to as “compost.” Terramation legalized in Washington state in 2019, and Return Home was one of the first companies offering the service in 2020. “Return Home is honored to be a part of PMA’s community support services, and passionately believes that compassionate, green death care be made available to everyone, regardless of income,” said Micah Truman, chief executive officer at Return Home. “Every family deserves the ability to gently return their loved one to the earth, and we are honored to be of service.” This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to making end-of-life care accessible and affordable for all. The Funeral Financial Assistance Fund, administered by People’s Memorial Association, provides financial aid to families who are unable to afford funeral services. The Funeral Financial Assistance Fund is limited to care within Washington State, and the arrangements must be handled by one of PMA’s partnering funeral homes. In addition to this new terramation offering, this fund supports families seeking cremation, aquamation, and burial services. Return Home is a pioneering terramation service provider dedicated to offering sustainable and compassionate endof-life care. By utilizing the natural process of terramation, Return Home transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil, promoting ecological restoration and leaving a positive legacy for future generations. Visit returnhome.com for more information. People’s Memorial Association is a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring everyone has access to affordable and meaningful end-of-life care. Through education, and consumer advocacy, People’s Memorial Association helps individuals and families navigate the complexities of end-of-life planning and funeral arrangements. Visit peoplesmemorial. org for more information. SEND US YOUR NEWS! PO Box 5159, Youngstown, Oh 44514 1-800-321-7479 info@nomispublications.com
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