Recently, I was in the market for a new TV so I could watch my Dallas Cowboys in HD.

So, I began by researching my options online.

I found the perfect deal on an 85" Samsung QLED TV and was ready to buy, so I added it to my cart.

Then, I was asked if I wanted to throw in new speakers.

"Maybe it will feel like I'm on the field..." I thought. So, I added them.

Card in hand, I filled out my billing and payment information. They'd even deliver the TV to me? Score! (Pun intended...)

I never expected to read the words on the next page.

"Item available for store pick-up only."

I wanted to do everything online. And I was frustrated when I couldn't.

The truth is, this is the online preplanning experience for families today.

Why you shouldn't neglect your preneed program

Your preneed program should be a revenue generating source for your funeral home. Maybe you have a preneed salesperson to assist with walk-ins and to help set preplanning appointments in person.

But do you have a way for families to start the preplanning process online?

And I don’t mean a basic questionnaire or survey.

Do you have a digital storefront where families can start making prearrangements online, select merchandise, and plan service details from the comfort of home?

It may sound like a wild concept in theory, but it works, especially to reach the funeral consumer that wants to plan online.

Download this eBook to learn more about funeral consumers.

In a study we did on funeral consumers, 45% of participants said they’d likely preplan and prepay for a funeral. 31% were undecided, and 24% weren’t interested. Since nearly 50% of people (on average) would preplan for a funeral, you need many ways to connect with them, whether that’s in person, online, or both.

A blended preplanning experience

Every family is different, so the more options a person has to start preplanning, the better.

Simply put, relying on walk-ins or call-ins shouldn’t be the main source of your preneed leads. To truly see your preneed block of business take off successfully, you need:

• An online preplanning tool to serve those families who want to start the preplanning process online and maybe even pay for their plans, too
• A preneed salesperson whose sole purpose is to bring in leads and contracts and to represent your funeral home
• A marketing strategy that gets the word out about how families can preplan with your funeral home

When you have all three working together as a blended preplanning experience, you should start seeing preneed success. And happier, well-served families.

See our online preplanning tool in action.

Fill out the form to get started today!