During our recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, Andrea Hill-Godwin emphasized the critical importance of customizing email templates in the funeral service industry. Personalizing communication with families is not just a courtesy; it’s essential for providing compassionate and appropriate service. Here’s a closer look at why customization is crucial, highlighted through examples of generic and customized email communications.
Example of a Generic Email Template:
“Hi [Recipient’s First Name],
Thank you for considering [Funeral Home Name]. Please click below to view our packages, merchandise, and price list. If you have any questions, feel free to call us.
Best regards,
[Your Funeral Home’s Contact Information]”
This template, while functional, lacks personal touch and specificity. It may serve basic informational needs but does not acknowledge the unique circumstances or emotional state of the family.
Example of a Customized Email Template:
“Subject: Access Over 20 Years of Trusted Funeral Services at [Funeral Home Name]
Hi [Recipient’s First Name],
Thank you for considering [Funeral Home Name], where we have been committed to providing compassionate funeral services for over 20 years. Below is a link to our online store, where you can view detailed information on our packages, merchandise, and pricing options to assist you with your planning.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at [Funeral Home Phone]. Our experienced team is ready to support you, whether you prefer to make arrangements online, over the phone, or in person.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Funeral Home Name]
[Funeral Home Email]
[Funeral Home Phone]”
This customized template reflects the brand’s ethos and reassures the recipient through its warmth and detailed information, acknowledging the longstanding trust the business has built with its community.
Why Customization Matters:
Personal Touch: Customizing email templates enables funeral homes to communicate in a way that resonates on a personal level, acknowledging the recipient’s current emotional needs and the nature of their inquiry.
Consistency in Messaging: A consistent message that aligns with your services and procedures helps avoid confusion and ensures families receive the correct information, which is crucial during such sensitive times.
Control Over Communications: Through customization, you gain control over every aspect of your communication, tailoring each email to suit different needs and preferences, from initial contact to follow-up communications.
Brand Representation: Each email is a representation of your brand; customized communications reinforce your commitment to quality and compassionate service, acting as both direct communication and a marketing tool.
Reducing Customer Confusion: Tailored communications reduce misunderstandings and the need for follow-up calls, freeing up your staff to focus more on providing direct support to families.
Leveraging Modern Tools: Modern tools and resources, such as AI, can assist those who feel less confident in their writing skills, helping to craft messages that are engaging and empathetic.
For more insights and detailed guidance on customizing your funeral home’s email templates, we invite you to visit our AMA session. Customizing your communication not only enhances your service quality but also significantly contributes to the support and comfort provided to families during challenging times.