Why Texting Is a Must-Have in Funeral Home Outreach
June 23, 2025
More families are reading texts than emails or mail — here’s how to meet them where they are.
Texting is one of the most effective and reliable ways to reach families today.
The numbers say it all: 91% of consumers want to receive texts from businesses, and 98% of texts are opened, most within minutes.
In a profession built on trust and timing, staying connected after the service matters. Whether it’s a quick check-in, a review request, or a reminder about a community event, families are far more likely to engage with a short, thoughtful text than a call or email. It’s communication that fits their lives — and gets results.
That’s where Tribute Text comes in.
This service, powered by our partner Elevia, allows funeral homes to send up to 18 personalized texts per year— all professionally written and managed by trained support staff. Campaigns can focus on aftercare, preplanning, review generation, or invitations, based on your goals. Every reply is monitored, and important messages are escalated to your team.
Firms using Tribute Text consistently see stronger family engagement, more Google reviews, and greater visibility in their communities. Elevia maintains a 4.8 out of 5 star satisfaction rating, thanks to its responsive and respectful communication model.
It’s also worth noting: 97% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. A well-timed text can be the moment that turns a satisfied family into a vocal advocate for your funeral home.
Texting doesn’t replace the personal care you provide — it supports it. It’s a simple, proven way to stay connected with families in a format they actually prefer.
Want to see how Tribute Text can work for your funeral home?
Honoring the professionals who are using technology to lead with care, clarity, and impact
Google’s latest update is changing how people find information. Here’s what it means for your business.
What’s working now, with innovations you can use today
Every funeral professional has been there — sitting across from a family as they work through grief, tension, or even estrangement, all while trying to write something as personal and permanent as an obituary. The pressure to get every detail “just right” falls on the family — and just as often, on you. Sometimes, obituaries are pulled together quickly. Other times, families stall out, unsure what to say or how to begin. That’s when the phone calls start — or they head straight to Google, hoping to find the right words. Tribute Obituary Writer makes a difficult process worlds easier. This simple tool, built right into your website, helps families write a meaningful obituary in just seconds — whether they’re at home or sitting with you in the arrangement room. What It Does Tribute Obituary Writer walks families through a few thoughtful prompts — details like when and where someone was born, what mattered to them, and how they’ll be remembered. Then, with a single click, the AI transforms those answers into a fully written obituary. Families can instantly preview versions in different tones: warm and heartfelt, formal and traditional, or celebratory. With each option, the writing shifts to match the style that best reflects their loved one’s personality. How It Works Tribute Obituary Writer is powered by the same AI technology used in tools like ChatGPT, built on what’s called a large language model. It doesn’t use templates or prewritten scripts. Instead, it’s been trained on billions of words and examples of real human writing. That training allows it to create original text that’s not just grammatically correct — it sounds natural, compassionate, and human. As for the different tone options? That’s thanks to prompt engineering, subtle behind-the-scenes cues that guide the AI to write in distinct voices, all tailored to help families feel seen and understood. Why It Matters For your team: Less time on drafts, edits, and phone calls. For your families: A stressful task becomes simple — and even healing. For your business: A modern, meaningful service available 24/7, right on your website. Tribute Obituary Writer helps you offer the right words — right when they’re needed.
On Wednesday, June 11, at 2 p.m. ET, Connecting Directors is hosting a webinar packed with practical ways to streamline your operations, support your staff, and grow your business. Fixing the Friction: Real Solutions to the Challenges You Face Every Day If you’re like most funeral professionals we talk to, you’re juggling too much — tight timelines, limited staff, and families who want more, faster. We’ve listened, and now we’re sharing the solutions that are actually helping firms ease the pressure and boost performance. In just one hour, you’ll hear what’s working for top-performing firms across the country. We’ll cover workflow improvements, smart automation, and the kinds of tech tools that make your day smoother — not more complicated. Here’s a look at what you’ll take away: How to free up time with more efficient daily processes Ways to increase obituary traffic and deepen family engagement Tech integrations that reduce staff stress and improve service Real-life examples of Tribute Managment Software and email automation in action Hear from Courtney Gould Miller, Tribute Technology’s President of Commercial Markets, and Jason Truesdell, VP of Technology for Tribute Technology. As a bonus, two lucky attendees will win Lead Logic free for six months — a powerful lead capture tool that helps turn website traffic into real business. Can’t make it live? No problem. Register anyway and we’ll send you the full recording. Stick around for the live Q&A to get your questions answered in real time.
Anthem Partners, a premier operator of funeral homes and cemeteries across North America, is proud to announce it has been named the recipient of the “Leader in All-in-One Technology” award by Tribute Technology. The award was presented at Tribute Technology’s Trend ReCON 2025, a two-day conference dedicated to helping funeral professionals thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. This prestigious award recognizes organizations that are setting a new benchmark for how technology can transform every aspect of funeral service—from operations and staff empowerment to family experience and community engagement. “We’re honored to receive this recognition from Tribute Technology, as it reflects our commitment to redefining how we support families,” said Chad Jackson, executive vice president of operations, Anthem Partners. “For us, technology is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for empowering our teams and reimagining the way funeral homes operate.” Tribute Technology is known for providing innovative solutions that make end-of-life celebrations more memorable, meaningful, and effortless. Their all-in-one platform empowers funeral professionals with seamless tools for personalization, operational efficiency, and online engagement—helping providers like Anthem Partners deliver both exceptional service and sustainable growth. “Anthem Partners is raising the bar for what’s possible in funeral service,” added Courtney Gould Miller, president of commercial markets at Tribute Technology. “By embracing innovative, integrated technology, they’re not only increasing operational efficiency—they’re delivering a more personalized, transparent, and connected experience for families. Anthem isn’t just keeping up with industry change—they’re leading it.” “Our focus has always been on making it easier and more meaningful for families to create services that truly honor their loved ones,” said Will Andrews, President, Anthem Partners – US. “This award is a testament to our team’s passion and expertise in delivering best-in-class digital solutions that result in improved operational efficiencies and increased family satisfaction.” About Anthem Partners : Anthem Partners is a privately-held operator of cemeteries and funeral homes. Founded by industry professionals and backed by long-term, patient investors, they are actively seeking opportunities to grow with like-minded professionals and firms who share their vision. The founding principles of Anthem are respecting the unique history of the family businesses and acknowledging the lives lived in the communities they serve. To learn more, visit www.anthempartners.com . About Tribute Technology: Tribute Technology is dedicated to empowering funeral professionals with best-in-class technology solutions. Serving over 9,000 end-of-life providers worldwide, Tribute Technology’s innovative software and services—including website platforms, marketing solutions, management software, online planning, memorial keepsakes, and payment processing—help funeral professionals save time and focus on supporting families. To learn more, visit www.tributetech.com .
Families want more than generic prayer cards or basic memorial folders. They want materials that feel thoughtful, intentional, and tailored to the life being honored.
Practical strategies. Expert speakers. A future-focused event built for funeral professionals.
How Often to Post, When to Post, and Why It Matters More Than Ever
And how smart funeral professionals are staying ahead
