Blog

March 28, 2025

Ask the Analyst: Tariffs and the Funeral Profession: What to Watch For

The global nature of today’s economy means that tariffs, or taxes imposed on imported goods, can have far-reaching implications—including within the funeral profession. While many funeral homes may not feel the immediate impact of tariffs, it is essential to remain vigilant and prepared for potential ripple effects on business operations and the merchandise clients depend on. Staying informed and proactive can help professionals navigate these challenges while maintaining the quality-of-service families expect. How Tariffs Impact Merchandise One of the most direct effects of tariffs lies in the cost of funeral merchandise. Many caskets sold in the U.S., for example, are manufactured in countries such as China, Mexico, and Canada. If tariffs are imposed on these imports, the increased costs could trickle down to funeral homes and their clients. For instance, a 25% tariff on a $1,000 imported casket adds $250 […]
March 28, 2025

Personal Branding for Funeral Directors

Written by Welton Hong, Ring Ring Marketing Nike, Apple and Coca-Cola are just a few companies with a brand so recognizable that a large majority can draw their logo from memory, recite their slogan or (at the very least) name a few products they sell. While not on such a grand scale, of course, my guess is you’ve put some effort into giving your funeral home a brand, too. You’ve got a logo, website, mission statement and maybe even a color palette. But how much effort have you put into your own brand? Before you write it off, personal branding isn’t about self-promotion—and it isn’t just for celebrities or social media influencers. As a funeral director, you’re the face of your funeral home. And for you, a personal brand is about developing trust, credibility and a genuine connection with the […]
March 28, 2025

The Pros and Cons of AI in Funeral Service

Embracing innovation while honoring tradition. The funeral service and cemetery professions have always stood at the intersection of tradition and adaptation. From the beginning, their focus has been on providing comfort, care and dignity to families during highly challenging times. Despite this heritage, however, funeral service is similar to other professions and therefore not immune to the rapid advancement of technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) has found applications across various sectors already, and it is now making its way into funeral home and cemetery operations. When I was first approached about the AI concept for funeral service four or five years ago, I confess I didn’t see the fit. I was wrong, however, and now see that AI is transforming the profession. In order to come to that realization, however, I had to understand how such a deeply human-centered vocation – […]
February 27, 2025

Building Your Personal Brand: The Key to Professional and Personal Success

Whether you realize it or not, you already have a personal brand. Everyone does. But let’s clear up a common misconception: personal branding is not about self-promotion, bragging, or flexing. Instead, your brand is your reputation—it’s how you are perceived by your friends, family, colleagues, and, most importantly, the people you serve. Every interaction—whether in person, digital, or over the phone—contributes to your personal brand. So, let’s dive into what personal branding truly is and why it matters. Your Brand Is More Than Just Aesthetic Your personal brand is not a product, a logo, or a cool photo. While these elements can enhance your brand, they are simply accessories—visual cues that help people remember you. For example, my personal style includes red nails, wearing black, floral prints, and sometimes a combination of both! But beyond these elements, my brand is […]
February 27, 2025

What AI Really Looks Like in Funeral Service

Written by Welton Hong, Ring Ring Marketing Artificial intelligence (AI) is likely already part of your daily life—whether through curated playlists on Spotify or Pandora, those Netflix recommendations that are seemingly spot on or the smart assistant you ask to turn on the kitchen light when you get home from work. So while AI might still sound futuristic—something out of a sci-fi novel rather than a tool for everyday business—the truth is, AI has been around for a while and is presently shaping many industries. Deathcare is headed that direction, too. But in funeral service, its role must be handled with care. AI can certainly assist, but definitely not replace human empathy. So, my advice if you decide to integrate it in any way is to ensure it operates under human oversight, maintains data privacy and is transparently communicated to […]
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