NFE 2022 did not disappoint Eimer Duffy

Eimer Duffy is a Social Media Consultant and Trainer at FIT Social Media. Through bespoke solutions, Eimer helps Funeral Professionals gain a better online presence, build communities and trust online with zero stress and hassle in a short space of time. She also co-hosts the only social media for business radio show in Ireland called “The Let’s Get Social Show” every Friday at 2pm on Dublin South FM and the show is on podcast too. Check out www. fitsocialmedia.ie to learn more.

NFE2022 did not disappoint!

In the last edition of The Funeral Times I was getting ready to attend The National Association of Funeral Directors upcoming exhibition and conference: NFE2022 which ran over three days from Friday 10 June to Sunday 12 June 2022 in the “NAEC” National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh Park. I was really looking forward to exhibiting and speaking at it and #NFE2022 did not disappoint!

From the moment I arrived until I flew home, the whole experience was amazing. Everyone I met were so friendly and enthusiastic to be there. The atmosphere was a buzz, I was in Hall 1 on Stand 36, and when the doors opened it was all go! I had lots of interesting conversations with people at my exhibition stand wanting to know more about how they can make the most of their online presence with questions covering things such as; Google, websites and social media, digital marketing etc…

Great Conversations

When it came to talking about Google I was asked about ways to get found faster and rank higher on Google. I was told by quite a few visitors that they were starting to see that more and more people are now doing their research online regarding funerals, especially pre-planning. I informed them that apart from a website, that signing up and using the amazing free business platform that Google wants all businesses to use called “Google Business Profile” and having active social channels (social media ranks on Google) would be the things to focus on to help with getting found faster and ranking higher on Google.

It was great to hear that websites were being updated and that quite a few of the Funeral professionals I met were saying they were starting to write blogs to answer questions they had been asked about things such as preplanning funerals. If you haven’t thought about writing a blog I would, as no doubt you have frequently asked questions and they would be great additions to your website; which would

Eimer Duffy on her stand at the NFE

Funeral professionals eagerly await to hear the presentation

keep people longer on your website and encourage them to look at other pages.

Many did not know about Google Business Profiles and were interested in finding out more. It’s a great platform and can be easily updated on desktop and via your mobile phone using Google Maps. It helps your audience to gain more insight into your Funeral business services, updates, photos/videos etc… and where families who you have served and cared for leave their feedback as a Google Review. You even get data to review and update reports from Google on who has viewed your photos etc….

And lots of questions about social media too! With interest in what channels to be on and how to make the most of them. Many were saying they are on Facebook and starting to look at other channels such as Instagram and LinkedIn. At the end of the day, people are using social media to do their research and look at what is being posted and engage with. So it is important to be social and on the right channels. It is not just families who will search on social media, but also potential employees. This was one of the areas I was highlighting in my presentation “How Social Media Can Help Grow Your Funeral Business” which I did in The Lecture Hall.

Presentation

I was honoured to be asked to talk about how social media and digital marketing can make a difference and help with being online as a Funeral business. I was delighted to talk about social media, the benefits, having goals such as pre-needs, building relationships, content and more.

I got the opportunity to share some inputs from two experts in Funeral service.

Today let' s talk about....

Why Social Media Benefits Platforms Goals for Growth

Attract Engage Build Relationships

How to Stand Out Tips to Grow

And... Get Seen Right Now!

#NFE2022

Morty Stein recorded a video for the presentation on why being on social media is so important (he uses TikTok as one of his platforms @funeralhomeconfessions and has a following of nearly 200k - do check him out) he answers questions and is very engaging. It was great to share with the audience. The other contribution was from David Speaks and he is known as “The Funeral Guy” @ thefuneralguyspeaks on various social channels, and he leads the way when it comes to pairing Funeral professionals’ and funeral homes, and using the power of social media to attract. David provided an amazing quote regarding social media and your future “Superstar” employee.

Afterwards I got some lovely feedback and I received one comment in particular from a member of the audience that the angle of attracting employees using social media was something they hadn’t thought of doing before and would be looking into doing. I was glad that what I shared was helpful and interesting. And again I would like to say, do check out David Speaks as he has some great resources on his website: www. funeralguyspeaks.com.

All in all…

It was my first time to exhibit at the National Funeral Exhibition and it was great to meet and connect with so many lovely people and discuss being online. I wish to thank Jane Lawerence, the NAFD Events Operations Manager, for inviting me to be a speaker at NFE2022, it was an experience which I will always remember. The NAFD were so welcoming at the event, and I am delighted to share that I have been accepted as an International Supplier for the NAFD and I look forward to connecting with Members and other Suppliers. Again NFE2022 was great, roll on NFE2024! And #NFE2024 is the event hashtag! Eimer

If you have any more questions, send them into Eimer and she will answer them for you, and we will publish them in our next edition. All questions submitted and published can be anonymous if you wish. You can contact Eimer by email at: eimer@fitsocialmedia.ie.

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