I came across quite a terrific news article online just today entitled "Blairsville Cemetery planning memorial walk addition." As you can see, the article goes into some length about Blairsville Cemetery's history as well as the new memorial walk which will be lined with brick pavers patrons can purchase and have etched in honor of or in memory of a loved one.

Clearly, this is an extensive article that's full of wonderful information about the cemetery and really positions the cemetery in a positive light as well as a meaningful contributor to the local community.

I was happy to see the cemetery's web site address published at the end of the article, informing users to "learn more" about the cemetery at www.blairsvillecemetery.com.

My happiness, however, was rather short lived once I found myself on the Blairsville Cemetery site. It's just so sad to see absolutely zero mention or reference to this super wonderful memorial walk they are adding to their cemetery grounds.

I searched this cemetery web site high and low (not that there was tons to search, mind you) and confirmed that not only what this new memorial walk not being shared at all online but even worse ...

... their "News and Events" section was more outdated than my passport. Events listed were for 2007 and 2008 ... and we are in mid-2009.

Although it kills me ...

Look, I take *no* pleasure -- trust me -- in throwing this cemetery's web site under the digital marketing and PR bus. Really. I would much rather report a totally different story or scenario where Blairsville Cemetery was totally on the web 2.0 ball and had an interactive calendar of events posted on their site in addition to more information about their new memorial walk (amongst other things).

So what's the (real) prob?

The problem with this specific death care site -- as well as an infinite number of other funeral service-related sites -- is not the web site itself. The web site is simply a symptom of a much bigger problem ... which is ... the mindset of many death care operators in so far as their view of the Internet's potential and value not only to their business but to the industry as a whole.

I realize this is a non-profit cemetery challenged with funds and with fundraising...

I used to be Executive Director of a non-profit organization way back when so if anyone knows how challenging fundraising can be, hey ... that would be me. The secret ingredient to raising funds of any kind, however, is raising awareness of your cause. And once can't do that if he or she doesn't expend the effort to share their story with the community at large. Therefore, while monies can be a challenge, updating this cemetery's web site with 2-3 paragraphs and a link to the article online is not a huge monetery expenditure. All it would cost is about 5-10 minutes of someone's time to post and publish the information.

More thoughts ... coming soon

In upcoming e-newsletter editions, I will address some of the things cemeteries, crematories and funeral homes can do to improve their web sites to better maximize their internet presence and digital marketing and PR efforts.

Have you subscribed yet?

And P.S - If Blairsville Cemetery or any other cemetery or funeral home really needs help with their web site, marketing, PR and outreach, you know how to find me.