Homesteaders Blog

KPIs to Track for Your Preneed Program

A robust preneed program offers many benefits for funeral homes, such as securing business for the future and increasing awareness and preference for the firm. But how well do you really know the results that your preneed program is driving ­— and what that means for improving your strategies for managing and growing your business?

Beyond the Business: Cultivating Fellowship and Learning in Funeral Service Peer Groups

At Homesteaders Life Company, we understand that funeral service goes beyond providing end-of-life arrangements. It’s about supporting families, fostering meaningful connections and navigating the complexities of grief with care and compassion. For funeral providers, these emotional and professional demands can sometimes lead to feelings of burnout and isolation. That’s why it's important to participate in funeral service peer groups—structured spaces that reconnect professionals with their purpose while fostering fellowship and ongoing learning.

We’ve gathered insights directly from funeral professionals in peer groups to help you understand the value of these communities and how to make the most of them.

The Secret Power of Introverted Funeral Professionals

Happy World Introvert Day! Since 2011 World Introvert Day (January 2) provides an opportunity for people to better understand and appreciate introverts, who make up about one-third to one-half of Americans, depending on which study you consult, according to our marketing team's most recent book club read, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain.

Top 5 Blog Posts for Funeral Professionals in 2024

At the end of each year, we like to pause and reflect on the opportunities we’ve had to connect with you, our readers, through the Homesteaders Blog. As you begin to look ahead and plan your goals for 2025, we encourage you to revisit our most popular posts from last year.

Our Top Calling Hours Podcast Episodes of 2024

As we reflect on our first year of the Calling Hours Podcast and think about the amazing conversations we’ve had with leaders in the funeral profession, we hope our guests have inspired you as much as they have us. From exploring emerging trends to sharing stories of resilience and innovation, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our most popular episodes.

Problems Your Funeral Home CRM System Can Help Solve

Do you find yourself relying on outdated processes and tracking your business on paper? What about trying to make critical business decisions without the data you need, or using disconnected systems that make it difficult to analyze your sales and marketing activities’ impact? If you answered, “yes,” to any of these questions, you may benefit from using a funeral home CRM system.

Helping Families Through Holiday Grief: Our Best Resources

Did you know there are at least a dozen religious and national holidays observed in December? Therefore, even if someone doesn’t celebrate a mainstream holiday like Christmas or Hanukkah, it’s likely they’re still celebrating something meaningful to them.

Funeral Words No Longer Used in Funeral Service

Language evolves over the years, and what may have been an acceptable or sensible term 100 years ago, may not be the most accurate or respectful term today. This holds true for the funeral profession and funeral service. Whether you’re a funeral professional or a person curious about funeral terms and funeral words, continue reading to learn about the origins of common words and phrases, which ones we continue to use today and how some have changed.

Ways for Funeral Homes to Collaborate with Local Businesses

For funeral professionals, developing connections in your community can take many forms – including collaborating with local businesses to build meaningful relationships and expand your reach. Whether it's through hosting preplanning seminars, offering facility tours or partnering with professionals with other areas of expertise, this important work creates a network of support and trust that extends beyond funeral services.

How Funeral Directors Can Support Families with Grieving Children

In your role as a funeral professional, you often see families during their most challenging times, and not just adults feel the weight of grief; children too feel deep loss. November marks Children's Grief Awareness Month, and also features Children's Grief Awareness Day on the third Thursday of November. This time is dedicated to bringing attention to the needs of grieving children and the benefits of the support they receive from the community, including from professionals like you.