We know that at the time when the tribute is created, families are often very recently bereaved. Many tribute owners are already dealing with a lot of information and making decisions around funeral arrangements, and grief can make even basic tasks feel overwhelming. That’s why we make using their tribute page as simple as possible, so it quickly becomes a special place to remember their loved one as well as easing the burden of repeating funeral details to everyone who calls.
Sharing the tribute details and basic instructions in an email means it’s easy to revisit later when the person feels ready for it. Also, emails are easy to forward to someone else who can help so tribute owners don’t have to explain things multiple times.
Our simple stewardship journey includes four emails over a 30-day period, meaning that information is provided in a way that is not overwhelming, but succinct and timely. MuchLoved’s funeral director partners introduce the idea of a tribute page to their families, then create the tribute page for them. While talking or sharing a leaflet might help, all this comes at a time when there is a lot of information to take in. We’ve found that a follow-up email with some essentials about the tribute is welcomed by those families.
Our stewardship emails help to familiarise them with the page and how it works as a place to remember, covering the basics of how to add content, share the tribute and view their in-memory fundraising. We also explain that the tribute is theirs to keep, free of charge, for as long as they wish.
Families who created their tributes via our website, muchloved.com, receive a similar set of stewardship emails and support from our team.
Since introducing our stewardship journey as a proof of concept, we’ve found that activity on those tributes has increased considerably:
The emails also establish a direct point of contact with MuchLoved and our friendly Support team can help with any questions they might have. Families can contact us by phone or email, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
By introducing the tribute guardian to the tribute page and how it works, we enable access to long term bereavement support, and show them how they can feel connected to their loved one whenever they want. Being able to light a candle on special days, or reading thoughts added by others provides comfort on special days.
If you’d like to learn more about stewardship, we have some wonderful case studies from MuchLoved partners who successfully nurture their relationships with donors and tribute owners through creative stewardship journeys.
At MuchLoved, we’re committed to supporting our partners, helping them to make the most of their in-memory offerings. If you have questions about the MuchLoved service, please contact our Support team. Email support@muchloved.com or call our team on 01494 722818.
