Written by Natalie Chapman, Passare Content

Almost everyone has heard of Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z.

But many people forget about the group that makes up 19.1% of the U.S. population - Generation X. In fact, they’re called “The Forgotten Generation.”

Born between 1965 and 1980, Gen Xers entered the world as the technological revolution started picking up steam.

During Gen X’s childhood, these technologies were released for the first time. 

• The first mobile phone from Motorola (1973)

• The first video game from Atari (1977)

And as technology progressed, Gen Xers adapted.

So, how does this relate to the funeral profession?

When it comes to interacting with businesses, Generation X values a personal approach. However, they also value businesses that embrace technology.

As the oldest of Gen Xers turn 58 this year, many are moving into the primary planner role. That means your funeral home needs to connect with them now.

In this article, we explore 3 different technologies to help you form relationships with Gen X and serve them in the best way possible. 

#1: High-quality website

When it comes to choosing a funeral home, Generation X wants to research different ones before making a decision. 

With 90% of Gen X using the internet, they are likely to browse the websites of multiple funeral homes in their area before choosing one.

So, simply having a website isn’t enough. It needs to be engaging.

An engaging website can help you:

• Showcase your excellent reputation.

• Provide information about your services.

• Share your culture, mission, and values.

And ultimately, it should help your funeral home better connect with online visitors. 

Read more about six funeral home website essentials here. ➡️ 6 Must-Haves for Every Funeral Home Website - FDLIC (funeraldirectorslife.com)

#2: Online at-need planning tool 

Gen X, known for their independence, also appreciate help when needed. 

A 2022 consumer study by McKee Wallwork + Co found that of different groups of Gen Xers, about 1 in 3 (31%) said they were comfortable planning a funeral online. That number increases with every generation after.

While Gen Xers might not want to fully plan a funeral online, they’ll appreciate the option to do some or a majority of the planning from home.

One way to cater to their needs (and the preferences of younger generations) is by offering an online at-need tool like Passare's Planning Center.

With a tool like Planning Center, you can provide Gen X with:

• An easy way to plan, both online and in-person

• A hassle-free means of communicating and collaborating with your funeral home

• The flexibility and convenience to plan service details whenever

And ultimately, you'll make it easier for Gen Xers to do business with your funeral home.

Want to learn more about how an online at-need tool can benefit you and your families? Read this article ➡️ 3 Ways You (and families) Benefit from Online Funeral Planning Software

#3: A digital way to gather signatures

The same study conducted by McKee Wallwork + Co in 2022 found that 82% of consumers describe themselves as web-savvy, and 92% have purchased merchandise, such as groceries or clothing, online.

These stats show that consumers (including Gen X) are more and more comfortable interacting with businesses online. That means, you need to provide digital solutions for families.

One way you can do this is with eSignatures!

Instead of asking families to print, sign, and scan paperwork back to the funeral home, you can provide them with an easy way to sign forms digitally. With Passare eSignatures, families can:

• Complete paperwork from anywhere (even on the couch at home!)

• Take their time signing each form, reducing the risk of errors or missing fields

• No longer worry about lost paperwork in the mail or making an extra trip to the funeral home. They can send forms to you right from Passare!

Every interaction a family has with your funeral home reflects on your service. And an eSignature tool is one digital way you can enhance your service to those in Generation X.

Read about best practices when using eSignatures and learn about the best eSignature options for funeral homes in our free guide → eSignature Guide (passare.com)

Connect with Generation X using technology

Currently, around 66 million adults make up Generation X. In the next decade, many Gen Xers will take on the role of primary planner when it comes to organizing funerals. 

As they navigate this, they'll need reliable help. And by connecting with them now, your funeral home can be their guide. 

With these three technologies you can better connect with Generation X and cater your services to meet their needs.

Want other tech suggestions? Read this article with six essential technologies for funeral homes or get a demo of Passare by filling out the form below.