How to announce a death on social media

When someone dies, one of the first things we need to do is let their friends and family know. In an era where so many of us stay connected online, sharing on social media can be a helpful way to share the news.

Traditionally, a death announcement or death notice would be placed within a local or national newspaper. However, more recently, people are turning to social media as a way to share their news and post details of the upcoming funeral.

Should I announce a death on social media?

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have all become more common places to announce details about our lives. Whether that is an engagement, pregnancy announcement or getting a new pet. As much as it may feel a little strange, sharing news of a death online can be a helpful way to announce the news.

What should I say in the online death notice?

The most important thing to remember when posting about a death notice online, is that you need to be sensitive to those reading the announcement. It's advisable to call close family and friends first to inform them personally. You should always allow the family or next of kin to make the announcement first.

You should consider if posting the news will offend anyone. Also whether the person that has died would have wanted the new to be shared online.

No matter whether you are posting a funeral notice in the newspaper or online, you should always include the same information. This will usually include the full name of the deceased (including a maiden name), the date of birth and date of death of the deceased person, where the person died and any details of their funeral. It is also common to include details of where donations in memory of the person who has died are to be allocated.

Can we create an online space to memorialise the person that has died?

Tom Owen and Son offer our clients a free online tribute page on our website for the funeral of the person that has died. This space allows you to share details of the funeral service, photos and memories of the person that has died or post tributes to them. It can also be shared on social media to allow more people to be notified of the date of the funeral.

If you would like to set up an online tribute with us, speak to your Funeral Director. You can also see previous online tributes and the latest death notices in Llandudno, Conwy and Colwyn Bay here.

Useful tips for posting a death notice online

1. In addition to including details of the funeral, you may choose to include photos and personal memories of the person that has died. Others can be encouraged to share the same.
2. Perhaps include a 'sad news' warning at the top of any social media post to allow people to read it at the appropriate time.
3. Be sensitive with timings of the death notice. It can take time for people to acknowledge the news of a death.
4. If you don't wish to share the news with all of your online friends, you can adjust the privacy settings on your post.