Hollywood Cemetery hires marketing firm

It’s the only way I’ll make it in Hollywood.

February 5, 2014; 9:50 AM • by Richard Hayes

The RVANews story “Can I be buried in Hollywood Cemetery” was written in October of 2013 and makes it clear that Hollywood Cemetery is fully operational. At the time of the article there were around 3,000 in-ground burial spaces and they’ll set you back $3,000 – $6,000. Mausoleum upgrade will be in the $10,000 range.

Apparently not enough people read that article because Hollywood Cemetery is turning to local marketing agency to help get the word out that space is still available. More from Richmond BizSense.com.

Looking to promote its available space, the 167-year-old Hollywood Cemetery has hired a marketing agency to spread the word for its burial and cremation options, including cremation niches in “Presidents Circle.”

“So many people assume that, because the cemetery was established so long ago, that it must be full,” said David Gilliam, the cemetery’s general manager. “We want to get the word out that Hollywood is still a choice for people to consider.”

Addison Clark, a marketing agency on Monument Avenue, scored the account for the historic Oregon Hill burial ground on South Cherry Street.

This is its first cemetery client, but managing partner Jeff Allen said the firm would market it like it would other historic landmarks. It will revamp the cemetery’s website, improve its search engine marketing and give it a social media presence by playing up its historical significance.

“The challenge they have is a lot of folks think of them as a historic landmark, almost an outdoor museum, but they are open for business,” Allen said.

photo by: Mr. Johnson