Online obituaries vs. traditional formats: benefits, reach and costs

Comparison table: paper vs. online obituaries

To help you quickly visualise the differences between these two formats, here is a summary table comparing paper vs. digital obituaries according to six essential criteria:

This table highlights significant differences in terms of obituary reach and publication cost. Let's now analyse each format in detail to better understand their respective benefits and limitations.

Traditional newspaper obituaries

Obituaries published in newspapers represent the historical and traditional form of funeral announcement in Switzerland. For over a century, families have turned to regional daily newspapers to officially inform their community of a loved one's death. This practice remains deeply rooted in our culture, particularly amongst older generations who regularly consult the obituary pages of their local newspaper.

In French-speaking Switzerland, publications such as 24 Heures, Le Temps, La Tribune de Genève or Le Nouvelliste continue to offer spaces dedicated to funeral announcements. In German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, other titles fulfil this same function. Despite the emergence of digital, the paper format retains an important place in the Swiss funeral landscape.

Understanding the benefits and constraints of this traditional format will help you assess whether it suits your specific needs.

Benefits of paper publications

The paper format has several strengths that explain its persistence in Swiss funeral practices:

• Tradition and perceived legitimacy: For many people, particularly older generations, a notice published in a recognised newspaper confers particular solemnity and officiality to the announcement. This symbolic dimension should not be underestimated.

• Strong territorial anchoring: Local and regional newspapers directly reach the deceased's immediate community. For a person deeply rooted in their village or region, this local reach can be particularly relevant.

• Established reading ritual: Some loyal readers systematically consult the obituary pages of their daily newspaper. This ritual guarantees that the information will reach these people who are not actively searching for the announcement online.

• Institutional credibility: Major Swiss newspapers enjoy an established reputation. A publication in these media may be perceived as more "serious" by certain segments of the population.

• Tangible medium: Paper offers a physical dimension that some families appreciate. The notice can be cut out, kept and passed on as a tangible keepsake.

These benefits explain why the paper format continues to be chosen by many Swiss families, particularly when the deceased was well anchored in a specific local community.

Limitations and constraints of the paper format

Despite its traditional benefits, the paper format also has significant constraints that are important to consider:

• High costs: This is probably the most important limitation. Publishing an obituary in a Swiss newspaper generally costs between 800 and 2000 CHF depending on the newspaper chosen, the size of the announcement and the canton. These rates can quickly accumulate if you wish to publish in several newspapers to reach different regions.

• Limited geographic reach: A notice published in a German-Swiss newspaper will not be read by loved ones living in Geneva or Lausanne, let alone abroad. In a context of increasing mobility, this limitation becomes increasingly problematic.

• Ephemeral visibility: The notice is only visible for 1 to 2 days, after which the newspaper is thrown away or recycled. People who are absent or travelling can easily miss the information.

• Publication deadlines: Newspapers generally impose deadlines of 2 to 3 working days between submission of the notice and its publication. In the event of a death at the weekend, this deadline can be considerably extended.

• No interactivity: Paper does not allow loved ones to express their condolences, share memories or photos. Communication remains one-directional.

• Limited space: Layout constraints and costs per word often limit the length and content of the notice, forcing families to condense their message.

• Access difficulties for distant loved ones: A person living abroad will have to make considerable efforts to obtain the Swiss newspaper containing the notice.

These constraints explain why more and more families are turning to alternative or complementary solutions. To explore all publication options available in Switzerland, consult our detailed guide on where to publish a death notice in Switzerland.

Online obituaries: digital necrology

Faced with the limitations of the paper format, online obituaries have gradually established themselves as a modern and effective alternative. This evolution reflects the profound changes in our society: increased geographic mobility, widespread connectivity, and the need to maintain connections despite distance.

Digital necrology is not limited to transposing a paper notice onto the Internet. It represents a genuine transformation of the way we share information, express our grief and honour the memory of our loved ones. Online platforms such as Wolky enable the creation of complete, interactive and lasting memorial spaces.

In Switzerland, where over 90% of the population is connected to the Internet and uses digital devices daily, this approach responds to contemporary realities. Far from being less respectful or less dignified than paper, it simply offers different possibilities, often better suited to families' current needs.

Let's examine in detail the benefits and few limitations of this rapidly expanding format.

Benefits of digital publications

The benefits of digital funeral notices are numerous and directly address the limitations of the paper format:

• Unlimited geographic reach: A notice published online is instantly accessible anywhere in the world. Whether your loved ones live in Lausanne, Paris, New York or Sydney, they can consult the announcement at the same time. This global reach is particularly valuable in our mobile society.

• Instant publication: Unlike the 2-3 day deadlines of newspapers, an online notice can be published within minutes. This speed enables rapid notification of the circle and efficient organisation of the funeral.

• Permanent visibility: The notice remains accessible indefinitely, creating a genuine lasting memorial space. Future generations will be able to discover their ancestor's story years, even decades later.

• Enhanced interactivity: Digital platforms allow loved ones to post condolences, share photos and videos, recount memories and anecdotes. This interactive dimension transforms the notice into a genuine collective memorial site.

• Affordable cost: With a rate of 180 CHF all inclusive at Wolky, compared to 800 to 2000 CHF for a newspaper, the digital format offers exceptional value for money. This financial accessibility enables all families to create a dignified tribute.

• 24/7 accessibility: The notice can be consulted at any time, from any device (smartphone, tablet, computer), without time or location constraints.

• Ease of sharing: A simple link enables the information to be distributed via email, SMS, WhatsApp, social networks. This positive virality guarantees that the information will quickly reach a wide circle.

• Possibility of updates: You can easily add or modify information (ceremony details, thanks, new photos) at no additional cost.

• Unlimited space: Unlike paper which charges per word, online platforms generally offer unlimited space to fully express your tribute.

• Positive ecological impact: The digital format avoids the production and transport of paper, forming part of a more environmentally respectful approach.

These benefits explain the growing digital impact in the funeral sector. Digital does not replace emotion or respect: it simply offers better tools to express and share them.

Potential limitations of digital

In the interests of objectivity, it is important to acknowledge some potential limitations of the digital format, even if these tend to diminish over time:

• Digital divide: Some people, particularly elderly, may be less comfortable with the Internet and digital tools. However, this reality is rapidly evolving: in Switzerland, even seniors are increasingly connected and use smartphones and tablets.

• Sometimes perceived as less "official": For some people attached to tradition, an online notice may seem less solemn than a publication in a major newspaper. This perception is evolving, as digital becomes established in all aspects of our lives.

• Requires minimal equipment: To consult an online notice, one must have a connected device (smartphone, computer, tablet). However, with an equipment rate exceeding 90% in Switzerland, this limitation concerns a decreasing minority of the population.

It is important to emphasise that these limitations are becoming less and less relevant. The majority of the Swiss population, of all ages, now uses the Internet daily. Moreover, nothing prevents adopting a complementary approach combining paper and digital to reach all audiences.

The digital format is not "less respectful": it is simply a different way, often more complete and accessible, of honouring the memory of our loved ones.

Comparative analysis: reach and impact

Let's now compare in depth the real obituary reach of the two formats to understand their respective impact.

Reach of the paper format

A notice published in a Swiss newspaper mainly reaches:

• Subscribers to the newspaper concerned in the distribution region

• Occasional purchasers at kiosks

• Loyal readers of the obituary pages

This audience is by nature local or regional. A notice in 24 Heures will mainly reach the canton of Vaud, but very little Geneva, Valais or German-speaking Switzerland. The visibility duration is limited to 1-2 days, after which the information disappears from circulation.

For a person whose circle is concentrated in a specific region and who lived there all their life, this reach may be sufficient. But this reality is becoming increasingly rare in our mobile society.

Reach of the digital format

An online obituary offers a radically different reach:

• Geographic: Instantly accessible anywhere in the world, 24/7

• Temporal: Visible indefinitely, consultable years later

• Viral: Easily shareable via links, emails, social networks

• Indexed: Indexed by Google, the announcement can be found via a simple search of the deceased's name

This extended reach responds to contemporary realities: families dispersed between several cantons or countries, childhood friends who have moved away, work colleagues in other cities, online communities.

Swiss contextual data

Some figures illuminate this comparison:

• Over 90% of the Swiss population regularly uses the Internet

• 85% of Swiss people own a smartphone

• Social networks and messaging applications are used daily by the majority

• Readership of paper newspapers is in constant decline, particularly amongst those under 50

These data suggest that an online notice statistically has a greater chance of reaching a wide circle of loved ones than a paper publication limited geographically and temporally.

The digital impact is also measured in terms of engagement: online condolences, sharing of memories and photos create a community dynamic impossible with paper. This participatory aspect considerably enriches the tribute paid to the deceased.

Comparative analysis: costs and value for money

Beyond reach, the question of publication cost is obviously central for many families. Organising a funeral already represents a significant financial burden, and it is legitimate to seek the best value for money for each aspect.

Costs of paper publications

Publishing an obituary in a Swiss newspaper generally costs between 800 and 2000 CHF for a standard publication. This rate varies according to:

• The newspaper chosen: Major national dailies are more expensive than regional newspapers

• The size of the announcement: Billing per square centimetre or per word

• The canton: Rates vary significantly between regions

• Options: Borders, photos, special layout increase the cost

If you wish to publish in several newspapers to reach different regions (for example Vaud, Geneva and Valais), costs quickly accumulate, potentially reaching 3,000 to 5,000 CHF or more.

For this high price, you obtain:

• Visibility of 1-2 days

• Limited geographic reach

• Constrained space

• No interactivity

• No possibility of update or correction after publication

Costs of online publications

At Wolky, publishing an online obituary costs 180 CHF all inclusive, with no hidden fees. This single, transparent rate includes:

• Creation of a personalised notice with no length limit

• Unlimited photo gallery

• Interactive condolence space

• Information on the ceremony and funeral

• Easy sharing via unique link

• Permanent accessibility (no time limit)

• Possibility of updates and additions

• Support and assistance if needed

Comparison of death publication costs

The value for money clearly favours digital:

This cost difference can represent a substantial saving for families, particularly in a context where overall funeral costs (ceremony, burial, headstone) can quickly reach several thousand francs.

It is important to emphasise that choosing digital is not "making savings at the expense of respect". It is simply benefiting from a technology that enables more features, better reach and superior durability to be offered at a much lower cost. Respect and dignity are not measured by the price paid, but by the intention and quality of the tribute paid.

Which option to choose according to your situation?

Faced with this detailed comparison, how do you choose concretely? The answer depends on your specific situation, your needs and your priorities. Here is a guide of recommendations according to different contexts.

For local and traditional reach

Your situation: The deceased lived all their life in the same region, their circle is mainly local, and the newspaper tradition is important for the family or community.

Recommendation: In this specific context, a notice in the local newspaper may make sense to reach neighbours, local acquaintances and loyal readers of the obituary section. This is particularly relevant in small municipalities where the local newspaper still plays a central role in community life.

Complementary suggestion: Even in this case, strongly consider adding an online publication. For an additional 180 CHF, you guarantee that younger loved ones, less newspaper readers, or temporarily absent from the region can also be informed and participate in the tribute. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds.

For reaching a geographically dispersed circle

Your situation: The deceased's family and friends are dispersed across several Swiss cantons, in neighbouring France, or in other countries. The deceased had a mobile life (studies, career, expatriations).

Strong recommendation: In this case, the online obituary is essential. It is the only way to guarantee that all concerned persons, whatever their location, will be informed quickly and can participate in the funeral or express their condolences.

The question is no longer "paper or online obituary", but rather "online alone or online + paper". Digital publication becomes the base, to which you can possibly add a local paper notice if necessary.

The benefits of instant distribution and easy sharing via links are decisive here. A friend living in Canada can receive the link via WhatsApp and consult the notice immediately, which would be impossible with a Vaud newspaper.

For a limited budget

Your situation: Financial resources are limited, and you must make choices to respect your budget whilst organising a dignified funeral.

Recommendation: Digital publication undoubtedly offers the best value for money. For 180 CHF, you create a complete, lasting and accessible tribute, compared to 800 to 2,000 CHF for an ephemeral and limited paper notice.

This saving can be significant and enable you to allocate these resources to other aspects of the funeral that are important to you (flowers, ceremony, reception).

It is important to understand that choosing digital for budgetary reasons is not a compromise on respect or dignity. On the contrary, you offer your loved one a rich, interactive and permanent memorial space, often more complete than what a standard paper notice could offer.

Grief and respect are not measured in francs spent, but in intention, presence and shared memory.

For creating a lasting memorial space

Your situation: You wish to create more than just a death notice. You want a genuine memorial space where family and friends can share memories, photos, anecdotes, and where future generations can discover their ancestor's story.

Recommendation: Only the digital format can meet this aspiration. A paper notice disappears after 1-2 days and allows no interaction. A digital necrology on a platform such as Wolky becomes a living and evolving memorial site.

You can:

• Create a photo gallery retracing the deceased's life

• Collect testimonies and memories from loved ones

• Enable future generations to discover their family history

• Create a permanent link that you can share on anniversaries or important dates

This lasting memorial dimension transforms the obituary into a genuine digital legacy. It is a modern and profoundly respectful way of honouring your loved one's memory.

To accompany you in this process, discover our advice on how to write an effective obituary that will genuinely touch hearts.

The complementary approach: combining paper and digital

It is not necessary to choose exclusively between paper and digital. For some families, a complementary approach combining both formats may be the ideal solution.

How to effectively combine both formats

Here is a hybrid strategy that maximises the benefits of each medium:

• Short notice in the local newspaper: Publish a concise notice in the regional newspaper to reach the immediate community and traditional readers. Mention the essentials: name, dates, ceremony location.

• Complete notice online: Create a detailed notice on a digital platform with photos, videos, complete biography and condolence space. Include the link to this online notice in your paper publication.

• Referral from paper to digital: In the paper notice, add a mention such as "To leave your condolences and share your memories: [short link]".

Benefits of this hybrid approach

This complementary strategy offers several benefits:

• Reach all generations: Elderly people loyal to the paper newspaper are informed, whilst younger people and distant loved ones access the information online.

• Respect tradition whilst embracing modernity: You honour traditional expectations without renouncing the benefits of digital.

• Maximise reach: You combine the local reach of the newspaper and the global reach of digital.

• Create continuity: The ephemeral paper notice refers to the permanent memorial space online.

Budgetary considerations

This approach obviously represents a larger investment. It is therefore important to assess whether this double investment is justified in your situation:

• Justified if: The deceased was very locally anchored AND had a geographically dispersed circle; the family genuinely wishes to respect the newspaper tradition; the budget comfortably allows it.

• Possibly superfluous if: The local circle is limited; the majority of loved ones are connected and comfortable with digital; the budget is constrained.

To explore in detail all publication options available in Switzerland and make an informed choice, consult our complete guide on where to publish a death notice.

Publishing an online obituary with Wolky

If you choose the digital route, Wolky offers you a complete, respectful solution specially adapted to the Swiss context.

Features included

For 180 CHF all inclusive, you benefit from:

• Personalised notice creation: Unlimited space to write a complete and touching tribute, with no length constraint

• Photo and video gallery: Share the important moments of your loved one's life

• Interactive condolence space: Loved ones can leave their messages of support and share their memories

• Information on the ceremony: Date, time, location, practical details accessible to all

• Easy sharing: Unique link to share by email, SMS, WhatsApp, social networks

• Permanent accessibility: The notice remains online indefinitely, creating a genuine lasting memorial space

• Updates possible: Add thanks, new photos or information at any time

Simple and guided process

Creating a notice on Wolky is simple and quick:

1. Go to the creation page

2. Fill in the essential information (name, dates, location)

3. Write your personal tribute

4. Add photos

5. Publish and share the link with your circle

The process takes just a few minutes, and our intuitive interface guides you through each step. Assistance is available if needed.

Respect and dignity at the heart of our approach

Wolky was designed with deep empathy for bereaved families. We understand that this is a difficult time and that you need simple, respectful and dignified tools. Our platform reflects these values in every detail of its design and operation.

Adapted to the Swiss context

Wolky is specifically designed to meet Swiss needs and traditions:

• Multilingual: Interface available in French, German, Italian and English

• Adapted to cantons: Respect for regional and cultural particularities

• Local compliance: Respect for Swiss funeral standards and practices

• Transparent pricing: Prices in Swiss francs, with no hidden fees

To help you create a genuinely touching tribute, consult our detailed guide on how to write an effective obituary, with concrete examples and practical advice.

Ready to create a dignified and accessible tribute? Start creating your online obituary now.