Creating an Online Tribute: A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Losing a loved one is never easy. Whether it’s a family member, friend or even a pet, it can be hard to find a way to honor their memory and keep them in our hearts. One way to do that is by creating an online tribute. 

An online tribute is a website or webpage dedicated to a person or a pet that has passed away. It’s a way to celebrate their life and share memories with others. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to create an online tribute, from choosing a platform to adding personal touches that make it special. 

By the end of this guide, you will have your own online tribute to honor your loved one and keep their memory alive.

How to Create an Online Tribute

Step-by-step guide for creating an online tribute

1. Choose a platform or website builder that best suits your needs and preferences.
2. Gather and organize relevant information and photographs, this could include personal stories, photographs, and videos that help to tell the person’s life story.
3. Choose a design template or customize the layout of the website, this could include background images, colors, and fonts.
4. Personalize and customize the tribute by adding personal photographs, videos, stories, and special features such as a memory book or video tribute.
5. Add a way for others to leave comments and memories by creating a guestbook or a comments section.
6. Proofread and preview the website to make sure everything is correct
7. Finally, publish and share the website with others via email or social media.

Tips for gathering and organizing relevant information and photographs

When gathering information and photographs for the tribute, it’s important to be as comprehensive as possible. 

This could include photographs and videos from different stages of their life, personal stories, and any achievements or notable moments. 

It’s also important to consider the privacy of the person being honored and to obtain consent from any relevant parties before including personal information or photographs on the tribute website.

Advice for personalizing and customizing the tribute

When personalizing and customizing the tribute, it’s important to think about what would best represent the person or pet being honored. Some ways to personalize and customize an online tribute include:

1. Incorporating a personal touch by adding personal photographs, videos and stories that highlight the person’s life, achievements, and character.
2. Using special features such as a memory book or video tribute to create a more interactive experience for visitors. Memory books allow visitors to leave comments and memories, while video tributes allow visitors to view videos of the person or pet.
3. Incorporating design elements such as a background image or colors that reflect the person’s personality or interests.
4. Creating a guestbook or comments section where visitors can leave messages of condolence, shares memories or thoughts about the person
5. Use elements like music, video, and sound effects to create a more emotive experience for visitors, this can add a deeper and more personal layer to the tribute
6. Making the website mobile-friendly, so it can be easily accessed from mobile devices, can be beneficial as a lot of people use their mobile phones for browsing.
7. It’s important to also consider the audience of the tribute website, who are the people you are trying to reach, and make it easy for them to find and access the website.

Overall, personalizing and customizing the tribute website is a very personal process, it’s essential to take time to consider what would be fitting, respectful and appropriate for the person or pet you are honoring and what will best reflect their personality and memories.

Alright. Thanks for lending an ear. Let’s get back to reading!

What Are Some Good Examples of an Online Tribute?

Jim Henson’s Tribute by Frank Oz, His Lifelong Creative Partner

Jim Henson and Frank Oz had an amazing creative partnership that changed the world forever. When Jim passed away at the young age of 53, it was a huge loss to everyone.

In this tribute, Frank shares a personal story about a gift that Jim made for him – a piece of art that perfectly captures what made Jim Henson such a special and talented person. 

The tribute ends with an emotional moment, as Frank shares how that gift made him realize how much they loved each other. It will definitely bring a tear to your eye, and make you want to grab the tissues!

Because I Said I Would, Alex Sheen

Have you ever lost someone who was special to you and felt like you wanted to do something to honor their memory? That’s how Alex Sheen felt after his father passed away from cancer.

His dad was known for always keeping his promises, and so, Alex came up with an idea to create “Because I Said I Would” cards. He handed them out at his father’s funeral, asking everyone to make and keep promises in honor of his dad’s spirit of duty and sincerity.

From there, this simple idea took off and became a national movement. People started writing down their promises on the cards, giving them to the person they made the promise to, and collecting the card when they followed through on their word.

Isn’t that a beautiful way to turn grief into a legacy? By honoring his father’s integrity, Alex’s idea will continue to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many.

Maureen Malloy’s Full Story by Her Daughter

Maureen Malloy took her own life. Most people would be quick to assume that when someone took their own life, depression because of a struggling situation might be the cause of it.

Not particularly with Alexa’s mom, Maureen. It turned out that it was triggered by an antidepressant. A case of suicidal ideation due to an antidepressant. She shared her full story behind it with Murial on Murial’s TikTok.

This online tribute is touching and can be an eye-opener to share the story behind a loved one’s passing.

Steve Jobs Eulogy by Mona, His Sister

He was one of the most innovative and visionary leaders of our time. But, you know what’s even more interesting than his professional life? His personal side.

His sister Mona shared a beautiful obituary about him, where she told us about her relationship with her brother. 

You might be surprised to know that Mona actually only found out Steve was her brother at 25 years old. But despite that, she saw his passion for creativity and his unwavering desire to make the world a better place for everyone.

It’s a thoughtful piece that gives us a unique insight into the last moments of Steve’s life and the impact he had on the world. 

Tribute to 19-Year Old Rescue Dog

Comedian Sarah Silverman may be known for her sharp wit and sarcasm, but when her beloved 19-year-old rescue dog, Duck, passed away, we got to see a truly heartfelt and emotional side of her. 

“I held him and kissed him and whispered to him well passed his passing. I picked him up and his body was limp – you don’t think about the head – it just falls. I held him so tight.

14 years.

My longest relationship.

My only experience of maternal love.

My constant companion.

My best friend.

Duck.”

Losing a pet can be a difficult and painful experience, and it’s clear that Duck was an important part of Sarah’s life.

Sandy Hook’s Support from the Community

The Sandy Hook Shooting was such a tragic event that affected not just the community, but the whole world. Benjamin Wheeler was one of the innocent lives that was taken away by the senseless act of violence.

When something like that happens, it’s only natural for people to look for ways to cope and express their grief. For many, a memorial website for Benjamin became a place where they could come together and share their thoughts, condolences, and emotions.

It’s been some time since the tragic event, but the website still receives comments to this day. It’s a powerful reminder of how a community can come together and support each other during tough times. 

It’s a way for people to channel their grief and turn it into something positive and meaningful.

End of Article

Online tributes can be a great supplement to traditional memorials and obituaries, offering a way to reach a wider audience and a way to allow friends and family to share their memories, but they are not always a suitable replacement.

While online tributes can be a great way to remember someone, they shouldn’t be used in place of traditional memorials or obituaries without proper consideration.