Marketing

Many independent insurance agents, both new to the industry and established agents, at some point find themselves asking the question: “Should I join an aggregator or agency network?” Here's your answer.

Why should I join an agency network and what are the benefits? Most people would provide the answer of: “access to markets and carriers!” Although that probably is the biggest reason, the truth is that agency networks offer so much more than that.

While I could list dozens of reasons and benefits for agencies to be part of a network, it might be more advantageous to think about all the reasons agents traditionally cite for not joining a network.

In today's hyper-competitive insurance market, agency marketing is more important than ever. In Safeco’s Agent for the Future survey, 38% of independent agents said they plan to increase their investment in marketing. However, only 16% said they planned on hiring a dedicated marketer.

Tim was in trouble on this one. After finally getting in to see the prospect, Tim felt like he was backed into a corner and being poked to death. “Tim, you said the service was first-rate. Just what do you mean by that?" And Tim spent five minutes answering. “And another thing, I’m not going to tell you my budget because every time I do that, the proposal comes in within $10 of the top budget number. Why should I tell you?”

Are you apprehensive about marketing your agency online? If so, you’re not alone. Many independent insurance agents find the idea of finding customers online daunting. But the simple fact is that you need to invest in online marketing to stay relevant, competitive, and profitable

As an Insurance Agency Owner, Why Should You Care About Brand Awareness? You want those in your community to know your agency exists and that you can help them. In addition to increasing brand awareness, marketing also informs consumers, builds and nurtures clientele relationships, and draws in a targeted audience.

Sure, there are plenty of infomercials that use over-exaggeration and half-truths to peddle cheap wares (though I’d say that’s closer to the definition of sales, not marketing) – but at its heart, that’s NOT what marketing is.

Are you looking for new marketing ideas for your insurance agency in 2016? Here are three ideas you can implement TODAY to gain new business as you plan for 2016!