Internet Provides Powerful Insurance Marketing Tools
Today's insurance agents must find technologically sound, innovative ways to find potential clients and convert them to customers.
Using methods such as online advertising, quality Web site content, and lead generation services, the Internet provides an extraordinary means of prospecting, boosting sales and increasing your bottom line-all in one location.
Advertising Online
If, as an agent you aren't taking advantage of online advertising opportunities, you could be missing out on a bundle of insurance leads.
Online sources commonly perused and researched by information-hungry consumers provide fertile ground for low-cost advertising-and could possibly draw just the clients you're looking for.
If you're considering advertising online, reflect on these possible sources:
- Local newspapers: Thousands of people wanting to know what's going on in their communities read local newspapers online. What better way to get your name and services in front of them?
- Online yellow pages: Several different yellow page directories are available for advertising online, so talk to representatives from each of these companies to determine which one, if any, can help you target the audience you need. Yellowpages.com alone claims 15 million searches monthly!
- Local news channel Web sites: Partner with local news channels by placing an ad on their Web site. It'll help you find the clients you need, and you can cash in on all their Web traffic!
- Local Chamber of Commerce: Join this organization and advertise on their Web site either for free or at a discounted rate. Provides great community exposure!
Creating Quality Content
Consumers are a fickle bunch-but they want what they want when they want it…and the Internet is often where they go to find it.
Establishing your own Web site with quality, educational content chock full of commonly-searched insurance terms can help put you before the public eye, and draw potential customers to your business you may otherwise never reach.
A quality Web site also helps you build credibility with potential customers, luring them in with your knowledge and expertise on the subject of insurance.
Valuable Web site content might include:
- Relevant, personalized articles about yourself, your product or services
- A newsletter sharing upcoming events, promotions or industry news
- Testimonials from other customers
- Frequently asked questions
- Links to relevant sites
- An insurance glossary
But that's not all. A quality, well-designed, professional Web site that provides user-friendly navigation is also very important to keep consumers engaged and wanting to learn more.
This, combined with quality, keyword-rich content, helps you rank better in consumer keyword searches and convert online visitors into sales.
Using Lead Generation Services
Lead generation services do your prospecting for you, bringing customers directly to your door for a small fee.
A few, like InsureMe, charge you only for the leads they send you, waiving any startup or monthly fees. This provides you an excellent method for marketing the type of insurance you sell to specific types of customers in designated geographical areas.
If you decide to pursue online insurance leads using a lead generator, make sure that:
- You're charged competitive prices
- You'll receive a steady supply of leads
- Your leads are qualified consumers already shopping for insurance
Sent by fax or email, these insurance leads should be immediate and real-time, and should include at least the name of the person looking for insurance; their address and phone number; an email address, and the type of insurance they are shopping for.
This gives you the opportunity to beat out your competitors and gain the sale by contacting the lead with an immediate quote.
Taking Advantage of the Internet
It takes persistence and determination to successfully prospect for customers on the Internet's super-information highway.
But by taking advantage of the marketing tools this technology affords, you too can find qualified prospects, close the sale-and profit the proceeds!
This information was provided by InsureMe, the leader in online insurance leads for the insurance industry. Since 1993, InsureMe has helped thousands of insurance agents succeed in the insurance business by providing top-quality leads that are both detailed and affordable. For more information on InsureMe leads, please visit our agent Web site at www.agent.insureme.com.
