As an insurance agent, you are always looking for ways to promote your business without becoming stale. In a world full of annoying salespeople, here are a few fresh ideas to help you market your agency and score long-term leads:
1. Fish for Leads
Ask if you can leave a fishbowl on the counter of a busy local business. Solicit business cards and advertise a drawing for a gift card to the establishment. Use those cards as leads. Always carry plenty of business cards with you. Drop them in fishbowls, tack them to bulletin boards and leave them with a tip every time you eat out. Encourage your employees to do the same.
2. Get to Know Your Chamber of Commerce
Be a resource for everyone at your local chamber of commerce. As you develop strong relationships, people will do your word-of-mouth advertising for you.
3. A Driving Advertisement
If you aren’t interested in investing in a full car advertisement wrap, opt for a customized magnetic decal instead.
4. Leave Pens Everywhere
Have pens personalized with your logo, and leave them everywhere. Whenever you sign a receipt, address a letter or sign your name, use your own pen and leave it.
5. Partner With a Security Company
You are in the business of helping people protect themselves, so why not join forces with a business doing the same thing? According to LifeShield.com, insurance agents whose referrals sign up for a home security service will receive $150 or six months of free security monitoring themselves.
6. Use Consumer Review Websites
Set up an agency account on websites like Yelp.com, Viewpoints.com or RateItAll.com. Visitors can write recommendations about your services, which could lead to more business.
7. Create an App
Make sure your agency pops up when people are searching for insurance by creating your own app.
8. Blog About It
Instead of just promoting yourself, share interesting stories or little known facts on your blog to get reader input. For example, does the average person know that living in a gated community or having a home security system can mean possible discounts on insurance premiums? What are other ways homeowners can save?
9. Deliver Fliers
It’s old school, but having someone tuck advertisements under windshield wipers or door mats can yield results.
10. Detailed Email Signature
Include your agency’s website, phone number or Twitter account in your automated signature in every email you send, whether it’s a professional email or not.
11. Emergency Info Cards
Have local emergency information, such as phone numbers for poison control, the fire department and police, printed on business cards and magnets. Leave a space open for people to write their emergency contact information (think of parents putting these on their fridge for the babysitter). Include your information and claims phone number as well.
12. Wear It On Your Sleeve
Have several polo, dress and T-shirts made with your business name embroidered clearly on the breast. Wear them to community events and school activities.
13. Get In Their Phone
Encourage clients to program your information into their phones so they can always call you with questions. This way they are always carrying your information and can share it with others should the opportunity arise. Set up an incentive program for referrals.