If you're an independent insurance agent sick of losing business to the internet, arm yourself for competition with this guide.
What do we want? Everything! When do we want it? Now! The world is getting increasingly faster paced, and even instant gratification might not feel fast enough. How is the independent insurance agent supposed to keep up? Can you compete with the major carriers with their digital platforms and huge workforce behind them? Yes! You absolutely can. Use these tools to stand up to the big guy and come out the victor.
- Be personal. The number one thing you have that the major carriers don't is the ability to go deep. While the carriers have thousands of clients who have to reach out to them to get any kind of service, you have the luxury of real relationships. Get to know your clients. Wish them a happy birthday. Suggest an annual review, then actually follow up on it. Reach out periodically to see if your insureds have any questions about their coverage. Help them hunt for discounts. Personalizing your service makes your clients feel valued. After your high level of care, the automated world of buying insurance online will feel cold and foreign.
- Be accessible. That being said, automation is a major draw of buying coverage through one of the big carriers. People can go straight to their website and immediately get a quote. Then, once a policy is written, they can usually access it online. In our busy world, having digital access to the things you need at the moment you need them is huge. Make sure you're offering the easiest access possible to your clients. If you can set up an online portal for them, great! If not, consider giving them a 24/7 number to call so they can get the information they need in the event of an emergency. Make your clients feel like it's just as easy to get information from you as it would be from a major carrier's website, and you can stay competitive in the modern age.
- Be proud. Quite often, when people choose one of the major insurance companies over an independent agent, it's because of size. They know for a fact that national carrier can pay their claim, but do they know that you can? They should! Invest some time and energy in marketing your company and what makes it great. Make it easy for people to feel confident in you. Ask for testimonials from happy clients and put them all over your website and social media profiles. The word of others who feel safe with your services will go a long way towards legitimizing you.
Being personal, accessible, and proud will take some time. Don't worry! We can help. Put an expert team behind you, and we'll put our expertise and resources to work. Stratosphere Marketing Solutions specializes in serving the independent insurance agent. We're here to help you successfully market your business without giving up much of your time or energy. Call our team in Westlake Village, California today!
