The insurance industry is a booming industry with a focus that’s all about the client, which can be daunting to a new agent. Initially it’s common for an agent to not make their sales goals or meet their commission goals. But some find that they simply cannot handle the steady struggle to accomplish their quotas and they eventually go into another line of work.
So what is the difference between a successful agent and a failed agent? The successful agents simply paid attention to the needs of their customers and they persistently marketed their products and they also keep on top of discounts that are available. It would seem obvious that your existing clients should be your first priority, yet more often than not the existing clients get little attention instead agents focus solely on cold calls and sign ups.
Customer service is essential in the insurance business, because your customers have plenty of options, so they don’t have to stay with an agency that’s not providing a quality level of customer service. In fact, clients demand not only pricing that’s competitive but unquestionable customer service and support. And if you aren’t ready to provide they will go elsewhere.
At InsuranceLeadz.com we work with many agents that have been very successful, and as a result we’ve taken on an entirely new insider perspective. The big agencies grow because they put their customers first and their sales second.
Building up your business is essential no matter which insurance agency you are, however that building must go far beyond just marketing. Successful agents are there to support their clients continuously. In fact, they are continuously looking for ways to save their current clients more money. We hear over and over again from our agents, that if there was one thing they could do over again, it would be to go back in time and pay more attention to customer service.
Building A Clientele
You need to be creative and ambitious. One of agents told us that a simple little gold sticker that said “We appreciate referrals” was attached to all correspondence and it resulted in a 20% increase in referrals. Just goes to show that even the smallest marketing idea can pay off big, so do a little experimenting.
For you to have a successful marketing campaign there are several marketing channels that you should utilize.
- Direct Mail Outs – This might be an older marketing concept but it still is pulling the numbers so you should still consider using it.
- Postcards – This method can save you on envelop costs and postage. Have them printed in large quantities for the biggest savings and then split up your mail outs so you can keep track of your return on investment.
- Flyers – Printed flyers are a good idea for your local region. You can put them on cars, drop them on doorsteps, and take them into stores and restaurants. Before posting anywhere always check local laws.
- Newspapers – Even with subscription levels on the decline this is still an effective method of generating new clients.
- Cold Calling – That’s two words that can send shivers down your spine, but it’s still a lifeblood to generating new prospects for insurance sales.
- Door to Door – This is one of the most disliked methods of marketing but it is still effective. Bring along a flyer, pamphlet, and business card.
- Magnets – Including a magnet in your mail outs is smart business sense because people love magnets and they stick around for a long time.
- Lead Generation Services – This is one of the most powerful tools available to you. Companies like Insuranceleadz.com can provide you with targeted, quality, real time leads. These services are not all created equal so be sure to do your homework.
Building sales takes time, not just in the insurance industry but in other industries too. It will take time for your solicitation to begin to generate earnings for you. The key is ensuring that you have a continuous flow of new blood into your business. Whatever it takes to do that is what you need to do.
One New Client Equals Twenty More
Did you know that one new client can actually generate twenty new leads for you? If you make your clients happy they’ll be happy to recommend you to their family and friends whenever they have the opportunity.
Each new customer that you bring in and keep will be the beginning of a long-term relationship and a ongoing referral chain. That’s why it’s so important to keep your clients. Those clients that are happy to refer you to others are a real boost for your business.
Competing In A Competitive Local Market
The marketing practices we’ve talked about are certainly effective ways to bring new clients in, but the internet has definitely changed the way prospects shop for insurance. Email, websites, blogs, and lead generation are all excellent tools to bring qualified leads into your business.
An internet presence begins with building a website, and then add a blog. Many agencies provide new agents with access to their company website. You can drive new business to your website using a variety of tools such as search engines, Google Adwords, and PPC campaigns.
If you really want to get a good start building a new client base then lead generation services like InsuranceLeadz.com can provide you with quality leads that are pre-qualified insurance leads for home, health, auto, life, condo, renters, and business insurance.
To maximize each customer cross sell them different product lines, which can lead to substantial revenue increases. Check local licensing because you may need different licenses to sell different insurances.
If you don’t sign up those new clients the competition will. Don’t let that happen. Use these tips to help you begin to build your client base for now and for the future. And never forget the importance of lead generation services.
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Comments:
As a new agent (five months in), it truly is a numbers game. The more people you talk to, the better. I am not an 'in your face' type of salesman, however, if you can strike a conversation with a strange at the grocery store, you can hand them a card. I always ask for referrals and I am now just starting to get some.
Asking for referrals is certainly something agents should be doing all the time. I think many agents are afraid that they are going to somehow come across as too pushy or aggressive, but that couldn't be any farther from the truth. Referrals are the life blood of all the top agencies I know.
Also, I completely agree that the smallest little things like saying "Hi" at a grocery store and dropping a business card can turn into sales. Overall in business, a couple of the best deals I ever made came from a simple conversation I started with basic chit chat, and ended with closing a once in a lifetime deal.
Obviously relying on a lead generation site for all of your initial business can take a toll on your pockets and leave them feeling empty. I found it very effective to produce some sort of advertising gimmick to leave with each client I closed. Magnets are a good idea but I almost always leave a few pens with all of my contact info after every appointment.
I cross sell every product that I offer, you already have their information in front of you, I just quote it and lay it out on the table, I explian the reasons why they need these coverages and the discounts that get applied, most of the time they purchase auto, home, and life. Not to mention that your retention is now more secure with this client.
I believe that in order to be successful, you have to simply ask for a referral. If you have a positive experience with a customer, that is the best time to ask. I have also found that simply reminding people to keep you in mind for the future is also very effective. You have planted the seed and you may be rewarded in the future.
I have found that my most successful marketing has been with a local mortgage broker. I've received lots of business from her and with the service I provide, she's starting to spread the word through realtors and other brokers she's affiliated with.
Internet leads assist me with meeting production goals, but the realtor/mortgage avenue is providing me with lots of free advertising.
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