by Syndicated Insurance Resources | Sep 20, 2018
Today’s digital landscape makes it harder for your insurance services to stand out.
The success of your business depends on the way you promote yourself to potential customers.
Since your expertise is about insurance, how can you market your business to find the right clients you can help?
You’ve probably discovered that you can’t count on the “spray and pray” method to produce quality results.
Effective marketing is strategic and well planned.
You can always hire someone to help with marketing.
But what if you’re not ready to make that investment?
Marketing Tips You Can Do
Here are some quick tips you can do immediately.
Online Tips
Create a Professional Website. Today’s online world makes a website essential. It is your online storefront and calling card that allows prospects to check you out. Even if your site is only one page, you need something online to showcase how you can help clients solve their need for insurance. A well-done website gives your business credibility while increasing brand recognition and building trust.
Write an Informative Email Signature. Adding an automated email signature allows prospects and customers to have your contact information. At a minimum, you want to include your name, website, phone, and email. You can use your auto signature to share links to your latest blog post (if you have one), a product offering you’re showcasing, and/or your social media accounts.
In-Person Tips
Volunteer Your Time. While time is money, one of the best ways to grow your business is by volunteering at local community events. When the events are covered in the local news – you can easily find your company listed as one of the volunteers. Volunteering also allows you to connect with community leaders and business owners who are ultimately potential customers.
Attend Networking Events. Just like volunteering, getting out into the community to make connections can go a long way. Attend local events held by your Chamber of Commerce and other professional organizations like Rotary. This is not a one and done approach. You do need to consistently invest your time and show up to be seen, noticed, and trusted.
Reciprocity Tips
Create a Branded Emergency Card. Business cards are inexpensive to create these days. Turn a business card into a wallet card that lists out key numbers to call in case of emergency. Make sure your agency name and number is in the list, along with the police, fire department, and animal hospital. Give these out to clients and prospects. Find local businesses that allow you to place a small stack of these cards out for their customers to take. Take this a step further by turning it into a refrigerator magnet you can give to every customer.
Set Up a Referral Program. Use an email marketing system to send out regular emails to your customers reminding them that you reward referrals. You can use the free version of MailChimp to do this quickly. Offer a $25 or $50 gift card for every referral that becomes your customer. Each email you send can promote your agency and reminding them you are there to help. Thank them for their business. Email your customers at least one time per month or more to provide useful tips, remind them about your referral program, and keep your willingness to help top-of-mind.
Form Helpful Partnerships. Strategically build partnerships with local organizations to bring your agency name top of mind. Consider connecting with any community entity that you can help, e.g., banks, churches, hospitals, realtors, fire, and police. Create a special offer or discount for each group’s staff or clients. Offer them free tips about how to avoid accidents (or any topic you can think of that is helpful. Let them post your info on their office bulletin board, company website, or in their email newsletter. Position your business as the agency that people are drawn to for helpful insurance insights.
While these seven marketing ideas are something you can quickly take action on, know that they are only the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of things you can do to market your agency.
Stay tuned when we share more marketing tips in future posts.
by Syndicated Insurance Resources | Sep 5, 2018
As an insurance agent or broker, you know that commercial auto insurance is for businesses of all sizes—large and small. Some companies are required to have it, while others are not.
Unfortunately, a lack of understanding about commercial auto insurance can raise questions for business owners. Do they really need it? What does it cover? Who is it for?
Fortunately, you can showcase your expertise when you are armed with the answers.
If you are scanning (like most of us do), know that this post is divided into two sections you can use:
- a downloadable Q&A you can share with your clients
- how we can help you find quotes
Check it out…
As an insurance veteran, you already understand why they may need commercial auto insurance. But when was the last time you had all this information written in one place?
We’ve done the work for you, by reviewing the possible questions your employer clients may have on their minds. Since our goal is to provide you with free resources that help your business grow, we put this into a downloadable PDF you can share with your employer clients.
Commercial Auto Basics
Getting the right type of coverage for your business is important—to you and to us. We know you are frequently asked about the difference between personal auto insurance and commercial auto coverage. So we put together this quick tip sheet to cover the basics about commercial auto insurance. First, let’s start with a few simple questions.
What is commercial auto insurance?
This type of insurance provides physical damage and liability coverage for vehicles used by your company.
What does this policy cover?
Commercial auto insurance covers cars, trucks, vans, and even large fleets used to help you conduct your business. This includes food trucks, work vans, and service utility vehicles.
Won’t my personal auto insurance work?
Personal auto insurance covers your personal automobile. While commercial auto insurance covers any vehicles you, or your employees, operate for business.
What types of vehicle usage could get by with personal auto insurance?
If you only use your auto to commute to the construction site or grab donuts for colleagues, you could be okay.
But it isn’t wise to risk it. When in doubt, ask your insurance agent to help guide you to make the decision that is right for you and your business.
What types of businesses typically need commercial auto insurance?
Any vehicle operation for business-related purposes needs commercial auto insurance. Note that there may be additional coverage needs for transporting passengers or hazardous materials.
The options are endless. Here are just a few examples:
- Auto parts distributors
- Commercial or residential contractors who offer things like plumbing, HVAC, roofing, etc. Food trucks and beverage services
- Miscellaneous retail or inspection services
- Pizza or other food delivery
- Service-related businesses
- Taxis or limos
Is commercial auto insurance required for all businesses?
Most states require all registered vehicles have liability insurance. Most states require the minimum insurance requirements on any vehicle. This rule applies to passenger and commercial vehicles.
Personal Auto vs. Commercial Auto: A Checklist
Since every business is different, your specific insurance needs varies based on your company’s unique situation.
While every insurance agent is the best person to walk business owners through the evaluation journey, everyone needs a starting point to frame the conversation. Here are some simple questions to consider:
- Do you use your vehicles for business more than three times per month?
- Do your employees use personal vehicles to conduct business?
- Is driving part of your job responsibility?
- Are your vehicles designed to haul things?
- Do you use your vehicle to transport people or property?
- Are your vehicles registered to a business?
If you answered yes to any one of the questions in the checklist, you might need to upgrade to a commercial auto policy. Email or call our office to schedule a time to discuss your business needs.
Expand Your Insurance Product Offerings
Providing insurance coverage to businesses opens up a world of opportunities for the types of products you sell.
At Syndicated, we focus on providing insurance brokers and agents the right solutions.
You know we offer workers’ comp products. But did you know we can help you find property, general liability, and commercial auto solutions, too?
With Syndicated you can:
- Access more than 150 markets and 40+ unique product options.
- Tap into more markets and get competitive quotes with our free service.
- Use our broker gateway to earn higher-than-industry-average commissions.
Bottom line: You have everything to gain when you sign up for a free account with Syndicated today.
You may already have a free account, but you want to talk to someone about your recent submission, alternative risk manage, or pay-as-you-go premiums. You can contact us here.
