As an independent insurance agent, you know competition is fierce. The good news is you’re not alone as most agents are facing the same problems. The key to your success is finding ways to set yourself apart.
Problems Faced By Insurance Agents
Let’s take a look at the issues. Syndicated Services CEO David Bell recently shared an overview of the problems today’s insurance agents are facing. “Recently it has been tough to be an independent insurance agent. The statistics show that the number of licensed insurance agents has been dimensioning. It has recently leveled off, but that is because you have non-independent agents getting licensed like banks, and even carriers marketing directly.”
“The tough thing is that commissions continue to go down and agents are facing competition from areas they’ve never faced it before. Technology now makes it possible to sell insurance on the Internet through various financial institutions. You’ve also got alternatives, like payroll processors that offer insurance with their payroll services. PEOs are offering co-employment staffing companies. It is really no wonder that fewer and fewer young people are interested in getting into retail insurance. We’re also seeing the aging of insurance agents.”
Progressive Pivots For Success
“The only way we’ll see any change is to start embracing and promoting technology. We need to find ways to compete with all these different challenges that are taking away our commissions and making it more difficult to make a living.”
Are you embracing and promoting technology? Or are you still dependent on outdated ways to do sell insurance?
Since you find yourself constantly looking for ways to stand out from the rest, it only makes sense to look at several ways you can set quickly set your insurance agency apart.
Easy Steps You Can Do Now
Create a Website: Showcase who you are, what you offer, and how you bring value to customers. A digital footprint is especially important since 90 percent of businesses start their purchase with research. And 88 percent of consumers research online before in-store buying. Businesses and consumers alike are looking for your digital footprint. (Our marketing consultant, Joy Capps, can help you quickly build your website and digital footprint.)
Use Social Media: Talk to your audience by posting useful content that they are interested in. Post regularly and often. If someone goes to your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn profile only to find you haven’t posted in over a year or more, they can quickly be turned off. Show you are on top of trends by consistently providing updates and information.
Promote Your Value: Since most insurance producers sell on price, you need to find opportunities to showcase the ways you’re different. Help your clients and prospects focus on the many ways you help them. In every touch point and interaction, shine the spotlight on the hands-on approaches you use to meet their needs. Remind customers about the value you bring.
Offer Value-Added Services: Be more than a broker or agent by offering more benefits to your clients than your competitors. Did you know you can offer things like HR Consulting Services? You can give piece of mind by meeting the staffing, payroll, and insurance needs of your small employer clients. Consider adding General Liability coverage to your offerings. There are many products and solutions you can offer.
Tap Into Technology: Speedy response is the name of the game. Set yourself apart by quickly responding to client requests for workers’ comp quote options, and much more. Did you know that one system can give you access to more than 150 markets and 40+ unique offerings for free? Earn higher commissions when you tap into the free Syndicated Appulate market access. Upload one ACORD to receive instant indications. Get started now.
When is now a good time to start? Take action on these five easy steps and set yourself apart today.