Running an independent insurance agency is much more than just selling insurance. For your business to go to the next level, you need a strong brand to be your foundation.
These days, most people are looking for a one-stop-shop for all of their insurance needs, rather than having to manage different products with different companies. It's all about making things simpler, even when 'simpler' doesn't mean necessarily 'cheap'. Believe it or not, positioning your independent insurance business as a solid brand can help you compete with the big companies. How do you do that?
Set expectations by defining who you are as a business, how you operate and what makes you stand out from the crowd. This is the essence of branding. There should be consistency in your message and how it's delivered, and creating brand guidelines will help you stay on track so that your message is always recognizable. Define your company's voice, its values, and everything else that makes your business what it is, and document it.
Old fashioned insurance agencies had a one-to-one approach, which made sense back then. As times evolve and the way people communicate changes, businesses need to adapt, including the insurance industry. Your business should be where your customers are. Investing in social media marketing is money well spent. You'll be able to reach out to a larger crowd, making it easier to engage and communicate with them. Different types of users use different social media platforms, so make sure you gain a broader understanding of this so that your marketing efforts are focused properly. Blogging is also a great way to get your message out there and share relevant information with your audience.
Don't be scared to embrace technology. The world is mobile, and businesses that are not out there have a harder time being relevant. Developing your own custom mobile app can put you ahead of the game and will make you visible to a younger audience who also have insurance needs, even if they don't know it yet.
Trust and loyalty go hand in hand. When you sell insurance to a customer, the goal is not for it to be a one-time transaction, it's to have it turn into a long-term relationship. You can promote trust by consistently providing honest communication, great customer service and even by supporting the community.
Investing time and effort in developing a strong brand will help you stay top-of-mind and increase your competitiveness in the insurance industry. It's more than just running an insurance agency, it's about growing a business that can stand the test of time. Start your own independent agency. Join Affordable American Insurance.