How to Use Social Media Effectively: Everything an Advisor Needs to Know

Social media is an essential tool in the insurance industry, and as a result your managing general agency should use it to its full potential. If they are not, chances are there are others out there that are. But just taking advantage of it and using it effectively are two different things – so we’ve compiled a list of tips to help ensure that you are getting the most from this cost-saving, client engaging, mass marketing resource.

Firstly, if your MGA isn’t on social media, they are missing a huge market to establish recognition of the brand which impacts your online credibility as you are trying to land new business under that brand. If the company you work with can’t be found online, and we don’t just mean your company website, your credibility can take a nosedive. Clients now rely heavily on social media when making purchasing decisions and the influence of those in their social networks.  In our social world, clients like to search on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to see what others are saying – so you have to make sure that they can find you there.

But just having a presence doesn’t cut it anymore, and in order to be effective there are a number of tasks that need to be accomplished. Your MGA should be releasing unique and relevant content on a regular basis, to a number of different sites.

Having a well-rounded presence on major sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, etc. is very important. Most people prefer a particular site or two, so if your MGA has not cast a wide net, recognition of the brand will be diminished.

LinkedIn is an important social media resource that insurance advisors should take advantage of. This professional platform allows you to connect with professionals in related industries which can result in a gold mine of referral business. LinkedIn is also fantastic for establishing your own credibility. Properly linking your page to your corporate brand, pursuing recommendations and skills endorsements can not only ensure that prospects can find you LinkedIn but can also validate your professional credibility.

Also, your MGA’s conduct on social media and your personal conduct when using social media is very important. Remember that both you and your MGA should ensure that your conduct is professional and non-combative. It is always to consider that posting is similar to standing on the street and shouting out the information. Think before you post. Is what you are posting something that you would verbalize if you were face to face with someone? If your MGA is posting polarizing opinion pieces on social media this could not only be damaging to you but also damaging to the brand you are representing.

Internally, social media is also a great tool. The independence garnered by working with an MGA can come with pitfalls if your MGA doesn’t manage them correctly, but by giving you access to different company social media platforms you can keep up to date on current events within the company and direct clients to pertinent articles. This keeps the level of engagement up even when you are not in the office.

The power of social media can no longer be ignored, and to avoid it can mean dangerous consequences. Make sure that, as an advisor, you are taking advantage of all that it has to offer and using it effectively.

To find out more about how to use social media effectively in the insurance industry, please contact Independent Financial Concepts Group by calling 416-849-1653 or visit www.joinifcg.com.

Professional Development: Does Your MGA Offer Insurance Lead Generation Training?

Whether you are new to the insurance industry or a maverick with years of experience, chances are you are well aware that one of the most difficult parts of your job is lead generation. Finding and securing clients is all part of the work that leads to success, and so being able to do so is crucial if you want to succeed.

Knowing this, how can you expand your insurance lead generation system? Professional development needs to be a serious part of any insurance advisor’s plan for success. With new programs being developed and released regularly, it is important to stay on top of changing trends and to be able to take advantage of all of the opportunities they represent. Lead generation is one such hurdle that needs to be surpassed, and the right MGA should be able to provide you with effective insurance lead generation training to help you get the job done.

Creating networks can be tough, but if you have the right support behind you and the right structured mentoring, establishing the networks you will need to be a successful is more than attainable. By teaching you how to connect to other professionals in related industries can enable you to build a strong portfolio without expensive direct-to-consumer marketing.

Insurance lead generation training should also focus on the opportunities that exist online. Firstly, if your MGA does not have a professional well put together website or established online presence you will not enjoy the brand recognition that others who work for MGAs do enjoy. If a client cannot find you on the internet or recognize your organization when they do you are at a disadvantage. Not being online is the virtual equivalent of not being in the phonebook, so make sure that your MGA offers access to online tools and resources that will enable you to generate leads online. Social media plays an important role in having online credibility, and your MGA needs to have presences that clients can visit and find. You also need to know how to control and utilize these channels, and so an MGA committed to training will show you how.

Innovative and unique approaches to insurance lead generation will keep you one step ahead of the competition. Using a diverse range of marketing strategies will make it much easier for you to build up your portfolio and a good MGA will provide you with the support you need to do it.

Think about it this way – there are MGAs out there that offer proven insurance lead generation training that garners real results – and if you are not taking advantage of them, someone else is. In order for your portfolio to grow, you need the contacts and clients to make that possible.  Make sure that your MGA offers insurance lead generation training to get you the results you need to be successful.

For more information about insurance lead generation training please contact Independent Financial Concepts Group by calling 416-849-1653 or visit www.joinifcg.com.