Social media for Insurance Agents. A regulated industry with do and don’ts to make your head spin. How does an insurance agent/agency even begin to take advantage of the social media options available? Should insurance agents take part in social media?

Absolutely.

Social media/networking gives you the ability to connect with existing clients and prospective clients in a way that traditional media does not. It creates dialogue.

Social networking goes beyond Facebook and Twitter.  While these are great networks for engagement and we’ll discuss, there are some other areas that offer a great return on your efforts.

1.  Blogging – builds your website content and keeps your website fresh and up to date.

  • Adding a blog to your existing website gives you the opportunity to write relevant content based on your audience.
  • Create a section dedicated entirely to FAQ (frequently asked questions).
  • Once a week address a FAQ on your blog.  If you’ve been in the industry for a while this shouldn’t be hard to do.

2.  Twitter – A great way to connect with other agent and build back links to your website

  • Use Twitter to connect with other insurance agents/agencies.
  • Use Twitter to share content created on your website.
  • Participate in industry specific Twitter chats (held once a week/bi-weekly/monthly).  Twitter Chat Schedule
  • Connect with local Twitter users
  • Answer industry specific questions

3.  Forums – Find a non-insurance related forum and become the part of the community.  Actively participate in discussions.  This takes time as regular forum users are highly protective and treat spam harshly and quickly.

  • Learn what people are talking about related to insurance issues
  • Answer industry specific questions
  • Market research the frustrations related to insurance
  • Creates dialogue with potential clients
  • Builds back-links to your website
  • Sets you apart

4.  Facebook – Facebook is the starting point on the web first thing in the morning for plenty of users.

  • Connect with existing clients.
  • Share content relevant to them.
  • Avoid industry lingo and focus on relevant content that encourages dialogue.
  • Create a simple welcome tab.  Make it the default landing page.
  • Interact with your fans.

5.  YouTube – Video is a great way to connect visually

  • Create short engaging video
  • Think “less commercial” and more “value”.  What usable information can they take away?
  • Be creative – don’t be afraid to bring in an outsider to help
  • Client testimonials, introduction to staff integrated on your website
  • Keyword optimize.

5.  Google Places – The percentage of smart phones continues to rise.  This means local search is becoming increasingly important.

  • Create/Claim your Google Places profile.
  • Integrate your profiles, pictures, and video.
  • Tag your profile based on industry.

These are just a few suggestions to get your started on Social Media with a touch of digital marketing.  Both should be integrated into a traditional marketing strategy, not as a replacement.

How have you integrated social media and digital marketing into your insurance agency?