P&C Advertising Help

[cjones]

I have been in the business for 2 months. I recently purchased a toll free vanity number. Obviously getting my name and number out there is the biggest challenge I am facing right now. I am currently working referrals and other free things. I dont have a whole lot to spend on advertising so I am trying to figure out the best bang for my buck. Here are the ideas I have contemplated so any feedback on these or any other method would be appreciated. Thanks

* Billboard sign-$400 for 1 month
* 4"x6" advertisement in 3 different local newspapers- $266 for 4 weeks
* Flyers/door hangers-relatively cheap just a lot of leg work

 

[Carlos Gil]

Are you in a retail setting?

 

[agent C]

are you captive or independent?

 

[cjones]

I am a captive agent. There are 5 other agents in my office but we are the only office within a 50 mile radius. That is why I got my own toll free number so I don't end up advertising for everyone else. I realize a few will still slip through the cracks but hopefully most will call the toll free #.

 

[mj771300]

I have been in the business for 2 months. I recently purchased a toll free vanity number. Obviously getting my name and number out there is the biggest challenge I am facing right now. I am currently working referrals and other free things. I dont have a whole lot to spend on advertising so I am trying to figure out the best bang for my buck. Here are the ideas I have contemplated so any feedback on these or any other method would be appreciated. Thanks

* Billboard sign-$400 for 1 month
* 4"x6" advertisement in 3 different local newspapers- $266 for 4 weeks
* Flyers/door hangers-relatively cheap just a lot of leg work

I'm getting ready to make the leap from the investment business to P&C, so I can relate. Luckily, I've been marketing for years and made plenty of mistakes, so I know what to do (to some extent) and also what NOT to do. Candidly put, never stop marketing.

Here's a list of ideas I've put together that I'm going to run with in an effort to put my name out there:

1) Press release(s) in local publications (our local newspaper, our local small biz publications, etc.) This should be free.
2) Use the internet as much as you can - build your own website and market it, use facebook, linkedin, twitter, and internet advertising. (This should be all but free)
3) E-mail marketing (send out customized introductions to people to let them know you're now in the insurance biz
4) E-mail newsletter (I get one every week from a mortgage broker friend of mine. I NEVER read it, but it keeps his name on the top of my mind)
5) Nothing like good ole' pavement pounding - hand out 100 cards or flyers a day and introduce yourself.
6) Hire someone to put those doorhangers out. It's not that expensive and leverages your time.
7) Postcards (eh, some have good response with these others don't)
8) Put signage on your car, wear shirts with your logo on them, etc. Always be branding yourself.
9) Write e-zine articles and offer expert advice in different publications (become an expert in your field) This will not happen overnight!
10) Join a networking club (BNI has paid off for some insurance agents) and network HEAVILY with other professionals - Financial planners, mortgage brokers, CPAs, real estate attorneys, etc.

****The main thing is to be consistent in your advertising. Putting an ad out once won't make your name "stick" in people's minds. Repetition and consistency is the key*****

One month your doorhangers may pull 0 results. The next month they may bring in 4 families. Same with all the other avenues. Keep costs as low as possible, and make sure everyone that you're acquainted with knows you're in the business of selling insurance and knows how to refer business to you.

I hope this helped.

 

[cjones]

mj771300- thanks for the post. That is some good info I will put to use.