Using Direct Mail to Build an Insurance Agency

So you’re starting your own insurance practice. Congratulations! This will be one of the most terrifying, exciting, wonderful things you ever do. To succeed, you’re going to need a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck. But then, you probably already knew that. What you need to know is how you can build up your customer Rolodex and start on your path to success.

The problem when you’re just starting out is that no one knows who you are or what you do. While you might have some contacts, chances are you don’t have a massive customer or contact database to draw from. That makes emailing tricky, since you can’t just carpet bomb emails to all and sundry. No, you need a permission-based, opt-in list or you’re going to be shut down by your email service provider so fast your head will spin. So that’s out.

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Custom Direct Mail vs. Self Serve

Everyone would love to have beautiful, custom direct mail pieces created just for them. But increasingly, many businesses are turning to a self-serve model of direct mail marketing. We see this especially with insurance agents and other independent operators who work with large companies.

In the self-serve model, you receive access to an online portal. There, you can choose from direct mail templates: postcards, sales letters, self-mailing brochures, you name it, it’s there. All you have to do is add a few customizing details about your business and you’re ready to go. In many systems, you can even send directly to lists pre-loaded into the system. It’s a matter of setting your geographic and demographic parameters, then sitting back and letting the leads roll in.

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Direct Mail in Regulated Industries

If you work in a regulated industry like insurance, Medicare supplements, credit unions or banking, you know how difficult it can be to craft marketing materials. There are so many rules to consider, so many things you can’t say. At times, it’s tempting to just give up and not deal with the headaches. But with a little pre-planning, you can still create direct mail marketing pieces that comply with all applicable laws and industry standards while still helping to sell your products.

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