How do insurance agents use automated email and texting?
Some customer relationship management (CRM), agency management systems (AMS) or other technology systems allow agents to schedule email or text messages to be automatically sent to clients at certain times. For example, an agent may set up an automated onboarding campaign for new clients that will send them a series of emails in the first few months after they start doing business with the agency. Or an agency might set up automated texts for client birthdays, anniversaries or special events. They may also set up automated reminders that will go out to clients a few months before their policy is set to renew, prompting them to reach out to their agent with any questions.
Why should insurance agents use automation?
- Augment your staff’s time and capacity. Automation tools aren’t intended to replace agents. Instead, they can help agents reach more people with less time. For example, you can automate messages to follow up with prospects who fill out a form on your agency website, asking them to schedule a time to talk through their insurance needs. This saves you from having to craft and send individual messages to every prospect. You can spend more time actively building relationships with clients instead of chasing down leads.
- Increase retention through more frequent touches with clients. Automated messages keep you top of mind with clients and show that you care. They help you build stronger client relationships by providing opportunities for clients to interact with your agency.
- Generate cross-sell opportunities. Automations can help you follow up with clients about their other insurance needs. For example, if you have a client who buys home insurance through you, but not auto, you could set an automation to follow up in a few months to see if they want to talk about their options for bundling home and auto.
Every agency is responsible for ensuring that they are in compliance with all state and federal laws/regulations that govern their business, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, texting and commercial emails. If you have questions, please seek advice from your legal counsel.
When you’re running an agency on a tight budget, automation can save you time and money.
You don’t have to hire a service to be successful with it; there are plenty of budget-friendly options that will let you set up automated campaigns for things like onboarding, renewals and birthdays. This will make you look like a rock star because you’re continually following up with your customers.