July 1, 2021 - While digital insurance marketing is a great way to help customers find your agency, it’s not the only way to make a name for yourself in your city. As a small business owner, one of the most important things you can do to market your agency is become involved in your community.
Big city or small town, people like to create connections and put down roots where they live. By becoming a community leader, you can build a positive reputation, network with potential policyholders and earn customer referrals all while making your city little bit better every day.
Let’s take a closer look at how community involvement can help you grow your agency and specific insurance marketing ideas you can implement at your business.
Networking helps you get your agency’s name out there.
Community involvement is an excellent way to get to know your neighbors and create visibility for your business. Events like high school sports, regional fairs, theatre performances and other local happenings often require sponsors to help with costs and logistics. In exchange, your agency will receive publicity and advertising space, either in person or online, giving you the opportunity to get your agency in front of eligible customers.
Joining your local Chamber of Commerce can also benefit your business. Not only will you be able to participate in meaningful action to further the interests of local business owners, but you’ll become a part of a network of leaders in your community. This presents the potential for cross-promotional marketing opportunities and joint efforts to improve your community.
Many people seek out personal recommendations.
Whether they’re new to town or looking for a competitive rate, many people will ask friends, family or coworkers for recommendations on insurance agencies. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust personal recommendations from people they know. Make sure you’re at the top of the list by creating a positive reputation for yourself in your community.
Millennials care about corporate social responsibility.
Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, describes a commitment companies make to contribute to a better world through charitable actions, ethical business practice and more. While your agency may not be able to make the financial contributions of a company like Amazon, that doesn’t mean you can’t participate in this trend by becoming active in nonprofits in your community.
By doing so, you can help win over a key demographic with significant buying power—millennials. According to a study conducted by Cone Communications, about 91% of millennials would switch to a brand associated with a cause they believe in. We suggest choosing a charitable organization rooted in your community to maximize the impact of your efforts.
Insurance Marketing Ideas for Community Involvement
Are you ready to become more active in your community? Here are a few ways you can get started.
- Sponsor or coach a children’s sports team
- Join your local Chamber of Commerce
- Donate to the local schools
- Sponsor local events like fairs, farmers’ markets, etc.
- Volunteer at a local or regional nonprofit
- Donate to a local or regional nonprofit
- Help organize food and clothing drives
- Network with other business owners
- Develop cross-promotional efforts with other local leaders
Get More Insurance Marketing Ideas
To learn more ways to market your local agency, check out the Melon Local blog. Need a little more guidance? We can help. Reach out to the Melon Local team today.