April 24, 2025 - Illinois Insurance Agent Andrew Blevins didn’t take the typical path to insurance, but his path has made all the difference.
After more than a decade managing Broadway productions across the country, the COVID pandemic forced Andrew into a new career path as an insurance agent. What started as a pandemic pivot quickly turned into a passion, combining his creative edge and problem-solving mindset with a deep-rooted commitment to his community.
But like many agents new to the industry, Andrew found himself searching for a marketing partner who could match his drive — someone who could break the mold and help him stand out in a saturated market, expand into neighboring states and focus on long-term growth. That’s when he discovered Melon Local.
Since joining The Patch, Andrew’s agency has better leads, better SEO and a better understanding of how to make marketing work for him, not the other way around.
We caught up with Andrew to hear more about his journey from Broadway to business owner, the importance of finding your niche, and how Melon helped bring it all together.
Melon Local: Before you partnered with Melon Local, were there any challenges you ran into with marketing your agency?
Andrew Blevins: For me, it was about learning and understanding the marketing world in a stronger light and getting a better education on how to make sure that what I’m doing is worthwhile and fruitful. I didn’t really have much marketing experience. What I liked about Melon Local was that they were willing to do stuff that’s different from what the common trend is. I have aimed my marketing approach not to do the same traditional approach that everybody else is doing.
Melon Local: Can you talk a little bit more about some of the notable results you’ve achieved since joining Melon Local?
Andrew Blevins: Our growth that we had last year was the highest we’ve had yet. And I think it’s in part thanks to the marketing efforts that we’re putting out there because we hit leads a little heavier once we switched to Melon Local. Joining Melon Local has been very beneficial in terms of our growth year-over-year. And, you know, even continuing into this year, we’ve already started off on a strong note as well!
Melon Local: Glad to hear we’ve helped you grow your agency! Anything that’s stood out recently?
Andrew Blevins: We’re still getting pretty good results with getting in front of people, and more of the right people. Our marketing through Melon Local has put us in front of more homeowners as opposed to the single-line customers or just the auto customers in a challenging homeowners market. Our online leads closing rate is around 20 to 25 percent, and we’re getting a return on investment with the SEO marketing. The quality of clients has also improved significantly. It’s not just about numbers. It’s about the ability to retain the ability to cross-sell and offer more than just what we were doing.
Melon Local: Has Melon Local helped support you more authentically within your community?
Andrew Blevins: Overall, Melon has made a big difference in that effort and has done a very good job of helping us build our Google Business Profile. Before Melon, I wasn’t doing much in terms of sharing photos or responding to reviews. Melon has done great at encouraging these things and making sure we’re maintaining our SEO presence as well. Our Google presence is one of the strongest in our community.
Melon Local: How has your Client Success Manager empowered your marketing efforts?
Andrew Blevins: I have to give her credit for trying to keep up with me and all my questions about how this works. She’s been very patient and understanding of where we’re going to continue to modify this and find the areas that are better or slower than what they have been in the past. She’s been a great educator. Whether I decide to increase my activity or change anything else up, I feel more empowered to do so because of the education.
Melon Local: Have any advice for new agents trying to achieve a similar level of growth?
Andrew Blevins: Learn how you want to market yourself personally and your brand. Hone in and figure out what that image is going to be and tailor your system around that. I think there are too many people who just want to try everything and do everything they can, but some stuff is going to stand out more for you personally than what everyone else does as well. It’s important to identify your niche and determine what you want your personal brand to be. That’s where Melon has helped me out.
Ready to break the mold and make your marketing One in a Melon? We’re ready to grow when you are! Freshen up your marketing by scheduling a demo with Melon Local today!