Social Media: Why Insurance Brokers, Carriers and Agents Should Put It to Good Use

May 8, 2009 - We are in the midst of a revolution, and the insurance industry needs to take note. Social media, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogs, are changing the way people buy and sell insurance.

IdeaStar’s Mike Wise, expert at all things Web when it comes to insurance, recently discussed the effects of this renaissance on the insurance industry with social media expert Peter van Aartrijk, of Aartrijk, specialist in branding, public relations and editorial support for the insurance industry.

No doubt about it, the social Web is changing the way we communicate with clients. Van Aartrijk suggests the best thing to do is embrace the technology, not run from it.

“The younger agents understand and are using social media, as are the larger brokers,” van Aartrijk said. However there is a whole group in between – older agents and midsized groups, that seem to be falling by the wayside.

He noted agency Web sites should act as an agency’s busiest storefront. “I worry about calls agents don’t get because of their poor Web sites,” van Aartrijk said. Web visitors might naturally think if you aren’t taking care of your Web site, you also might not be taking care of your records.

Insurance agencies and companies need to pay attention to the Web. Prices have come down dramatically, and in some cases, you can establish a Web presence for free.

Blogs are important. You can tell about your products and services, or tell about your company’s involvement in the community – and that’s very powerful, van Aartrijk said. He added today’s customers are looking for something new. Insurers and their prospects can find it with Social Media.

Listen to Mike’s full discussion with Peter van Aartrijk. 

Questions? Call Mike Wise at 216-674-1600 ext. 116.