Google+, as one of the newest players on the social media scene, poses a quandary for many independent insurance agents: you know you ought to use it, but you’re not quite sure how. This can result in anxiety, analysis paralysis, and a lack of forward progress that hinders your business. Well, no longer. Generating insurance leads and revenue from Google+ is surprisingly easy, once you get the basics down. Here are four tips to get you started today.
1. Use SEO and Strategic Keywords
SEO, or search engine optimization, essentially means attracting the attention of the web bots that dictate your online rankings. If you ignore them, you won’t get much traction with real people. One of the best ways to make the bots take notice is by using keywords, or words that users are already searching for. For insurance agents, you might mention the type of insurance you sell, the area in which you operate or your business name. We, for instance, would find a lot of value in the keywords “Southern Oak Insurance,” “Florida homeowners insurance” and “renters insurance policy.” If you aren’t sure about your keywords, conduct some online research using a keyword finder tool.
2. Make It Easy for Customers to Review You
Google+ reviews weigh heavily in your favor in Google’s algorithm. You simply need a Google+ account, customers who have a Google+ account (which is not the same as a Gmail account) and customers who are willing to help. Although it feels old-fashioned, the best approach is simply to ask. Follow up good client interactions with a polite request that they open a Google+ account (or upgrade their Gmail account) so they can leave reviews. If you want to make it even easier, add a link on your page that they can follow to leave a review, a process explained here. The more positive reviews you get, the more insurance leads will follow.
3. Strategically Disable Comments on Your Posts After a Period of Time
Post commenting is an excellent way to build a community, increase your following and use dialogue to highlight expertise. Don’t leave comments open forever, though. Cutting them off after a certain point allows you to control the conversation and have the last word, but in a good way. For instance, you might say something like “Thanks for all your ideas, everyone! Our insurance agents are already busy trying to incorporate them into our new processes. We’ll keep you updated!”
4. Schedule Your Posts for Maximum Impact
Scheduling posts isn’t a new idea, but is one that can have great impact on Google+. Your clients are more responsive at certain times, so start by experimenting to see when posts have the most impact. Once you find the best times, consider using a scheduling platform such as DoShare to write your posts ahead of time and push them out then.
Small business marketing with Google+ might feel difficult, but independent insurance agents who incorporate these steps into their routines, making them a daily habit, can’t go wrong. If you're interested in small business marketing on social media, download our free eBook: Using Social media to Generate Revenue - A Simple Guide for Insurance Agents.
