Five key steps to grow your agency

Having a plan for your agency is an opportunity to start fresh, reflect on your agency's progress and look at what you can improve to take your business to the next level. Setting up an 'end of the year' meeting with your team is a great way to get feedback and create a to-do list for next year. To help you get started, our team put together Five key steps to grow your agency to consider.

1. Promote your agency on social media

   More than 80% of consumers say that companies on social media influence their purchases.¹ To attract customers in a cost effective way, this has to be a priority. If you're not active on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, Foremost has the tools to help you get started. Our Social Media Guide is available online 24/7 to help you with all three social media platforms! Click here for a digital copy of our Social Media Guide. If you want a free hardcopy, contact your marketing representative.

2. Set up a referral strategy for customers.

   Consumers rely on word-of-mouth 10 times more than paid media.² That beats online advertising, ads on television and on the radio!² One way to ask for referrals from your customers is in your email signature. For example, you say something like, "Want to win a $50 gift card? Click here to refer a friend." Please be sure that any referral offer you make to your customers is in compliance with your state's rules for such activities. Awarding gift cards may not be allowable in all states. And lastly - remember that reviews are referrals, too! Ask your customers to write a review about your agency on your Google or Facebook page for potential customers to view.

3. Start an email newsletter or blog.

   Send a digital newsletter monthly or quarterly to your customers and business contacts. You don't need to write long articles, it's best to keep it short and sweet! Topics can range from community activities to insurance-related news… just make sure the content is relevant to your customers. If its summer you can share boat safety tips, and during the winter let them know you offer the best snowmobile insurance in town! Blogs are another great way for your customers to get acquainted with your business and learn about the products you offer. Just don't forget to promote them on social media! A reminder - you can find unbranded seasonally-appropriate content at our Social Media Suitcase site at here.

4. Get involved in your community.

   Get your name out there! Volunteer for events, join a local workout class, donate your resources to people in need or organize your own event! You'll be surprised at the opportunities right in front of you when you become more aware of them. It gives you a chance to learn about the people in your community, and them about you and your business.

5. Become a specialist in a new product.

   Many consumers prefer to get advice from a specialist. As a specialist, you can help your customers choose the right coverage for their risk. Foremost Education offers specialist designation courses in Digital Marketing, Landlord and Rental Property Insurance, Manufactured Home Insurance and Marine Insurance. Our designation programs are only offered in January, April, July and October and are free to enroll in. Once enrollment is open, agencies will receive an email from Foremost letting them know how to enroll and the deadline to complete the courses.

By following these five easy steps, you can build a more successful and profitable agency!

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