8 Social Media Tips for Life Insurance Agents

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on 1/24/16 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehension.

Social media is not just a way to communicate with friends and family.

In fact, life insurance agents can use social media as a prospecting tool to drive sales. You just have to know how to use it correctly for this specific purpose and commit the time to build relationships on the platform.

Think of it this way: Lots of people are on social media. In fact, 79% of all adults are active on social media.

That’s a huge audience you can’t risk ignoring.

Social media users aren’t just posting for the benefit of their friends and family, either. They’re posting with businesses and brands – and you could be one of them.

Social media is absolutely a viable tool that can help you keep existing customers and build a storehouse of new ones.

How?

It lets you interact with prospects who are looking for information about insurance – and to be sure, they’re looking for it online. You need to be there.

At least, if you want to get results.

You need to be where the clients and prospects are and interacting in a way in which that they’re comfortable.

Otherwise, your prospecting efforts are going to feel like you’re waging an uphill battle, instead of coasting down the mountain with ease.

If you’re ready to prospect using social media, here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a platform

You can’t be everywhere at once.

In terms of social media, it’s ideal to choose one platform and grow your audience there. Then, move onto another platform.

For most life insurance producers, Instagram or Facebook is a good place to start. These two social media networks have some of the largest and broadest audiences, and the tools let you send targeted messages.

2. Get help

Regardless of your social media prowess, use free tools or a paid social media service to quickly drive growth. The tool should help with finding followers, scheduling posts, etc.

3. Create messages

This part should come easily. Use the same strategies to sell your services online as you do in person.

What makes you unique? What are your strengths? How can you educate prospects about insurance? What do they need to know?

Content should run the gamut from self-promotional to educational to inspirational.

4. Play up your local presence

Don’t try to win clients everywhere.

Start with your region and broadcast community events. Local residents will take notice and follow your profile.

5. Use visuals

Every social media platform allows you to post graphics or images. Take advantage of visual posts – which get 94% more views – with every message that you send.

6. Elevate your brand

Publish testimonials from satisfied customers on your social media account to capitalize on the power of word-of-mouth.

7. Blend online and offline efforts

Let customers know that you’re online and encourage them to follow you to stay in the loop.

8. Watch the ROI

As with any prospecting efforts, return on investment matters.

Monitor your account for reach and engagement. Set up tools to track prospects that interact with you and gather data to inform future content marketing prospecting efforts.

The bottom line

Social media drives results for life insurance agents. It’s a great way to attract new prospects, stay in touch with existing clients and extend your reach into new audiences.