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Planning for the year to come is an inevitable part of being a business owner. While not every success can be measured in dollars and cents, budgeting is at the core of everything you do as a business owner. Here are[...]

We put a lot of emphasis on evaluating leads and signing clients, but what are the following steps to growing your business? Client retention is an essential part of every growth strategy. Keep nurturing and dedicating[...]

Niche marketing is a sustainable business growth strategy to consider if you haven’t seen the growth you were hoping for this year.

The new year is approaching, and we’re all getting ready to start fresh with renewed purpose. January signals a new start, and there are infinite possibilities, so many entrepreneurs start a new business at the[...]

The new year is a popular start date for entrepreneurs and captive agents to take a leap of faith and start a business. While you’ll need to create a business plan, marketing plan and take care of all the practical[...]

As the new year approaches, every business starts to look ahead and set new goals. Digital marketing is becoming one of the main pillars of success. Without a strong digital presence, your business is going to stagnate[...]

Sales prospecting is essential to growing your independent insurance agency. Sales prospects are at a critical stage of the sales funnel. Having a plan to convert sales prospects into valuable clients is essential to[...]

You can learn a lot from the methods, tactics, and tools used by your competitors. Therefore, competitor research and analysis are essential aspects of growing an independent insurance agency. Whether you’re leading the[...]

If you’ve run through your end-of-year checklist and taken stock of your successes, failure, and progress, it’s time to look ahead to the new year to set big picture business objectives and make a plan for how to[...]

The world has gone mobile. If you aren’t focusing your efforts and using some resources to grow an online presence, you’re missing a major opportunity for growth. The majority of consumers will do some sort of research[...]

It’s that time of year again. Time for you to take a constructive look at your performance in 2021 and see how your annual business and marketing goals align with reality. Here’s a cohesive “end-of-year checklist” for[...]

To start and build a successful insurance agency is no easy feat. Success comes from a fundamental desire to be a part of the insurance industry, providing people with a service and products that have true value. While[...]

Engaging with your community will encourage the community to engage with your brand. Showing up at public events and supporting local initiatives will add credibility to your brand and build goodwill with your[...]

Two essential steps to succeeding as an independent insurance agency: discovering your unique selling proposition (USP) and defining a buyer persona. The two go hand in hand. Understanding who you are selling to and[...]

When was the last time you took the lead on organizing a networking event with your fellow independent agents or business owners? The past year and a half have created a huge void when it comes to networking. But it has[...]

Much of marketing is about how well you evaluate a business strategy. Evaluation gives insight into what’s working and what’s not, allowing you to react and make changes that save you money and help you achieve your[...]

There is no denying that running a business is a challenging, but rewarding, task. While you may have a solid business plan and innovative ideas that fill a gap in the market, it’s important to establish small business[...]

The primary objective of a marketing strategy is to provide solutions that meet the needs of your clients. However, while you want to prioritize clients outwardly, you can’t forget that you are running a business. You[...]

During the pandemic, many employees began to see the attraction of being independent and owning a business. When the world is chaotic, being independent is a way to gain back control. Because the insurance agents have[...]

The greatest tool you have as an independent agent is your personality and ability to connect and empathize with your clients. However, you can enhance your customer service skills and grow your business more[...]

The first step to successful marketing is preparation. There are many steps to signing a new client and making a sale; it’s a process and requires strategic thought and implementation. Let’s look at the preparation that[...]

Believe it or not, when the world around you feels chaotic, it may just be the right time to make a career change, especially if you’ve been feeling stuck. While many industries have suffered during the pandemic, many[...]

Being the victim of a data breach or ransomware will lose you more than money; you could lose your reputation. The loss of trust and confidence that follows a serious breach is harder to recover from than the financial[...]

It feels like the whole world has gone digital, especially when it comes to marketing. With a limited marketing budget, it’s important to spend wisely and focus on the right areas. However, the right way to market your[...]

The foundation of a long-lasting and profitable client relationship is value. Every move you make as an independent insurance agency owner should focus on providing value to your clients. Furthermore, Insurance agents[...]

The quickest way to increase revenue for an independent insurance agency is not to push products and services but to improve the client experience. All of your marketing objectives should begin and end with the client.[...]

A marketing strategy aims to attract the attention of potential consumers and guide their experience to - hopefully - result in conversions and sales. However, once you’ve converted a prospect, you immediately need to[...]

The first step to starting a business is writing a business plan, state your mission, and set actionable, measurable, and achievable goals. The second step is to follow through, and that's the hard part. We help[...]

The insurance industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. At Affordable American Insurance, we help independent insurance agency owners start and grow their businesses by always staying on top of the latest[...]

You need experience and insight into any industry you want to pursue and insurance is no different. However, you need more than technical experience and education to become an independent insurance agent, you need to[...]

The insurance industry is a promising one with constant demand and a never-ending stream of potential clients. Insurance is a dynamic industry that is always evolving. The insurance industry has proven time and time[...]

You need to cultivate your brand to grow your business, which means creating content and building a social media following. Creating and sharing valuable and relevant content on social media takes time. Time that is not[...]

A good marketing strategy is essential to elevating your independent insurance agency into a quality business that is focused on reaching your ideal client base and target demographic. Not only should a marketing[...]

Starting an independent insurance agency takes a lot of guts and ambition. Branching out on your own in such a big way comes with its potential financial implications, worrying about building the right team, and finding[...]

As a captive agent, you’re working in the best interests of the insurance provider, which is not always in line with the needs of the client. While there is safety in a captive position, there is limited room to grow.[...]

Success in the insurance industry relies significantly on how you cultivate client relationships and build trust with clients. Your ability to attract and keep clients can make or break your potential as an independent[...]

A career in the insurance industry can provide you with security and longevity and is one of few careers that have proven to be both recession and pandemic-resistant. Most people start in a position as a captive agent,[...]

The difference between being a boss vs. a leader is all about tactics. A boss will manage employees and the day-to-day, sometimes even micromanage, while a leader will inspire and empower. When you run a business, like[...]

Building relationships with other professionals is one of the fundamental steps to succeeding as an independent business owner, whether you’re opening an independent insurance agency or any other business. However,[...]

The success of an independent insurance agency depends on how well you maneuver around the never-ending cycle of reaching and converting clients. Growing a client base comes down to marketing and referrals. Marketing is[...]

Social media marketing has become a rallying cry here at Affordable American Insurance. While we have no stake in any social media platform, we do have a stake in the success of our members, and social media is the one[...]

There are two essential business concepts that appear similar but should be treated separately; your brand and your business. Building a brand will help define your business, while your business strategy will focus on[...]

Before you make the leap from captive to an independent agent, you need to define your brand. The brand is the essence of your agency, the personal side of your agency. Not to put too much pressure on defining your[...]

In this article, we're going to explore a common query we get from captive agents transitioning to independent insurance agents: How do you choose an insurance niche without limiting your growth potential? Keeping your[...]

To market your business, you need a solid understanding of who your potential clients are. Writing a client profile is the foundation of your business and marketing success. When you know whom you are selling to, you[...]

Social media is the making or breaking factor for many businesses today. The benefits that social media platforms provide have created a new way for companies to reach their customer base, and in turn, boost their[...]

When it comes to digital marketing, the question we always get is: where do I start? In a sea of ever-changing technology, there is one digital marketing tool that no independent insurance agency should go without, and[...]

Once your agency starts to take off, it’s time to hire more producers to keep your growth momentum going. While you want to hire someone with experience, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and change the insurance[...]

Hiring for your independent insurance agency may seem like a priority, but when you first start, the only employee you need is you! Being able to wear many hats and run your agency by yourself is one of the toughest[...]

Digital marketing can enhance awareness for your independent insurance agency, and help compete with other agencies in your area.

Knowing how to qualify a lead is an essential part of your sales process, and yet it can be a bit mysterious. So, let's take a closer look at lead qualification: what it is, why it’s important, and what to look for in a[...]

In the past, insurance agencies always operated within quite traditional business models. The sales processes and products of insurance agencies went unchanged for decades. Today, innovative technological advances are[...]

When you leave a captive job to become an independent agent you open up new opportunities for growth and increased profits. That being said, it’s a scary step for insurance agents to move from captive to independent[...]

To succeed as an independent insurance agency, it is essential to have effective marketing and growth strategies. But how do you know which strategies are working and which are not? The answer is simple: analytics!

When you’re naming your independent insurance agency, it’s important to get it right the first time, so be thoughtful. Your insurance agency’s name will help define your overall brand, and having to rename or rebrand[...]

There is no way to avoid it; if your agency doesn’t have a social media presence yet, now is the time. A recent industry study finds that social media marketing is the top marketing strategy used by successful[...]

Networking is an essential aspect of succeeding in the insurance industry. Our industry’s lifeblood is to become a trusted and sought-after insurance resource for your target audience in the local community; the more[...]

A marketing funnel captures the path prospects will travel - typically online - from needing your services to signing with your agency. Your marketing funnel will try to anticipate a client's needs and take proactive[...]

When welcoming new clients to your independent agency, you have to create an environment that makes them feel valued right away. A good onboarding packet makes that introduction process more seamless. It provides your[...]

Marketing is a major component of starting a business. Writing a marketing plan is a realistic and detailed plan of action to position your independent agency in the best light possible and ensure the best client[...]

The insurance industry has proven itself to be both pandemic and recession-proof. Uncertain times tend to highlight the need for insurance and protection. However, some clients have had to cut back on their insurance[...]

A business plan is an essential first step to getting your agency up and running, and a helpful tool to help you voice your mission, vision, and goals and implementing a detailed plan for achieving each goal. You need[...]

Before you start selling your clients on the value of insurance, you need to make sure your own insurance portfolio is in order. As an independent agent, just like any business, you need to protect your business and[...]

For captive agents, going independent will open up a new world of possibilities and opportunities. Being independent means you get a chance to make an impact on the industry and use all your knowledge and experience in[...]

Having a good client onboarding process available when you sign new clients makes the transitional process a lot easier and establishes trust immediately. It’s the first step towards a professional relationship,[...]

Core values help define your agency's mission and are crucial in forging strong client relationships. There is a lot of competition out there for independent agents; what sets you apart is your ability to connect with[...]

A brand voice should be authentic to you, your agency, and target audience. Your client communications tone and style and your marketing strategy should reflect your industry and products and match your audience’s[...]

Like just about any other industry right now, COVID-19 has forced the insurance industry to evolve with the times. When debating COVID and insurance, you factor in that insurers have been increasing their communication[...]

Building a brand is essential when trying to give your independent agency an identity that stands out to clients before you even say a word. Branding an independent insurance agency is essential, both through digital[...]

Evaluating client relationships is a vital aspect of running a successful agency. With every client, you have to determine the long-term value. Will this client be worth your time and energy? The cost of maintaining a[...]

Being a successful independent insurance agency can lead to higher commissions, increased close ratio, and other enticing benefits. But starting an independent agency and achieving those goals takes planning and[...]

Any growing business needs both a physical and digital presence to improve outreach, which is no different in the insurance industry. When you’re signing a new client, you need to find a way to approach clients and have[...]

Signing clients is one of the biggest challenges of running an independent insurance agency. Many agents find the process of signing the first client to be the most difficult aspect of establishing an agency. While you[...]

Referral programs are an effective tool to generate more leads. They encourage current clients to recommend your services to their connections, which brings more prospects to your doorstep. A well-managed program can[...]

Insurance is a rich field full of interesting business opportunities, but you have to put in the time and the dedication to make it successful. Sometimes, the first steps to starting a business are the hardest. Once you[...]

The younger generations need insurance more than ever. They face rising healthcare costs, financial uncertainty, and a volatile market. A large portion of this demographic is either uninsured or underinsured. They have[...]

Insurance is a vast field that falls into personal and commercial insurance. While you want to be able to sell every type of personal insurance - home, auto, & life - selling commercial insurance is a different story.[...]

Insurance agents can only sell policies if they authorization from insurance providers. New professionals often find getting carrier appointments challenging because it involves proof of past performance, a lot of hard[...]

Selling home insurance means that you need to be able to get access to new homeowners. As an independent agent you already have a leg up, as you are intimately familiar with your local market and your local community,[...]

Communications technology has had a big impact on how we work. While remote work has improved the work-life balance, and increased productivity in many cases, working remotely isn’t without risks, especially for the[...]

Any business owner understands that they need to have a solid marketing plan in place. Without marketing, your client list won’t grow beyond your immediate family, maybe a cousin or two. You have to announce yourself to[...]

Sales are what propels an independent insurance agent forward. Without consistent sales, you will stagnate and have no revenue or future. As an independent agent, you are your own best marketing tool. You are the brand[...]

The pandemic has rocked every industry, leaving many unemployed and looking for new career choices as their old industry is suffering. When people start to look for a new career path, there’s one requirement that weighs[...]

As an insurance agent, it is your job to provide your clients with accurate information, guidance, and details about the different insurance products available. This approach will help them make better decisions about[...]

Insurance agents have an important job. They help people make crucial decisions regarding Casualty, auto, life, disability, commercial, health, and other insurance policies. Not everyone has the traits necessary to[...]

There is a reason captive agents are “captive”; you are, quite literally, being held captive by one insurance provider. While being a captive agent can give you experience in the insurance industry, many quickly find[...]

If you are a first-time insurance agent, you would be eager to build a strong client base. However, it would be a folly to sign every prospect that you meet. It is crucial to be scrupulous about the clients that you[...]

When you start out on your journey of becoming an independent insurance agent, you will find that it takes a significant amount of effort, time, and consistency to build a good client base. This industry is quite[...]

The insurance industry is quite competitive. As a growing independent agency, you need to do everything possible to make your mark and improve your profitability. Sometimes, this may seem easier said than done. However,[...]

These days, clients look for more than a great product; they want an experience. To grow your agency, you need to improve the client experience.

When it comes to marketing strategies for agency owners, social media plays a crucial role. Including social media in your overall marketing efforts can help you reach a wider audience and create the impact you want to[...]

Creating a safe and healthy environment The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work. Both clients and your employees are itching for some face-to-face human contact, but they need assurances that it’s[...]

When you open an agency, you take many measures and follow various processes to succeed. You market and advertise your business, create an agency website, and provide personalized and customized services to your[...]

Building any business, even setting up an independent insurance agency, involves monetary investment, effort, time, and worry. You have to maintain consistency in your marketing and advertising efforts and look for[...]

If you want to open an independent agency, you need to take a multi-pronged approach to the process. You must conduct research, discuss your plans, and be prudent about the choices you make. Like any business, being an[...]

Transitioning From Captive to Independent Leaving Your Captive Agency