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 independent insurance agent takes time, effort, and consistency. In addition, you must think about the tools you would need as an independent agent to make a success of your venture. Here we look at what these are.
Cohesive branding
No matter how good your services are, you would still need to market your agency to boost your brand awareness and expand your reach. Cohesive branding is essential to help you stand out.
At AAI, we spend a lot of time in the beginning stages helping each agent brand their agency, including logo design.
Social media
To market the independent agency, you need to focus your marketing efforts in the right place. Find out where your audience is, and find a way to connect. Social media is more useful than ever. No matter who your target audience is, there’s a very good chance that they will be on Facebook. Social media may be scary, but it is an essential marketing tool in this day and age.
We also encourage all of our agents to set up an independent website or a business Facebook page. Consistent branding boosts recognition and builds trust with clients.
Join a national trade association
Networking is crucial as that allows you to share knowledge and information with your peers. You can discuss best practices and get some ideas from them on running an agency. We recommend that all of our agents gain a competitive advantage by joining the local chapter of The Big I - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. Joining a national trade association is an excellent resource to gain valuable insights, tools, support, and advocacy.
Affordable American Insurance provides tools and guidance to make it easy to open an agency. When you join AAI you get the full force of our entire executive team behind you. You may be independent, but you are not alone.