Going into your community is one of the best ways to make valuable connections with clients and notify them of your services as a reputable Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace insurance agent.
Unsure of where to get started? Follow our tips to under-65 health insurance marketing success.
Marketing with Social Media
Today, social media is a powerful tool that can be leveraged by agents to market themselves and network with clients. We recommend creating a social media presence across multiple platforms.
Suggested social media platforms for insurance agents:
Recently, small businesses and individuals have also seen success creating an online presence with TikTok.
You can reach clients in new and exciting ways by using TikTok to reach the more than 1.59 billion active users who use the app each month. The platform’s short-form content style allows you to give your clients quick pieces of information they need to know. Agents don’t need to be social media wizards to create powerful posts because of TikTok’s easy-to-use video editing tools that are built into the app.
Agents don’t need to be social media wizards to create powerful posts because of TikTok’s easy-to-use video editing tools that are built into the app.
Whatever app you choose to create a social presence, it’s important to remember that your audience is under age 65 and is most likely online! Create a powerful social media strategy to reach a variety of clients where they are.
More than five billion individuals use social media on a consistent basis, that’s just over 62 percent of the world’s population! Your potential future clients are likely online!
Leverage a quality social media strategy to connect with your community to source leads.
Marketing with Events
Your community is also your client base so practicing community engagement is crucial to your success as an independent agent. One benefit of selling ACA plans is the flexibility of regulations surrounding events.
Consider these event marketing options:
- Host a seminar to share carrier options and plan benefits
- Rent a vendor booth at a public event to engage with community members
- Visit community outreach locations such as food banks, public libraries, and local non-profits
Just remember, agents are not allowed to make eligibility determinations and must obtain consent to assist individuals in the marketplace.
Consider collecting contact information and consent forms to obtain quality leads.
Visit community outreach locations such as food banks, public libraries, and local non-profits to meet new clients.
CMS has created a model consent form to ease the stress of collecting that consent. Some states may have their own guidelines or forms to use (e.g., Georgia so be sure to check with your state’s DOI on what’s required.
Consider Your Branding Materials
One way to stand out as a business owner is to have high-impact, standout branding. We recommend that you develop a visual brand to foster recognition with clients and stand out among other vendors at a community event and other professionals in your field.
Your most powerful branding tool could be your business card. A creative, impactful business card is one way to stand out in potential clients’ wallets. We’ve discussed how to create a standout business card previously on our blog. Follow our suggestions to start making valuable connections with clients today.
Your most powerful branding tool could be your business card.
Many carriers also offer promotional flyers and resources to agents who are contracted with them. Check with your carriers to see if they have branded materials available for you to use in your office or at events!
As a Ritter agent, you have access to ShopRitterIM.com, our one-stop shop for branding materials. We offer print products, flyers, pens, and more to reach a wider audience! If you’re planning on attending community events, consider purchasing a tablecloth, with your branding featured on the front, to be easily identified by attendees!
Agents must register with Ritter and have at least one active contract through Ritter to purchase marketing materials on ShopRitterIM.com. Orders will be rejected if both requirements are not met.
Create Local Partnerships
Since clients can only sign up for a plan that is available in their proper marketplace or offers coverage in their area, we recommend researching local carriers and hospital networks to create partnerships.
When looking to develop partnerships, look into the organizations that sell products to your client base and offer services. Approach them and ask about partnership opportunities.
Local professionals who could make great partners:
- Tax preparers
- Group insurance agencies
- Attorneys or law firms
Community organizations that could be beneficial partners:
- Local libraries
- Food banks
- Small business owners
To get started, introduce yourself as a health insurance agent and mention that you’re looking to expand your services and that you’re considering a partnership to do so. Explain your current relationship (e.g., selling their plans/products, recommending clients to their offices, etc.).
Providers and hospitals could have your marketing materials available at local events or in their offices. While they’re not able to recommend a specific plan, they could offer your services instead. Be mindful to ensure that partnerships are both collaborative and high quality.
Foster your partnerships for years, and you’ll be more likely to continue to receive high-quality referrals for years. Maintain these connections with a purpose beyond making a sale, and your partners could develop this relationship even further.
Be mindful to ensure that partnerships are both collaborative and high-quality.
Looking for more advice on generating quality leads through referrals? Check out our eBook The Insurance Agent’s Guide to Generating Referrals!
Making new connections in your community and marketing yourself as a trusted agent is a great way to make new sales and develop your business. We know that getting started can be tricky, but we recommend following these tips!
If you’re not a Ritter agent, register for free today to have access to tools such as ShopRitterIM, our helpful Sales team, and a library of resources (including our Modern Marketing Guide)!
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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