Websites are like business cards: Everybody has one. So, how can you get customers to find yours among millions of others? Most recommendations about marketing a website focus on guess what? Online tools. Send e-mails. Send thousands of e-mails. Post to other websites. Register with search engines. Buy or exchange ad banners with other sites.
However, because most people spend most of their time offline, it makes sense to market your website offline, too. How many of these proven offline marketing tools are you using?

“Moments of truth” occurs whenever CSRs and producers talk to a customer on the phone or in person. It’s important that each member of the agency be prepared for this contact. The impression left with the client or prospect will determine their future relationship with your agency. Because the ultimate goal of any business is to obtain and retain customers, it’s essential for you to create the proper image at the moment of truth. Some of the key factors in managing the moment of truth are:

What Is Customer Service? Customer service in an insurance agency consists of four specific functions: Processing, professional advice, production, and positive communication.

The Agency Profitability Audit consists of five stages:
• Analyze the Available Data
• Understand the Agency’s Objectives
• Determine the Agency’s Assets and Course of Action
• Inform All Personnel and Companies of the Course of Action
• Transact the Procedures and Practices Needed To Attain the Established Objectives

Nearly all agency systems and procedures revolve around the use of Agency Management Systems and other third-party software. Proper training and usage of these systems will result in reducing Errors and Omissions losses. There are nine steps that an agency should take.

Almost two years ago, after 10 years of consulting, I accepted a temporary assignment of managing an independent agency that generated 85% of its income from Property/Casualty Lines and 15% from Life, Health, and financial services products.

Although the reasons to plan are as endless as the individual needs of each agency, there are a number of common factors. Jack Fries reviews the importance of planning to your agency's success.

Developing new business is an integral part of every insurance agent’s regimen. There are endless ways to go about looking for new business. Jack Fries explains why successful agents must know how to focus their efforts to engage in the most efficient methods possible.

Now that you’ve decided on the markets to pursue and your marketing approach, it’s time to initiate the plan. In this final article of a three-part series Jack Fries discusses the steps you’ll take to implement a successful marketing and sales strategy.

Jack Fries looks into the differences between agencies that sell and retain a lot of business and those that don't. This applies to not only the sales people, but to the CSRs, who have the responsibility of account development.