From an outside perspective, the insurance industry revolves around policies, claims, and fine print. While this stuff is important, as an insurance agent you know that these are just small aspects of the sector. What really drives the business is client relationships and experiences. Fostering relationships with clients that last for years into the future depends on your ability to make them happy. This could be by getting them a policy that fits their families needs. For others it could be finding them the most affordable insurance package. At the end of the day, it’s your job to vet each person, and come up with solutions that align with their needs. With that said, the best agents don’t stop here, but instead go above and beyond. The best way to do this is by expressing your appreciation.
The genuine expression of appreciation cannot be overstated. Think about how positive feedback makes you feel good, and keeps you moving in the right direction. It’s similar when it comes to your clients. By showing your appreciation, clients will be pleased knowing that you care about their wellbeing and their business. In turn, when it comes time to renew they’ll likely want to come back instead of shopping around. While it may seem like there are only so many ways to show appreciation, we’ve come up with some fun and unique ideas. By implementing some of these into your client relationships, the impact you have on their lives will be evident.
What Client Appreciation Can Do For You
Showing appreciation should come from a place of humility and honesty, but that doesn’t mean it won’t benefit you. Here are some reasons why expressing appreciation is so significant in the world of insurance:
- Customer Referrals: Going above and beyond can make your clients want to recommend your services to friends and family. While any new client is valuable, referred clients are even more valuable. This is because they have heard first hand accounts of you, and you share a common connection.
- Increased Renewals: We’ve touched on this briefly already, but having good rapport with a client encourages them to keep coming back. After a few years, renewals often turn into clients who you won’t have to worry about selling to. This is due to the fact that they already know you’re credible and have their best interests in mind.
- Positive Reviews and Testimonials: Satisfied clients can also serve as a great marketing tool. The better a relationship is, the more likely the client will want to write you a great review. When interested consumers see how happy you’ve made other people, they’ll be more encouraged to reach out to you.
Unique Ways to Show Your Appreciation
1.Handwritten Notes
With the prevalence of digital communication in the modern era, a handwritten note stands as a sign of sincerity. When writing notes, try to show how gracious you feel about the client at hand being loyal and trusting. Another great element to include is a specific moment in the relationship. This could be when you first met, or when you helped them through a stressful situation. No matter the specifics, this will make the note feel more personal. Using a notecard or stationary with your brand or logo present will give the note a touch of professionalism.
2.Personalized Gifts
A personalized is a great way to show your appreciation by brightening your clients day. The great thing about gifts is that you can get as creative as you want. With that said, try to make it something that aligns with their interests. Some ideas include: a company-branded t-shirt or hat, a coffee mug, a gift card to a restaurant, a subscription to a magazine, a blanket, or anything else you can think of! Clients will likely appreciate the value of the gift, and whenever they see it they will think of you.
3.Customize Video Messages
An easy and effective way to show your gratitude is by making personalized video content. Try recording a video that is customized to the client at hand expressing how happy you are with the relationship. In the video, be sure to have an upbeat attitude, and call them out by name. This is an advantage that you have in videos opposed to written notes, since you can display your emotions. If you want to go the extra mile, try talking about an experience that you’ve shared together. Once the video looks good, you can then send it via email, text or through a client portal.
4.Client Appreciation Day or Events
Incorporating a client appreciation event or designated day, is a great way to connect with clients in-person. Events like lunches, dinners, mixers and themed parties are all great ideas. These events are awesome because they not only let you interact with clients, but clients can interact with each other. Try planning out activities or having a guest speaker talk. In-person events can go a long way, helping you to showcase your commitment to the relationships you’ve established.
5.Perks and Benefits
Try surprising your clients with added perks or benefits that will help them in some way. This could be a discount on their premium, access to a rewards program, or a chance to win some sort of prize. The options are limitless, but the point is that the element of surprise will make them happy and engaged with the relationship. While this isn’t something you’ll want to do every month, try doing it periodically like twice a year or once per quarter.
6.Referral Rewards Programs
Referral rewards programs have a direct benefit to both you and your clients. These programs are generally run through your website or portal, and are quite simple. The way they work is — every time a client refers a friend or family member they will get a point. Once they reach a certain number of points, they can get some type of reward. This could be a discount or a physical prize. You can also try regularly updating the rewards to keep things exciting. Clients will be pleased with the prizes they receive, and you’ll likely benefit by getting more potential clients.
7.Client Spotlights
Incorporating “Client Spotlights” onto your website or social media page is another unique way to show appreciation. With their permission of course, you can celebrate a client by showcasing their story related to your agency. Usually, the topic of these stories explain how your services positively impact their life. This tends to excite clients, since for a moment they are the star of the show. It also positively reinforces your brand in a place where many eyes can take notice.
8.Customized “Thank You” Cards
“Thank You” cards are similar to personalized notes but with a more specific spin. These cards are great to send out on certain occasions such as renewal dates, or client anniversaries. “Thank You” cards allow you to bridge the gap between being personal and professional. To do so, write a message that is personalized to them, while also incorporating your brand. A great way to add personal touch is by selecting a card that you think they would like. For example, if you know they are a football fan, get them a sports themed card. All in all, you never want these to come off generic, like you’re sending the same message to every client. Instead, take the time to make each client feel special in their own way.
9.Access to Exclusive Workshops or Webinars
For your most loyal and trusted clients, a great token of appreciation is inviting them to a webinar or workshop. It may not seem important, but using the word “exclusive,” can make clients feel especially valued. These events can be very useful for clients as they can provide them with insightful information to use going forward. These events could cover a plethora of different topics. Some ideas include risk management, new insurance technology, or financial planning for the future. You can also incorporate a guest speaker or industry expert, to allow clients to get the most out of the experience.
In a Nutshell
Showcasing client appreciation should be a genuine effort, but it also can provide you with many benefits. By being grateful, you can open the doors to opportunities like renewals, referrals, positive reviews and testimonials, all of which are valuable to your business. In this endeavor you must remember that showing gratitude is not a one-time thing. Instead, by putting in the effort regularly, you will encourage your relationships to flourish into the future. While it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of your agency, you can’t undervalue your clients. Without them, there would be no insurance agencies, so make sure to pay it forward. In turn, your clients will remain loyal, satisfied, and be happy to call you their agent.
Taking good care of your clients is an essential part of the insurance industry. An equally important part is finding new clients, and we’re here to help! At Benepath we specialize in insurance lead generation, helping to connect agents with the most interested consumers. We pride ourselves on quality, and that’s why all of our leads are both exclusive and produced in real-time. We offer both data leads and inbound phone calls in a variety of insurance verticals. This includes individual health, group health, and commercial insurance. If you’re interested in seeing what our leads can do for you, fill out a form or give us a call at 888-684-3121.
