Text messaging for insurance agents is the next frontier in client communication, but make sure you use it properly!
Did you know that by 2024 there will be 7 billion mobile users in the world? (Source: Statista) And mobile phone users are 4.5 times more likely to respond to a text than to an email (Source: Learning Hub). Stats aside, this information isn’t surprising. We see more and more businesses turning to texting as a way to communicate things like promotions, delivery updates, and reservations. So why not take advantage of text messaging for insurance agents? In the insurance industry, there are many reasons to incorporate text messaging into your business. From lead generation and lead nurturing, through client retention, text messaging can be an excellent tool to add to your communication toolbox. But before you start spam messaging clients, read these dos and don’ts of text messaging for insurance agents to learn some texting best practices.
Do obey the law
Do obey the lawWith consumer protections like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in place, it’s important to follow local and national laws and guidelines governing the use of text messaging. When exploring text messaging for insurance agents, it’s critical that agents and agencies obtain permission to text with prospects and clients. Likewise, agents and agencies must respect the wishes of clients and prospects who opt out of receiving texts and remove them from their text lists.
Don’t Text From Your Personal Phone Number (if you can help it)
This one is tricky because you want your clients to be able to get in touch with you and keep your contact information at their fingertips. But with emerging technologies available, there are ways to send text messages so that it looks like it’s coming from a different phone number. You can also receive these messages on your phone using an app. These third-party messaging tools are designed to protect you and your clients and remain in compliance with the TCPA and FCC regulations.
Do Keep Messages Short and Relevant
You may be tempted to reuse previously used email content and just send it as a text, but pump the brakes and reduce your word count! Less is more when it comes to sending texts to prospects and clients. Keep your messages to about 160 characters or less and make sure your message is relevant and better yet, actionable.
Don’t Send More Than One or Two Text Blasts a Month
The fastest way to get a client to opt out of your text campaigns is to spam them with text messages. Reserve your widespread text blasts for really important updates and promotions.
Do Track Your Text Messaging Activity
This is where different software services can really benefit your needs like software from Aline Phone Systems which tells you when messages are sent and delivered and saves all drafts automatically so you never lose a text. With Aline, you can also advertise a phone number on your website, business cards, and email signature dedicated to text messaging, so clients can text you any time.
Don’t Use Open-Ended Questions
When texting one-on-one with a client it’s best to use yes-or-no questions or questions that have two or three defined choices. Instead of texting a prospect “What time is good for you?” when texting to schedule a call, send them two options “Thursday at 2 pm or Friday at 10 am” This gives the prospect or client an easy way to respond quickly.
Do Use Text Messages to Send Reminders
Text messages are great to send reminders to clients regarding policy renewals, appointment reminders, and upcoming payment due dates. Depending on your formatting you can even send specific calendar appointments. Your client can save the appointment directly into their calendar, ensuring that your client won’t miss your next meeting.
Texting is here to stay so why not take advantage of it as you build your business. As with all technology, make sure you’re keeping up with advancements, software, and guidelines so you and your clients have a great communication experience.
Communicating with clients is the cornerstone of building rapport with clients. But how do you generate leads to begin that conversation? HBW Leads can help by providing you and your team with double-verified leads using their insurance and technology experts. With leads from HBW Leads, you’ll have more time to spend getting to know your clients and building your business.