Eliminating the Hoops: Streamlining Business Practices
Are the inefficiencies of your business practices causing clients to jump through hoops? If so, you risk losing sale after sale—while putting your current client base on the proverbial chopping block.
To help you identify afflictions in your business practices, we've shed some light on common issues amid insurers so you can fix them for the future!
Effortless Web Layout
When it comes to your agency's Web site, the layout should be as clean and easy to navigate as possible, especially when it comes to informational articles and company information. You can get ideas for clear, distinguishable links by browsing other sites on the Web, picking some of your favorites and blending these methods into your own page.
If you don't yet have a Web site for your agency, it'd be a good idea to get one started. Not sure how to create a Web site or make changes to your existing site? Companies like SiteSolutions.com and FreeWebs.com can help you design a site to fit your agency.
The idea behind a clean, functional Web layout is that it's aesthetically pleasing to visitors and gives prospects a tool with which to learn about your business and related issues. A jumbled, unorganized site will overwhelm visitors and deter them from learning about your agency.
Hassle-free Contact
While incorporating a "frequently asked questions" (FAQ) section to your site is a great way to address common consumer questions, it's important to disclose your contact information or customer service number for prospects who have additional questions not covered in your FAQ.
Many sites are now incorporating guestbooks and enabling comments on Web sites and blogs to encourage visitors to ask questions and give feedback. These ideas may also foster new improvements in your general business practices.
Phone contact should also be as straightforward as possible; the frequency with which businesses employ automated answering services can be maddening to prospects and clients alike. Instead of putting callers through three or four phone menus, try to simplify options to fit in one menu. Or, increase your customer service staff to handle high call volume.
When it comes to contacting an insurer, the bottom line is this: consumers want to feel important and taken care of—any hindrance of that will send prospects and clients to an insurer who can fill the order.
Payment Options
Do you require clients to pay their premiums on a semi-annual or yearly basis? Do you require clients to pay by cash, check or money order via the United States Postal Service? If so, you could be deterring new prospects and leading current clients to seek a more flexible insurer.
With the hustle and bustle nature of the 21st century, expanding your methods of payment to fit an array of customers is a no-brainer.
Offering automatic bill pay, or automatically withdrawing the premium amount from the policyholder's checking account, is a great way to start. It helps clients avoid the hassle of paper mail and helps to ensure timely payment. In addition, automatic bill payment can drastically reduce the time and money spent on administrative duties. In fact, some insurers are now offering discounts to clients who sign up for automatic bill pay!
You can further expand your billing options by offering online payment via your Web site. This offers an additional convenience to clients who want to avoid paper mail but aren't comfortable with an automatic withdrawal. The key to online payment success is offering payment through a secure site. Companies like VeriSign can develop a secure site for your agency.
Allowing clients to schedule payments in advance or view their bill and billing history online is also great for Web-savvy clients. Prospects will also notice the ease with which they can do business with you—further enticing them to purchase a policy from you!
Streamline Your Business Practices Today.
When it comes to attracting new prospects and maintaining your current client base, simplifying your business practices can do wonders. Remember that every obstacle—no matter how small—can give clients time to change their mind and seek out an insurer who is more efficient!
This information was provided by InsureMe, the leader in online insurance leads for the insurance industry. Since 1993, InsureMe has helped thousands of insurance agents succeed in the insurance business by providing top quality leads that are both detailed and affordable. For more information on InsureMe leads, please visit our agent Web site at agent.insureme.com.
