#INSchat for Insurance Marketing Covers Location-Based Services

It’s true; social media appears to be changing almost every day; the latest networking initiative—location-based services.

We have seen location-based marketing tools such as Foursquare, Gowalla and now Facebook Places and Deals take the retail industry by storm. Stores are leveraging the power of mobile marketing to attract new customers and keep their current spenders coming back for more. So how can insurance agencies take advantage of these new applications?

The third ever #INSchat focused on the evolution and importance of location-based services and how agencies can adopt and adapt thee platforms to help strengthen their social marketing strategy.

The Insurance Marketing HQ team commends all of those who participated in the fast-paced discussion; here you will find a transcript with some of the most influential questions and highlights. A copy of the full transcript is also available below:

Question 1: What LBS social media platforms are a must for agency marketers? #INSchat

@Berry_Insurance: #Foursquare #GooglePlaces #FacebookPlaces #INSchat

@PRnick: Yelp and AngiesList aren’t LBS by definition, but ppl need to be aware since customers can leave comments/reviews in real time. #INSchat

@cbanksindy: @PRnick Yelp just added checking in option to their app… #INSchat

@InsuranceMHQ: Facebook Places, foursquare and gowalla are popular ones! #INSchat

@BravuraLeads: I’m going to bet on Facebook Places to become more and more relevant #INSchat

Question 2: What is the best way to use Foursquare for your agency?

@melnazar: Get your agency employees to check in whenever they are at local events, locations, etc. #INSchat

@javerlin74: tough to offer specials for agency. Partner with client. Check in at Tim Hortons and Agency get a quote and receive free coffee. #INSchat

@PRnick: Leaving a roadmap of where we’ve been and which client’s we’ve visited. Show niches, leave tips and highlight customers. #INSchat

@InsuranceMHQ: @javerlin74 Great idea! Checking into partner venues, need to be careful with offering quotes and deals together! #INSchat

@Astonish_Kelly: Agencies have to set clear goals for #Foursquare; check out what other small businesses are doing: http://bit.ly/fxHwEq #INSchat

@EricLeist: A tip-oriented 4sq campaign works for home & auto agencies. Check into a local car dealer/real estate; get a tip from an ins agent #INSchat

@marshberrywest: be on the lookout to create your own badge when the capability becomes available #INSchat

@RitaAtNClife: Definitely RT @IWCPKevin: Checking in at your business clients and/or shout about their services. Help make your clients money! #INSchat

Question 3: How can your agency leverage Facebook deals?

@EricLeist: Fb Deals could be huge to reach GenY esp. when combined w/ Fb ads. Could give away anything just to get them in the door. #INSchat

@InsuranceMHQ: @maia_melissa Offering coffee or pizza (without mentioning quote) will get foot traffic, then pitch will be your part. #INSchat

@greggweiss: “Special Nearby” is the best way to bring someone in the door for a small biz. @InsuranceMHQ @foursquare #INSchat

@ReyInsurance: i have found, unfortunately, non-insurance related topics drive the most response/engagement. contests w/a prize w/i state regs #INSchat

Question 5: What type of information should an agency provide on these network listings?

@Berry_Insurance: website, telephone, contact person. #INSchat

@InsuranceMHQ: Customize! Different networks have different options but it?s important that you do as much as you can to build out your listing. #INSchat

Question 6: How much do you push customer reviews on your local listings (such as Google Local)?

@Berrys_Amanda: ask customers for testimonials; send them the link in an email, so they know exactly where to go! #INSchat

@astonish_alicia: Don’t put fake reviews! #INSchat Q6: How do you push customer reviews on your local listings?

@GarryInsurance: We have found that just asking works the best. Why wouldn’t we, when we know we have helped them & provided top notch service #INSchat

Eager for more insight regarding location-based services—view the full #INSchat transcript here!