Regardless of the field, when it comes to business, customer service is a massive part of making any given venture a success. In the field of independent insurance agents, this is doubly true. Customers are looking for someone they will potentially be working with for years. The importance of providing great service is paramount in this industry.
Today, we’re going to look at some basic things customers are looking for in their insurance agents, and how you can improve your customer service with this knowledge in hand. We’ll also show you how QQCatalyst can be the key to providing the best possible service to your clients.
5 Tips to Provide the Best Possible Customer Service
If you’ve ever worked in the service industry, be it waiting tables, or in retail, the skills you took from those jobs will come into play here. Insurance is an extremely competitive field, so proper customer service skills are consistently the edge that makes someone choose one company over another.
1. Be Transparent
You want your clients to feel like they can trust you, and part of this comes from showing a willingness for transparency both before and after the sales process. Encourage your potential clients to look at your background, through a check or by searching sites like The Better Business Bureau and the National Ethics Association. Tell them there is nothing in your past that you’re keeping from them.
By encouraging them to look and empowering them to do so, you’re showing that you have nothing to hide.
2. Make Time for One-on-One Interviews
People will want to meet you in person. After all, they will want to have confidence in you before entrusting you with their insurance needs. The business relationship between you and your clients can last for years, so make it easy for them to schedule a time to sit down with you and ask any questions they have. If you make them feel valued and respect their time, they will be far more likely to choose you. Offer to explain any and all of your services and methods so they are fully knowledgeable about you as an agent.
3. Make Sure Your Website is Comprehensive and Easy to Use
Clients will most likely find you through some sort of online interaction, which means that you need to put on a great first impression when they arrive. Provide a detailed breakdown of your experience and credentials in easy-to-read formats like bullet points or a timeline. Make it very simple and easy for customers to get a quote, via phone or online. Finally, sell your personality and the quality of your service so clients know who you are and how you will help them.
4. Put Yourself in Their Shoes
When you speak with prospective clients, remember that they are people with families, lives, and jobs. Get to know them by starting the conversation on a light note. Ask about these things and you will make them feel more at ease before you start to talk business. Making your potential clients feel comfortable is important, and ultimately they will feel better working with you if they feel valued by you.
5. Ask Customers to Spread the Word
If you have a great experience with a client, ask them to tell their friends and family about it. People have absolutely no problem recommending an agent to their friends and family, especially if they feel like the agent is knowledgeable and nice. By encouraging your clients to spread their positive stories about working with you, you’re providing a service to new clients before they even walk in the door!
The Key Ingredient: QQ Catalyst
Our premiere agency management software, QQCatalyst, does more than streamline and improve the speed of your work, it also empowers you to manage your customer relationships with innovative features like these:
- The ability to make notes to remind you to follow up. Notes like calling customers to check on them after an accident, for example.
- Utilize the renewal adjustment report to see any alternatives that would be better for your customers.
- Acquire new lines of business with X-Dates. The more services you offer customers, the more likely they are to stay with you.
Combine QQCatalyst with these customer service tips, and clients will see the difference you offer. Sign up today for a free 30-day trial of our software!
