I like the design. The pictures are nice and professional. A quote button is almost expected, I wouldn't think it would be overwhelming.
I am toying with the idea of removing "instant quotes" from my one website (termsales.com) and going with a not-so-instant quote like on my other sites (leveltermquotes.com, poconofinancial.com, worldfinancialservices.com, etc...)
Once someone sees an "instant quote" it can get stuck in their head. This can be a problem if the client does not qualify for the product that they saw on the website. But I digress...
A professional website is paramount. As long as it's not too busy and is simple and to the point, you will be fine. I think it's fine having a ton of info, just not on the main pages. Allow the visitor to drill down for the "meat and potatoes", which you can add as time goes on.
------------------------------------ Len Perroots
Tannersville, PA
Las Vegas, NV
I can understand that point. I don't think it's dishonest to say "we" though. It's hard to just say "I" on a website. I don't do it on termsales.com but I do on poconofinancial.com (I didn't even realize it), but on both pages I hold myself out as "the" agent.
You may be a single agent, and the public may expect that while you are the only licensed person, you may have an assistant. My wife helps me out where needed, so I suppose I qualify to use "we".
On some of my other sites I use the word "we" because I am not advertising myself directly. It's all about marketing. I do not think it's deceptive in this context.
Tell me more about what you can do to help me or teach me about stuff I don't know about. Let me know why it is important to use your services.
You need more meat and potatoes on that website, if you know what I mean. I love what you have so far, but I want more.
------------------------------------
Mark Rosenthal aka markingriffin
IMO/Ins Agent/Agent Trainer/Free Advice markcrosenthal@aol.comwww.realfastservice.com
Please visit mywebsite to learn more about me.
Email me for my Free Prospecting MP3 Tapes.
[COLOR=black]Thanks again for the comments[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]So how does one get a term quote engine? Should I have my web guy do the basic one where the clients inputs their information and the amount of insurance, and I run it myself? [/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Meat and potatoes will be on the financial articles, it will explain various products and why they need to know how these products work. [/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Thanks again for the comments[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]So how does one get a term quote engine? Should I have my web guy do the basic one where the clients inputs their information and the amount of insurance, and I run it myself? [/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Meat and potatoes will be on the financial articles, it will explain various products and why they need to know how these products work. [/COLOR]
I am beginning to think term quote engines are not so great. I have one on termsales.com. Lots of companies make them, very FEW do it well (in my opinion). I do not like quote engines that navigate the user away from yourdomain.com, as many of them do.
My quote engine is part of my Aliss CRM system. I embedded it using an iframe in my termsales.com site, but as I said, I'm thinking of 86ing it. The problem with instant quotes is that they are one-sided and do not take many underwriting things into consideration (height, weight, medical history, etc). Once a client sees that cheap $20 premium, it gets stuck in their head. If they don't qualify for it, you need to try to explain the higher premium.
The problem with instant quotes is that they are one-sided and do not take many underwriting things into consideration (height, weight, medical history, etc). Once a client sees that cheap $20 premium, it gets stuck in their head. If they don't qualify for it, you need to try to explain the higher premium.
Must be something wrong with your Allis quoter if it doesn't take build into acct when rendering their instant quote. It should rate all the way to a Tbl D for build. You may want to speak with tech support there. Is you quoter using all the fields for Ht & Wt, etc...?
The bigger problem that your quoter likely does is eliminate them as a lead if say they had cancer 5yrs ago, and indicated so while inputing data. Those are really some of your better leads, as they can't just go anywhere to obtain life ins, they need a pro to steer them through the obstacles.
------------------------------------
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." David Brinkley
Francisco,
While the photos are pretty, you don't seem to know what you want the site to do for you. You want a review of the site and then ask, "should I put a quote button on it?"
Ultimately, what's the outcome for the site?
If you want a fancy brochure that doesn't do anything but stroke your ego then you're on the right track. As I said, it looks pretty.
If you want a site that produces leads then you'll have to change a lot like lose the giant photo of the water drop (it doesn't sell anything). Change the copy and tell the customer what you want them to do.
Don't build a website just because you think you need one. And, if you're doing it just to show you have a 'real' business then don't spend a ton of cash on something fancy until you know what you want the site to do for you.
It seems contrary to what you would think, but it is true that simple, even ugly websites convert much better. The prettier and more complicated they are the easier it is for the prospect to become distracted. Notice how all these "pitch pages" are done on white backgrounds with red headlines and black text. They are designed to close, not to look pretty.
Francisco,
While the photos are pretty, you don't seem to know what you want the site to do for you. You want a review of the site and then ask, "should I put a quote button on it?"
Ultimately, what's the outcome for the site?
If you want a fancy brochure that doesn't do anything but stroke your ego then you're on the right track. As I said, it looks pretty.
If you want a site that produces leads then you'll have to change a lot like lose the giant photo of the water drop (it doesn't sell anything). Change the copy and tell the customer what you want them to do.
Don't build a website just because you think you need one. And, if you're doing it just to show you have a 'real' business then don't spend a ton of cash on something fancy until you know what you want the site to do for you.
Great advice!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Originally Posted by beatuplunchbox
It seems contrary to what you would think, but it is true that simple, even ugly websites convert much better. The prettier and more complicated they are the easier it is for the prospect to become distracted. Notice how all these "pitch pages" are done on white backgrounds with red headlines and black text. They are designed to close, not to look pretty.
I like this too!
My gut tells me you guys are giving great advice.
Last edited by xrac : 05-23-2009 at 09:02 AM.
Reason: Posts merged
I'm in a hurry this AM, so this may seem more critical than helpful. Let me know if you have any questions and just remember--you have to sell yourself on this site and make people want to buy from you. If you just go to a prospect and just list the services you offer instead of letting them know why they need them, you aren't going to be very successful. The site needs more meat geared toward selling and educating.
The first sentence in the first paragraph on the home page has an error.
What do you mean, "your financial needs are matched to you"? I need solutions matched to me, not needs.
The, "actively or passively" sentence doesn't sound right. It's waffling. Instead, explain how important it is to have a planner who understands your goals and his/her role in helping you achieve them.
The, "We will propose" sentence needs some work--I don't think it makes any sense.
I don't like, "More freedom of life" because it doesn't make sense. Also, be more consistent with caps. Either cap all the words (not necessary but a style call) or just the start of the sentence.
Change, "Our Services to Help You Reach Your Goals Include" to "How We Help You Reach Your Goals" and then turn each of the bullets under it into a statement that is less generic and more collaborative (for example, "We analyze your current insurance needs" "We work with you to create the right estate plan").
The "About Us" could be much stronger. When I read it, I don't see anything about your experience or training that makes me believe you are capable of all you promise.
I'm in a hurry this AM, so this may seem more critical than helpful. Let me know if you have any questions and just remember--you have to sell yourself on this site and make people want to buy from you. If you just go to a prospect and just list the services you offer instead of letting them know why they need them, you aren't going to be very successful. The site needs more meat geared toward selling and educating.
The first sentence in the first paragraph on the home page has an error.
What do you mean, "your financial needs are matched to you"? I need solutions matched to me, not needs.
The, "actively or passively" sentence doesn't sound right. It's waffling. Instead, explain how important it is to have a planner who understands your goals and his/her role in helping you achieve them.
The, "We will propose" sentence needs some work--I don't think it makes any sense.
I don't like, "More freedom of life" because it doesn't make sense. Also, be more consistent with caps. Either cap all the words (not necessary but a style call) or just the start of the sentence.
Change, "Our Services to Help You Reach Your Goals Include" to "How We Help You Reach Your Goals" and then turn each of the bullets under it into a statement that is less generic and more collaborative (for example, "We analyze your current insurance needs" "We work with you to create the right estate plan").
The "About Us" could be much stronger. When I read it, I don't see anything about your experience or training that makes me believe you are capable of all you promise.
Thanks for the comments and the website is still not as I didnt feel it was ready and I see the points you make I will add some of these in
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Originally Posted by InsuranceOnline
Francisco,
While the photos are pretty, you don't seem to know what you want the site to do for you. You want a review of the site and then ask, "should I put a quote button on it?"
Ultimately, what's the outcome for the site?
If you want a fancy brochure that doesn't do anything but stroke your ego then you're on the right track. As I said, it looks pretty.
If you want a site that produces leads then you'll have to change a lot like lose the giant photo of the water drop (it doesn't sell anything). Change the copy and tell the customer what you want them to do.
Don't build a website just because you think you need one. And, if you're doing it just to show you have a 'real' business then don't spend a ton of cash on something fancy until you know what you want the site to do for you.
I want a wesbite were the client can go and not get overwhelmed by all the fancy items that other agents have on websites. This was just a mock up as the site was put together quickly and brainstorming was to go from there
Last edited by Waterfront Financial : 06-17-2009 at 11:49 AM.
Reason: Posts merged
Seems really nice for an insuarnce site. but i wonder if you designed that water header pic. or found from somewhere. i want to make sth. like that pic.
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