Insurance Agent Forum

[myinsurebiz]

In addition to our mailer campaign - we are also going to use an IVR campaign to reach our target.

Using the same 10,000 piece data as the mailer ( see other post in this section ) - we are also going to do 2 auto dial campaigns - one for Final Expense and one for Health with live transfer and answering machine messages and can be shared by up to 5 agents / spots. Cost is $300 upfront per agent for both campaigns. $30 for every live transfer and $2 per every "press one" lead - randomly distributed - is deducted from $300. Overage costs will be paid after the 2nd campaign. Each campaign begins 7 days after the direct mailer hits the homes. Mail partners will have first option at the call campaigns.

We just did a campaign - we got a .25% return on the live connects and a 1.0% return on those pressing one to "hear more" - which seems to be average based on other plans.

The messages are professionally recorded - includes: one message for those homes where a human answers, one message for an answering machine and a message on our virtual office number.

If interested - contact me.

Thanks,

Tom

912.225.1272

[moonlightandmargaritas]

Fortunately, this kind of "phone spam" is going the way of the dodo bird...

Originally Posted by moonlightandmargaritas

Fortunately, this kind of "phone spam" is going the way of the dodo bird...

Not really, actually. They seem to be quite effective from what I can tell. I know a couple of agents who have tried these marketing methods, and had varied degrees of success, but all were profitable. So no, it's not going away. As long as it is profitable, and legal for agents, it will be around.

[djs]

In most states, this is illegal, unless it is for a political campaign. Make sure you know the states rules on an automated message system before you sign up.

You can use automated systems for things like appointment reminders, your kid skipped school today, emergency messages, etc. For marketing, its usually a no-no.

Dan

[myinsurebiz]

Not really Marg - seems to be just starting.

Just be sure the list is scrubbed against the DNC and provide an "opt out" and all is good.

We'll ride the wave as long as there is a wave I guess.

Heck - it works.

Off of $1500 in cost - my company wrote over $10k in annual premium on Final Expense. Not bad for a first time and going through the learning curve.

Using the mailer in addition to the live calls should increase results - that is the plan anyway.

Putting together one for businesses targeting Workers Comp for this month with a mailer as well - should be interesting.

Tom

[joshril]

I agree... this is not worth the money...

[robliano]

.25 and 1%, cold calling offers better returns at zero cost*


*This opinion on cold calling is based on a salesperson knowing what they're doing.
(I've found we need disclaimers on here, lol)

[myinsurebiz]

Illegal?

Not in GA, FL or SC. Show me the federal regs if you can please . . .

As long as you provide an "opt out" - you are cool, based upon our research.

Tom

[TXINSURANCE]

In most states, this is illegal, unless it is for a political campaign. Make sure you know the states rules on an automated message system before you sign up.

You can use automated systems for things like appointment reminders, your kid skipped school today, emergency messages, etc. For marketing, its usually a no-no.

If I am understanding the post correctly - this is indeed illegal in virtually every state.

[healthagent]

If this is a residental campaign it's illegal - federal law.

[joshril]

Originally Posted by myinsurebiz

Illegal?

Bullchit . . . Not in GA, FL or SC.

Show me . . .

As long as you provide an "opt out" - you are cool.

I really have a hard time understanding people just yackin without providing substance.

Do you think we just blast without knowing the law?

Anyway - if ya want jump in - if not - don't . . .

Tom

If I remember right, this was the guy that was wanting to be a "closer" and take a huge cut of commissions from agents without being licensed. That was also illegal...

[Delta76]

When I looked into it to run a campaign, I made calls to both the MN and MI attorney generals office.

MN - illegal for both residences and businesses

MI - illegal for residences, fine for businesses

There are state laws and federal laws. What's legal on the federal level may not be at the state level. Do some checking first.

[Markingriffin]

I would not use them. Cost way too much.

[mickeyma]

What do you recommend to generate leads? I tried telephone solicitors and company with auto dialing machine. Both were terrible.

[myinsurebiz]

" What do you recommend to generate leads? I tried telephone solicitors and company with auto dialing machine. Both were terrible. "

Direct Mail Co-Op with an auto call blast prior to the mailing for the home owner to be "looking for the big red envelope containing special offers and sweepstakes" - then an auto call a few days after specific to your company and offer . . .

Tom

[Alston]

I tried a similar system in the 80s before they were outlawed in Connecticut. I owned 3 auto dialers. They worked for a while. I think that a for a short period people found the experience of being called by a robot to be novel.

That got old quickly! After a fairly short period of time, the return got lower and lower.

You have to spend time listening to the taped responses of the people who were called. Eventually this was more time consuming and less productive than making cold calls.

[myinsurebiz]

" You have to spend time listening to the taped responses of the people who were called. Eventually this was more time consuming and less productive than making cold calls. "

Actually - they press 1 to be connected live to the next available agent. If on hold - they get to hear testamonies from current clients.

If they respond to an answering machine message - they dial an 800# and are connected live to a gatekeeper, who filters out the hard asses and then forwards the call live to the next available agent.

It works. Well - except in the States that don't allow it.

Tom

[Alston]

Originally Posted by myinsurebiz

Actually - they press 1 to be connected live to the next available agent. If on hold - they get to hear testamonies from current clients.

Tom

I take it back. That doesn't sound like such a bad system.

[srkaldi]

Originally Posted by robliano

.25 and 1%, cold calling offers better returns at zero cost*


*This opinion on cold calling is based on a salesperson knowing what they're doing.
(I've found we need disclaimers on here, lol)

Cold calling has ZERO costs ?

[healthagent]

It can - get Reference USA, pick up your phone and start calling