What Features Must Your Website Have?

adell50 · 09-13-2009, 02:24 PM

I wrote this post a few days ago and have gotten some really good insight - Which Company Provides the Best/efficient Agent Websites?

Next, I am curious to know what features agent website must have in order to compete.

Must haves are for individual agent sites...not lead generation sites...

Many thanks!

Aaron

Insurance Continuing Education
Free Tools For Insurance Professionals

Onward and upward!

CHUMPS FROM OXFORD · 09-13-2009, 04:55 PM

A mechanism that provides instant quotes.
A home page that allows the consumer to veer off into different directions.
A way of showing credibility.
If possible, if you are "local," a way of showing that.
Brees is unbelievable. Even with Thomas out, they don't skip a beat.
Different pages so that each search lands the prospect on a page that can help him or her.

Amber Scherloz · 09-14-2009, 02:51 AM

A content that would best the customer a good view of the products being offered. Some testimonies of satisfied clients. Of course the contact us information.

adell50 · 09-14-2009, 01:22 PM

What do you think about affiliates (carriers), resources (useful numbers, colleagues, service providers, useful links, etc.), faq's, contact page, bio, ...what else

Im just thinking out loud here....

CHUMPS FROM OXFORD · 09-14-2009, 01:37 PM

I like the faq idea. Short bios are good.

Here are a few things you DO NOT want on your agent website:

*Recipes for the deaf
*Why you filed for bankruptcy in 2002
*Link to the Serena Williams website
*Picture of a moat
*Link to your blog that has three articles since 2005
*Address of your office if you work from home...and home is a van down by the river.

xrac · 09-14-2009, 09:40 PM

Marketing 2.0 - Why the Internet is an untapped marketing opportunity - Articles - Employee Benefit Adviser

somarco · 09-15-2009, 06:29 AM

You need something to capture and hold the attention of visitors. (Of course, you also need a way to drive visitors).

Your website needs to be unique.

The site needs to provide enough information about you and the value you add to the equation to make people feel comfortable with you.

Sampling works in retail. You can do the same with your website. In addition to free information, free self generated quotes is a plus.

Your site needs to answer their questions. Not just about rates and plans, but general questions about the insurance products you offer.

You need a call to action and a way for them to contact you. Phone & email must be prominently displayed.

somarco · 09-15-2009, 06:31 AM

You need something to capture and hold the attention of visitors. (Of course, you also need a way to drive visitors).

Your website needs to be unique.

The site needs to provide enough information about you and the value you add to the equation to make people feel comfortable with you.

Sampling works in retail. You can do the same with your website. In addition to free information, free self generated quotes is a plus.

Your site needs to answer their questions. Not just about rates and plans, but general questions about the insurance products you offer.

You need a call to action and a way for them to contact you. Phone & email must be prominently displayed.

Newby · 09-15-2009, 09:35 AM

Your web site needs to have your phone number. I'm not joking. I find sites all the time that have NO phone number or you have to hunt all over it to find a phone number.

adell50 · 09-16-2009, 04:02 PM

Thanks for the feedback, team!

Kathy151 · 09-19-2009, 12:43 AM

I think a frequently asked questions page is valuable from the consumer's perspective. I often like to "lurk" for a while online when considering a new service before actually making contact - and a good FAQ usually gives me the information I need.

CHUMPS FROM OXFORD · 09-19-2009, 12:48 AM

Welcome Kathy...and 10 points for telling us you work for a lead company. (Many never tell us)

adell50 · 09-21-2009, 03:15 AM

All of these ideas are duly noted! I have a project underway that is coming soon...i'll keep you posted

DHK · 09-21-2009, 03:29 AM

What do you want your website to do for you?

All these ideas and NO ONE ASKED!

Now for me, I wanted an inexpensive website that can help people get an idea of the kind of work I do. So I am a proud subscriber of the VSA (Virtual Sales Assistant) and it includes a website.

It looks kinda like this (it isn't mine):
Financial Services Online

It's designed as a credibility booster ONLY. For me, I don't expect anyone to "find my website and want me to help them with their planning".

It's for when I'm calling a business or an individual and they want more information - I can direct them to my website.

I don't directly sell on the website. No quote engine.

People can sign up for my newsletter as I have a VerticalResponse account and a sign-up box on the bottom of my site. I even have affiliate links for other services. People can request a "life guide" from me (although no one ever has yet).

All it does is show that I'm in business and that I have a web presence.

GonnaFlyNow · 09-21-2009, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by DHK

What do you want your website to do for you?

All these ideas and NO ONE ASKED!

Great point.