are reviews important to your prospects, 70 percent of consumers say they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, according to BrightLocal. Reviews are also known to be an important local search ranking factor. Progressive research indicates that the average independent insurance agency has less than one online review, so creating a slow-but-steady review generation process can really make your agency stand out. The battle between Facebook and Google remains fierce, and both are making big moves to enhance their value to consumers and businesses. Questions may remain over social ROI, but there’s no question local search is critical as more and more people start their insurance shopping online. Adding Google to your online strategy brings a few social benefits, but the local search impact makes it a clear plus. Matthew Marko is a Marketing Process Manager for Progressive Insurance. Matt wrote this article for ACT and he can be reached at matthew_marko@progressive.com. He works to provide local marketing strategies and tools to help independent agencies grow their business, and has developed online marketing programs and webinars for Progressive agents on ForAgentsOnly.com. He is one of 40 local search experts invited to contribute to the authoritative annual Local Search Ranking Factors study. This article reflects the views of the author and should not be construed as an official statement by ACT. Matt also recently did an Insurance Journal podcast on this subject which can be found online at www.insurancejournal.tv/videos/8821. References: 1 http://techcrunch.com/2012/10/11/comscore-googles-search-enginemarket-share-increased-in-september-yahoo-down-another-0-6percentage-points/ 2 http://blumenthals.com/blog/2012/11/13/ed-parsons-1-in-3searches-at-google-are-local/
Tough, high-hazard property, casualty, transportation and professional and management liability risks require detailed expertise and specific industry experience. At RT Specialty, our brokers draw on the most comprehensive resources worldwide to provide better, faster, smarter insurance solutions. We do whatever it takes to find the solution that meets your clients’ complex coverage needs. When it comes to tough risks, experience the difference a tough broker can make. Tough risks demand tough brokers. For more information, contact: Ed Bukovinsky | 206.708.2074 ed.bukovinsky@rtspecialty.com 1200 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1910 | Seattle, WA 98101 www.rtspecialty.com
R-T Specialty, LLC (RT) is a subsidiary of Ryan Specialty Group, LLC, specializing in wholesale brokerage, MGA/MGU underwriting facilities and other services to agents, brokers and carriers. In California: R-T Specialty Insurance Services, LLC License #0G97516 Š 2013 Ryan Specialty Group, LLC
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