Many modern professionals know that text messaging
is a boon to workplace communication. The power texting
also holds to boost marketing and contact with customers
is also great, and should not be overlooked. This holds
particularly true for insurance companies, many of which
use texting in a range of ways to enhance their close
contact with policyholders.
Text messaging is more and more used as a more convenient
and efficient way to keep in touch with clients. Instead
of sending automated emails or wasting time and labor
on phone call reminders, companies can simply schedule
automated texts reminding clients of any personal meetings
or other appointments. SMS is often preferred as a less
intrusive and more effective mode of contact, and lets
clients easily access appointment details by allowing
them to refer back to a text anytime. This can reduce
the rate of missed appointments, and saves clients and
providers alike time on any follow-up regarding appointment
details.
In addition to appointment reminders, insurance companies
can use SMS to remind customers of other important events,
such as the end of an insurance term. Companies can
even provide the option to renew insurance in these
texts by responding with a particular keyword and an
account number.
SMS can also be a valuable marketing tool for insurance
companies. Companies can provide on advertisements a
number that potential customers can text a specific
code to in order to receive more information or simply
get in touch. Opening with text messaging is often an
easier way to activate customers, potentially making
them more inclined to seek a company's services, as
well as providing them with a more convenient experience.
Potential new customers may also use texting to prime
insurance companies with necessary basic information
and determine their eligibility for coverage. Rather
than a phone call, email, or web form, many customers
may find it more convenient to text essential information
to be screened rapidly for eligibility or to provide
information that may be needed in a counseling appointment.
Insurance companies can also use texting to bolster
sales among preexisting customers. Companies can text
customers offers and even provide the option to accept
or decline them by responding with a given text code.
Companies can also target marketing, texting groups
of customers deals, promotions, and opportunities that
may appeal to them in particular. Offering the opportunity
to accept or initiate the scheduling of an appointment
via text can be an added bonus.
Texting can also be a powerful vehicle for customer
service in insurance. Companies can text customers tips
that promote safety and reduce damage to insured property.
Text message alerts can also be sent out during emergencies
or inclement weather to notify customers of risk of
damage and offer measures to reduce potential damage.
And, when emergencies do happen, text messaging might
be a more automatic and easier way for customers to
report the event to their insurance company and seek
help as quickly as possible.
The possibilities texting holds for insurance companies
are immense. Who knows how texting may continue to shape
insurance in the future?
About the Author -
Sharon Housley is the VP of Marketing for NotePage,
Inc. a software company for communication software solutions.
http://www.notepage.net
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