READY, SET, BLOG: WHY TUMBLR IS MORE RELEVANT NOW THAN EVER

We recently began using Tumblr for the ‘Blogging’ segment of our Social Networking for Business workshop, and, I must say, I’m impressed.  I first learned about Tumblr through my teenage daughter who used the site as a form of communicating and photo sharing with friends, and to be honest, I dismissed it at the time (a couple of years ago) as just that - another teen fad.  But, when I actually created a Tumblr account and researched its functionality, I definitely changed my tune.

Tumblr, in a word, simplifies the blogging experience.  It’s straightforward as well as easy, quick and fun to use.  In singing the praises of Tumblr, I’m not diminishing the qualities of WordPress or Blogger, but I have to admit, Tumblr does facilitate blogging and picture & video sharing in an unprecedented manner.  Tumblr is multimedia – you have the option to post a photo or video only (with a caption if you so desire) or you can post text content with or without photos or video.  You can even post a quote and have the option to cite the source in its own field.  And, so much more… It really doesn’t get any more uncomplicated than that!

With respect to branding, Tumblr is unquestionably the way to go.  As a quote from an article on imediaconnection.com puts it:  “If your brand can be conveyed visually, Tumblr is the best platform because it’s fast and high resolution image based…”

Another major advantage to Tumblr is that it’s extremely social - the site makes it easy to follow other blogs – and that means that your blog will be easy for others to follow. Tumblr, in effect, allows greater accessibility to your blog, thereby making it almost effortless to build your audience. 

And, as far as SEO (search engine optimization) goes, Tumblr is one of the best forums you can use.  As journalist, Dan Goodswen, says: “Tumblr’s native reblogging system means that any links you embed in your posts can quickly spread around the site, generating potentially hundreds, even thousands of linkbacks.”

There’s no doubt that Tumblr’s user numbers are growing exponentially.  The blogging site has doubled in size since the fall of 2011.  Here are some stupefying numbers: 

And, from pingdom.com, here are some more stats with respect to Tumblr’s content:

• 637 posts per second
• 38,194 posts per minute
• 2.3 million posts per hour
• 385 million posts per week
• 1.65 billion posts per month
• 20 billion posts per year

I, for one, with still a soft spot for Blogger in my heart, will definitely be checking Tumblr out more often and contributing to some of its awesome numbers with a few posts of my own.

If you want to learn more about the virtues of Tumblr, why not join one of our Social Networking for Business workshops and we’ll get you started.  For a schedule of dates and locations, please click on the following link! http://escomputertraining.com/courses/details/industry/2/course/20

5 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE USING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUR INSURANCE BUSINESS

Ah, the wonders of social media … imagine your insurance business optimized to its full potential.  Are you taking advantage of everything social media have to offer?  If you are, you’re on the road to a finely tuned operation and will be able to offer the ultimate in client care.  There are a few points you should bear in mind, however, to really take your social networking strategy to the next level!  

1. Your business should have a personality that shines through on social networking sites.  One of the most integral aspects to social media is that they enable you to bring forth your business’ human side.  Your business needs to be more than just a money-making operation – it needs a personality and a passion – and social networking is the most effective means of letting your clients and prospects know that your business’ perspective is a human one and its passion is client satisfaction.  Use social media to communicate ‘to’ and ‘with’, rather than ‘at’ your audience.

2. Really get to know your audience by listening to what they have to say.  Let them do more of the talking while you do more of the listening.  Social networking is nothing if not a great way to get to know people.  Take the time to visit your Facebook page, Twitter account, LinkedIn account and your blog‘s comments section at least a couple of times a day to hear what people are saying.  Listen to the good, the bad and the ugly and make sure that you respond to people where required in a timely manner.  Ask questions that provoke people to share information about themselves so you can get to know them better and anticipate what their needs are.

3. Build awareness and trust at the same time.  Of course you want people to know what you and your business can offer.  Social media allow you to get your message out there and to build brand awareness, while at them - keep the dialogue going, and showcase your industry knowledge all the while allowing them to believe and trust in you.  Social media allow you to become indispensible to your clients by giving them access to you 24/7.

4. Remember that social media are interactive and people will be sharing their opinions – good, bad or indifferent.  Use what people have to say a learning experience and as a means of changing and growing your business.  People’s opinions are important information for you to have and social media provide the best means for people to relay their messages.  Again, ensure that you address and respond to people where warranted.

5. Focus on generating “word of mouth” buzz by delivering engaging, relevant and useful content.  Be helpful and informative when engaging in conversations with your audience.  People will appreciate it and spread the word about your expertise and professionalism within the industry.  Social media make it very easy to do this.

Need help getting your social media endeavors on track?  Why not join one of our Social Media for Business workshops.  Just click on the following link for a schedule of upcoming workshops in your area!

http://www.escomputertraining.com/courses/details/industry/2/course/20

MORTGAGE NEWS YOUR CLIENTS NEED TO KNOW

It looks like mortgage rates are on the rise!  Is a fixed rate now more economical than a variable rate?  As a mortgage specialist, this is the type of crucial information that your clients and prospects need to know!  Are you using social media as tools for communicating with your clients and prospects?  If not, you should be!  You can bet that your clients are on social media and what better way to connect with them?                 

An article on the December 6, 2011 edition of thestar.com spelled out how there has been, over the past few months, an increase among variable-rate mortgages and that experts are currently predicting that this will remain the case.  The article cites information from Kerri-Lynn McAllister, community manager at RateHub.ca. 

Ms. McAllister is quoted as saying that, “A few months ago, there was basically a one per cent spread between fixed and variable.   Now it’s .2 or .3.” 

Ms. McAllister maintains that the reason for the rise is at least partially due to the fact that , since mortgage rates have been so low, banks have had difficulty making any money. 

And, although fixed rates could also be slated for an eventual increase, the question seems to be:  Is it now better to go for a fixed rate than the traditionally more economical variable rate?  According to Ms. McAllister, fixed rates now seem to be the way to go.

Joseph Haimowitz, principal economist at the economic think tank, Conference Board of Canada, expects, however, that fixed mortgage rates could rise by as much as .25 per cent by the middle of 2012.  But, according to Robert McLister, editor of Mortgage Rate Trends, it appears that, for at least the foreseeable future, discount variable rate mortgages, which tend to offer rates half a per cent or more below prime, are no longer.

Something to think about!  And, to definitely inform your clients about.  Get connected today on social media.  Let us show you how.  Why not join one of our Social Media for Business workshops and we’ll teach you how to best leverage social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Blogging for your business’ marketing strategy.  Just click on the following link for a schedule of workshops in your area:

http://www.escomputertraining.com/courses/details/industry/2/course/20

INSURANCE PROS REACH MORE CLIENTS & PROSPECTS THROUGH BLOGGING

I was looking the other day for some information regarding a couple of insurance questions I had, and like most people, the first thing I did was conduct a Google search.  As an avid blogger, I fully understand and advocate the power of blogging for the business professional.  But, wow – you insurance pros are really up on the blogs!!  I was amazed and excited to see how many insurance blogs there are out there and how informative and interesting some of them are.

For those insurance professionals who have not yet begun to take advantage of blogging to drive business and reach more clients and prospects, I have just one question for you:  What are you waiting for???

Blogging is a very useful tool for insurance professionals to employ if your end game is to reach more clients and prospects.  Blogging should be an integral part of any social media campaign.  And, no, you don’t have to be Ernest Hemingway to blog.  You just have to know your stuff and write about it on a regular basis so your clients and prospects find you the next time they have insurance related questions and conduct a search on Google to obtain their information. 

Blogging provides you with an opportunity to showcase your smarts about all things insurance and it builds within your clients and prospects a sense of trust and reliability in you.  Wouldn’t you like to be the go-to -expert for these people? 

Okay, I know what your next question is going to be:  What in the world do I blog about?

Well, I can help you there.  As aforementioned, people have questions about insurance and their policies all the time.  What are some of the most frequently asked questions that you hear?  Jot them down and, voila!! blog content ideas abound.  Still need more?  One of my gurus, Chris Brogan, noted author and marketing consultant, created a list of 100 blog topics to write about, and below, I will share with you 50 of them:

1.       Why I love being an insurance agent

2.       What are your agency’s values

3.       How is trust earned

4.       Improving the insurance industry’s image

5.       My favorite social network and why

6.       How can agencies help the community

7.       What are “named perils”

8.       Obscure auto, home, or other insurance discounts

9.       Customer service vs. sales culture

10.   My favorite news sources

11.   I helped someone by…

12.   Spotlight local non-profit or charity event

13.   Importance of agency goals

14.   Pet and wedding insurance, when and why

15.   Insurance provider news

16.   High or low deductibles, the logic behind both

17.   I am motivated by…

18.   Attracting millennial talent to agencies

19.   Secret world of annuities

20.   An interview with someone older and deserving

21.   When to drop collision on your auto insurance

22.   Promo for business insurance client

23.   What (insert favorite show/movie) can teach you about insurance

24.   Comment on local news story

25.   Biggest misconception about insurance

26.   What “helping” means to me professionally

27.   Difference between “actual cash value” and “replacement cost”

28.   Publicly answer a client’s question (chances are someone else is wondering too)

29.   Why I love my community

30.   Small business marketing tips

31.   Common business insurance claims

32.   Advantages of agency over online insurance

33.   When is saving money NOT a value

34.   What is property cost evaluation

35.   Factors that affect health and life insurance coverage

36.   Testimonial for a vendor

37.   What you need to know about pet insurance and biting dogs

38.   Highlight benefits of local insurance trade organization

39.   Thank you blog to existing clients

40.   Weekly stories from the road

41.   A day in the life of an insurance agent

42.   My favorite hometown landmark

43.   Does my roommate need renter’s insurance too?

44.   Historic person I’d like to interview

45.   The importance of a proper greeting

46.   Local insurance risks (weather, crime, etc.)

47.   Video tour of the office

48.   When is umbrella insurance necessary

49.   My favorite social media users

50.   Blog topics I’d like to read

Be creative and remember, it doesn’t have to be all business all the time.  A funny story or anecdote makes for a great blog, too!  Have some fun with it and keep it engaging and you’ll see just how easy and profitable blogging can be! 

Happy blogging – and, if you want to learn more or need help getting started, why not join one of our Social Media for Business workshops and we’ll teach you everything you need to know to reach more clients and prospects through blogging. 

For a schedule of workshops in your area, please visit:  http://www.escomputertraining.com/courses/details/industry/2/course/20