Technology is moving so fast that while you're contemplating your mobile presence, wearables are nipping at your heels. When Google adopted a "mobile-friendly" focused algorithm in April, it placed a new light on the role and importance of mobile for businesses of any size.
At a minimum, if you don't have a mobile-friendly website, your agency will show up far lower in search results. That would be like having a storefront office with no signage, no street number and no lighting. Yes, you're there, but no one can find you.
When you combine the obvious tablet and smartphone trend, together with the reality of what Google acknowledges by virtue of its search algorithm, it becomes impossible to ignore mobile anymore.
But heed this warning: Don't let this opportunity slide by with just the minimalistic approach. There are several ways you can create a mobile presence, and the choice you make either will be a short-term fix or one that has the foresight to see where the trend is headed.
As independent agents, your competitive advantage over direct writers is never going to be price. Your leverage is the range of products you offer and the strength of your service. One way you can give great service is by offering convenience. A mobile app is a perfect way to fulfill that need.
Adding that high-tech, high touch to your service is important to many consumers. The convenience of submitting a loss notice and accompanying photos through an app is huge—so much so that many of the big carriers are already doing it.
Your agency app also could allow clients to submit questions through an in-app form or an audio message directly to the appropriate person on staff. Why not offer your clients an opportunity to request a quote?
Before a storm hits, use your app's push notifications to remind clients to stock plenty of batteries and water. A feature inside the app that leverages the GPS function of the phone could provide information and directions to key businesses that you partner with, such as an automobile repair shop or security system installation business.
There are numerous reasons to implement a mobile app but nothing is more significant than giving your clients a stronger relationship with you through a mobile device where they spend much of their time.
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