The first step in creating a digital footprint is to start off slowly, and in increments. Trying to be all over the web in one fell swoop is completely unrealistic. There are too many places to be, and it takes time to be where you want to be, and offer content that is of value.

Having worked in Sales for Lactalis Group and Apple Inc., and currently working in Marketing and Social Media Marketing, it takes time to build up a digital presence. And not all digital spaces are created equal. By implementing a digital strategy in 2018, you can help bolster your sales and broaden your network, but you must be open-minded and be ready to roll up your sleeves and do some work.

Some of the biggest misconceptions about social media is that people assume they will suddenly have clients knocking on their door the minute they create their social media platforms, and start pushing content. STOP right there. It does NOT happen overnight. It takes time to grow followers. It takes time to cultivate a community. It takes effort to deliver meaningful content. And it takes time to engage with your followers.

There are two ways to share content on social media platforms:

• Organic
• Paid​

​You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that paid ads and promoted content are going to get seen by more people. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Snapchat have brands that pay them REALLY good money to get their content shown to the most customers  and potential customers. However, that doesn't mean that you have to pay to be using social media. Quite the contrary. You can certainly share valuable information, and have it be seen by your clients (current and potential). Being realistic about your results is what is necessary. Paying to have an ad run on facebook, letting consumers know that you're an insurance agent, and you're here to help them, is something that CAN glean you new clients. However, if the amount of clients you're getting from your social media posts is not nearly as much as you hoped, and if your ROI is not what you expected, then that is something you will have to determine as you move forward in delivering paid content. And if that's the case, perhaps holding off (or pulling back) on promoted and paid content is the best route. Baby steps and trial and error (or in marketing terms A/B testing), is the only way you'll decipher if paid content is worth your investment.​

We haven't talked about websites and why you should or should not have one. Having a website is paramount if you're an established agent with a solid book of business and a client base that needs to find you online and your resources 24/7. If you're a new agent just looking to get established, then I have a suggestion for you. Hold off on the expense of building a website and start off slowly (again). Begin by building a business facebook page where you share (primarily) industry-related content. Sharing your story and how you came to be and personalizing your page DOES provide value, but be mindful of how much you share about your personal life. A business page is exactly that. A page for your business.

LinkedIn is another must when you're starting off. It's essential to have a LinkedIn profile because that's where industry leaders, colleagues and consumers hang out. Again, start off slowly. Build your profile and take time to craft your work history, education, accomplishments and awards to include all pertinent information about your career. And please? Don't forget to use a professional looking photo of yourself for your avatar. Being online is about connecting with others. People like to see what others look like when they're networking. Nothing screams "INCOMPLETE PROFILE" like a LinkedIn page with no picture of the person. Be professional and have someone take a well-lit picture of you if you're uncomfortable taking a selfie. You don't need to incur the expense of a professional photographer.

If you've started off slowly and now want to move on to additional platforms, then start with one you feel most comfortable with. In November Twitter lengthened the amount of characters you have to tweet with. The old 140 character limit is no longer in effect, and you now have a whopping 280 characters to play with. Instagram and Snapchat are very brand-oriented when it comes to social sharing. These platforms are more about sharing your story. These are platforms where you can share more of your personal life in combination with industry information.

If any of this sounds like I'm speaking a foreign language, or if you understand some of it, but need a little 101 on it, I'm available to help you. Everyone makes New Year resolutions and sadly many fall by the way side. Embracing technology and expanding your digital footprint on the world is beneficial for you and your business. Whether it be by launching a new website (we have referrals for you for agency websites), building your facebook business page, composing your first tweet, sending you first mass email campaign, or submitting your first electronic application, we're here to guide you and give you assistance.

Technology does not have to be challenging. Nor does it have to be a nuisance. Technology is here to assist you, and help you grow. If you're serious about expanding your digital footprint and want to take the next steps to build your online presence, reach out to me directly at 800.928.4998 ext. 8 or email me at carolyn@tbrins.com.

I'll share some of my tips for finding news-worthy industry content. I'll give you examples of insurance agents who are killing it with their websites and social media content. I'll give you my best practices for scheduling out content. And lastly? I'll be here to show you the ropes and how to navigate the digital waters. So grab your life jacket, and give me a shout or shoot me an email. 

By Carolyn Portanova

As of January 1st, 2018, Sam Corey, III is now President and owner of The Brokerage Resource, while his father remains as Founder.

Sam Corey, Jr. built The Brokerage Resource from the ground up in 1992 to become the established Field Marketing Organization that it is today. Having run the company for twenty five years, Sam Jr. has done a remarkable job of attracting and representing only A rated or better insurance carriers, and has made the Senior Healthcare sector his top priority for the independent insurance agents who work with The Brokerage Resource. His new role will be as an advisor and consultant to the firm, focusing on maintaining the steadfast relationships he's built over the years with industry leaders, and providing guidance. Sam III has been Chief Operating Officer for the past 18 months, and has continued to steer the business in the direction his father set forth. Growing the firm, and adding a broad portfolio of insurance products to retain the best insurance agents nationally, has been their primary goal.

The core values and principles of The Brokerage Resource will not change, and the knowledge, experience and dedication of the staff to assist their independent agents will continue to be of utmost importance. Honesty, integrity and hard work is what drives their company, and with that a deep commitment to their producers and insurance carriers.

They welcome any comments or questions you may have, and look forward to a prosperous 26th year with Sam III at the helm.

By Carolyn Portanova