Competition, regulatory requirements, an intangible product, and a distributed field organization of agency partners – these are among the top challenges insurance brand marketers face.

Technology can help tackle some of these challenges, however insurers have historically resisted innovation. A report by McKinsey on digital disruption in insurance stated bluntly, “Insurance has been relatively slow to feel the digital effect… But the industry is not impregnable. Companies that fail to adapt will weaken under the pressure exerted by those that use digital technology to slash costs and get better returns on their investments.”

Tags: marketing campaign, MRM, Insurance Marketing, marketing resource management, marketing systems, local marketing automation, marketing portal

We know from our work with distributed organizations in industries like banking and financial services, franchising and insurance, that corporate marketers often look for ways to make marketing easier for their frontline operations. Automated marketing campaigns and services – like managed social media, set-it-and-forget-it direct mail campaigns, and lead transfer programs – are great examples. These services make it easier for frontlines to execute locally customized, recurring marketing campaigns. But managing and administering these services can be a drain on corporate marketing resources.

Tags: digital marketing, marketing campaign, direct mail marketing, MRM, Continuity Campaigns, social media, marketing technology, Insurance Marketing, marketing resource management, local marketing, marketing operations, local marketing automation, financial services marketing, franchise marketing

When it comes to driving business growth in distributed organizations, the importance of local marketing campaigns cannot be overstated. How quickly you get campaigns to market across your footprint, your system or your regions is critically important for staying ahead of the competition or for responding to changing market conditions.

Tags: marketing campaign, MRM, marketing technology, Insurance Marketing, marketing resource management, local marketing, marketing operations, local marketing automation, financial services marketing, marketing technology buyers' resources, franchise marketing

Word-of-mouth referrals and recommendations are the currency of business success today. More than ever, they are key to establishing trust and building awareness. According to Nielsen, 83% of consumers say they either completely or somewhat trust recommendations from family, colleagues, and friends about products and services, making them a powerful resource to amplify your message.  

Tags: marketing process optimization, brand advocacy, MRM, marketing technology, Insurance Marketing, marketing resource management, local marketing, local marketing automation, franchise, financial services marketing, franchise marketing

I recently returned from the 2018 Franchise Consumer Marketing Conference, in Atlanta, and as with past FCMC events, it was a great place for picking up fresh ideas and insights from some of franchising’s most innovative and successful marketing pros and practitioners. 

Tags: marketing strategy, customer experience, local marketing automation, franchise, franchise marketing

Running a local franchise business requires a broad skillset. From day-to-day operations management, customer service, accounting and business planning, to HR, inventory control and facilities management—franchise business owners wear many different hats. For many franchisees, one hat that never seems to fit quite right is that of marketer.

That’s not to say that franchisees lack an understanding of the importance of marketing and promotion to the success of their business. In fact, in a recent survey of franchise SMBs by local media researcher BIA/Kelsey, franchise owners reported more than half of their business is derived from promotions.

Tags: localized marketing, marketing productivity, marketing resource management, local marketing automation, franchise, streamline marketing, scale local marketing, franchise marketing software, getting franchises to do marketing campaigns, turnkey marketing campaign, local marketing resource management

Often we are approached by companies that are experiencing tremendous growth. Sometimes it’s a bank that has made an acquisition and is in the process of integrating many new bank branches into their corporation. Other times it’s a franchisor who has many new locations under construction or has several new franchisees under contract. It’s exciting to be part of a growing business; but it can also be stressful, especially for the corporate marketing department.

Tags: localized marketing, marketing productivity, marketing resource management, local marketing automation, franchise, financial services marketing, scale local marketing, franchise marketing software

We’ve all heard it before: Content is king. But how are you getting the most out of your content? A big part of what makes content “good” is context – where is the content showing up and who is reading it? Did the audience discover the content on their own, or did the content find them? In other words, localization of content is incredibly important. Local sales channels need to be able to utilize messaging that’s directed toward their audience, not be stuck with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Tags: localized marketing, local marketing, local marketing automation

It wouldn’t surprise anyone if I said technology plays a big role in our daily lives. We spend most of our days staring at a screen of some sort, whether it’s in our office, on a bus, train or airplane, walking down the sidewalk, or just sitting on the couch. And as we become more comfortable with technology, we’ve placed more of our responsibilities in the hands of technology. This is as true of people as it is business.

Tags: marketing leadership, marketing technology, marketing technology vendors, marketing technologist, marketing talent, local marketing automation

Stay better informed as a marketing professional with this monthly series highlighting the latest developments in all things marketing. Get caught up with the April Marketing News Snapshot.

Tags: facebook, Twitter, mobile, marketing, email marketing, social media, mashable, charity, instagram, trend, future, centscere, social startups, marketingprofs, news, digital, brands, emarketer, direct marketing news, snapshot, local marketing automation