Tag: social media marketing

  • Benefit Communication in the Mobile World – Benefits Technology

    Benefit and HR communications have long been a challenge for HR departments and the benefit consultants that support them. The struggle to communicate effectively with employees so that they better understand and utilize their employee benefits has made little progress in recent years. Now more than ever benefit professionals are looking at cross selling voluntary benefits to generate new or additional revenue sources, and the need for better communication with employees is even more vital.

    The topic of how better to leverage the latest in technology is a regular in our industry news and articles, mostly related to marketing for new business.  Until recently we have all looked at paper, onsite enrollers, and email blasts to try to interact with employees so they will understand and use their benefits.  The simple problem with these options is that they are all very easy to ignore and often miss entirely. These methods are work-related and as we all know work is the easiest thing to tune out or save for some later date that never seems to arrive.

    The clear opportunity before us all is that better utilizing technology and social media for employee-directed material is the true “ah-ha” moment that has been missing.  Utilizing the technology that employees use and access 100 times a day is the real key to interacting with your employees and getting the response you crave. Platforms like mobile-friendly websites, SMS/text-based reminders, and social media profiles are the next generation of employee engagement.

    Case in point:  at the next enrollment meeting notice before, after, and sadly DURING the presentation how many employees check their mobile devices. I think we can all agree they are probably NOT checking if a vital work email has come through. Text messages and social media clearly rule the attention of employees and ask yourself how much of that attention do you have?

    Examples to consider adopting for your agency:

    • Text-based messaging blasts
    • Social media / hashtag content posts
    • Incentive-driven voluntary benefit sign-ups

    Each solution could be easier than you think to leverage and might be a simple extra step with how your clients may already be connected with employees.  Be intentional and meet with your client and ask what types of communications they may already be doing and suggest one or more of these options. There are various vendors that can support and provide these services so do a little homework in advance to feel comfortable with delivering on your ideas.

    BIO:

    Jeff Hill has been passionate and working with Benefits Technology since 1998 starting with Resource Financial Group in Austin, TX. Developing employee benefit platforms for the broker community related to benefit websites, online and paperless enrollment, and communications has been Jeff’s constant focus in all areas of professional work. Jeff was on the original staff as Director of Technology for United Benefit Advisers and traveled the country presenting to agencies on how to best use technology to attract and win new business. As a leading expert in web design for the employee benefit market, his work has been utilized by agencies, carriers, and benefit industry professionals nationwide.

    As President of eTekhnos Benefit Technology, Jeff has led the company to annual double-digit growth and new innovations in the benefit technology industry.  eTekhnos is also the nation’s only Benefit Industry-focused web design and internet marketing agency. The benefit world is very unique in its marketing and branding needs and eTekhnos knows that world inside and out.  eTekhnos saves agencies time and money and delivers stunning client technology web design and social media content.

  • Become a Rockstar Business on the Internet!

    How your business is seen on the internet is, in today’s world, likely your strongest advertising tool.  People, more than ever, are turning to the internet to find services, products, and just about anything under the sun.  The strength of your online presence says a lot about your business!

    Does your business have a Rockstar presence online or are you just behind to those companies who do?  Your company needs to be represented well on the internet as archaic methods of marketing, paper ads, direct mail, etc. are no longer the most effective marketing tools.  Don’t get left behind online and lose out on major potential growth opportunities for your business!

    One of the best, and often fun, ways to increase your businesses online presence is through the power of social media.  Social media has quickly become the future of communication and it gives businesses the ability to rapidly, cost effectively, and personally build relationships with their current and potential customers.  Social media encompasses an array of internet based tools and platforms that can, when managed correctly, help your business grow!.

    Social Media Marketing is fast becoming the future of business advertising!  Social Media Marketing is sometimes called “Inbound Marketing”.  This is the process of utilizing social media outlets to gather and increase traffic or attention for your business through a webpage, blog, and social media sites.  These would include, but are not limited to things such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Social media is a great way to draw customers to you … which is exactly the point of all advertisement in the first place!

    Many companies do not realize the need for this type of marketing until it’s too late.  Comments and feedback through client testimonials are often ranked higher with Google than a website, this is because little or no effort was put into developing a positive online relationship.

    The list of positives to having a strong and aggressive social media strategy for your business is endless.  Building an online relationship with your customer market breeds loyalty, trust, and increased profits!  When customers trust you they share with their friends … often times through social media which continues to grow your online presence.

    Social media marketing is here to stay and we are here to help!  We would be happy to provide an assessment of your website, blog, or other internet platform and would be honored to help you take it to the next level.  We have a variety of marketing plans to fit every niche and budget!  Contact us to get started today!