Lead Sources for Medicare Agents
For Medicare agents, building a steady stream of quality leads is key to growing your business. Knowing where to find prospects and how to approach them can make all the difference. Below, we explore common lead sources including details on the types of leads that vendors provide, so you can decide what works best for you.
Referrals from Existing Clients
Satisfied clients can be your best source of warm leads. When they recommend you to family or friends, those referrals often come with built-in trust.
Tip: Always politely ask for referrals after helping a client enroll successfully.
Community Events and Educational Seminars
Hosting or participating in local events (grass roots marketing) helps you connect with Medicare-eligible individuals looking for information.
Offer free educational seminars on Medicare basics or plan options to build credibility and become a valued local resource.
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Partnerships with Professionals
Collaborate with financial advisors, elder law attorneys, local doctors, pharmacies and other professionals who work with a similar client base.
Note: Provide them with clear information about your services so they can confidently refer clients and vice versa.
Online Marketing
Many seniors and their families research Medicare options online before contacting an agent.
It is a great idea to build a website with educational content, optimize for search engines, and use targeted ads on platforms like Facebook or Google.
Watch a quick YouTube video – How to Manage and Grow a Medicare Book
Purchased Leads and Lead Vendor Options
Lead vendors offer various types of leads to help agents connect with Medicare prospects. Understanding the types can help you choose the best fit for your sales style:
- Live Transfers:
The vendor screens a prospect live and then immediately transfers the call to you. This means the lead is “hot” and ready to talk, but you must be ready to take the call in real time.
Best for agents who can handle calls on-demand and want high conversion rates. These are the most costly, but delver the best return on investment. - Warm Transfers:
Similar to live transfers, but the prospect has been pre-qualified and warmed up before being transferred. Sometimes these calls are scheduled ahead of time to ensure availability.
Good for agents who want quality leads but prefer some control over scheduling. These leads usually have a higher price, but the conversion rate is good. - Direct Leads (Contact Info Only):
The vendor provides contact details (phone number, email) of prospects who have expressed interest in Medicare plans. You then reach out on your schedule.
Works well for agents who prefer to set their own pace but requires effective follow-up. Leads of this type are usually less expensive, but have a lower close rate. It’s worth a try if you’re on a budget. - Internet or Web Leads:
These leads come from online forms where prospects request information or quotes. These can be fresh but vary in quality. The cost depends on the source and varies.
Best combined with quick follow-up to maximize conversion.
Note: Choose vendors with verified leads and transparent refund policies. Respond promptly to leads, especially live and warm transfers, since timeliness impacts conversion.
Here are a couple videos from some of our lead vendors:
Learn more about Medicare Express Leads
See what Lead Star has to offer agents
Local Networking Groups
Join your local chamber of commerce or senior-focused groups (senior centers) to build local connections. Be sure you focus on building relationships, not just sales pitches.
Current Book of Business
Cross-selling and annual plan reviews with existing clients can generate repeat business as well as maintaining your book of business. It is a good idea to stay in touch with your current clients through newsletters, birthday cards or check-in calls
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A diverse lead generation approach works best. Combining referrals, community outreach, online marketing, and vendor leads. Additionally; understanding the nuances of lead types like live and warm transfers gives you flexibility and steadiness throughout the year.