Medicare marketing ideas Archives

Medicare Advantage Marketing Ideas

Anyone in Medicare sales can tell you, marketing can be expensive. In this post, we discuss some Medicare advantage marketing ideas that you can use without taking out a second mortgage on your home.

Participate In Local Events

It is always a great idea to get out there in the community. This helps people see you and know you are a resource. If you come across as someone who is knowledgeable and caring, your interactions will result in leads. Senior centers or local soup kitchens or any event where you can offer educational guidance or answer questions is an opportunity to build a relationship and your reputation in the community.

Host An Educational Event

This is the same idea as volunteering at local events. You have an opportunity to provide Medicare beneficiaries useful information and present yourself as a valuable community resource. Educational events like in-person seminars or online webinars offer more than one way to provide information to those who need it. It is important to note, there are specific rules put in place by CMS that you must follow when you host an event.

Please remember, hosting an event is not usually free of charge. The venue may charge you for use of their facility as well as the price of providing snacks or generic print materials you provide to attendees. It is important to know; you may not spend more than $15 per person on snacks. There may be a cost for hosting a webinar as well. You may need to pay for zoom meetings or some other online webinar tools. This might depend on the number of attendees.

To see how to host a compliant educational event; click here

Learn the rules for hosting a sales event

Client Referrals

Agents who build good relationships with their clients and provide good service, will undoubtedly receive referrals. It is not a bad idea to actually ask for referrals from your clients. Just be sure you make the request in a tactful way. Medicare clients have friends, co-workers and relatives and everyone is looking for a trusted person to help navigate the complicated world of Medicare.

This is a great source for leads and costs the agent nothing.

Social Media Platforms

Because there are so many people using social media these days, social media is a great way to get information out to large numbers of people quickly. Many seniors use Facebook on a daily basis and are the number of seniors who use it is growing. This means, Facebook is a good tool to communicate with potential clients. If you post useful tips and information for Medicare beneficiaries to use, you will establish yourself as an authority on Medicare and this will lead to more business and a growing Medicare book. You can also join online groups to become part of their community and a valued resource.

There are other social media platforms you can use such as YouTube, Instagram Twitter/X, LinkedIn, TikTok or Snapchat ; just to name a few that come to mind. Some of these are better than others for reaching out to seniors. Many agents find YouTube a good way to present valuable information to a wide audience. Whatever social media outlet you choose, they are a great no-cost way to gain name recognition.

Click here to watch some free Medicare training videos on our YouTube channel

Build A Business Website

If you are serious about having your own business, it is important to to have a website. This tool helps give you professional credibility as well as provides an overview of the services you offer and any other information you want to provide to those seeking assistance with their Medicare coverage.

Email Marketing

Email is another low cost way to reach potential clients. There are several companies that provide this service such as; Campaigner, GetResponse, Salesforce, HubSpot, Constant Contact, MailChimp, Brevo or Omnisend. Each of these services offers different features such as; lead capture forms, marketing analytics and design help to name a few. The important thing to remember is to remain compliant with all CMS regulations before sending out a mass email. This includes providing all email recipients with an easy way to opt out of future emails.

Compliance

Please note: advertisements intended to draw a beneficiary’s attention to an MA plan or plans and includes content about; plan premiums, cost sharing, or benefit information(this includes those that do not mention a specific plan by name even when advertisements include multiple MA organizations), it MUST be submitted to CMS for approval before it is sent out.

Medicare marketing ideas

Although Medicare agents play a crucial role in helping to guide Medicare beneficiaries in their search for quality healthcare, it can be a challenge to get in front of the people who need you. Because the Medicare market is so competitive, it’s essential for agents to advertise their services effectively and reach their target audience. In the next few paragraphs, we will discuss some Medicare marketing ideas that can hopefully put you on the path to success.

It is important to remember; honesty, transparency, and a commitment to help others are the keys to success in this industry. If you create a strong online presence, keep your audience engaged and build trust within the community, you will become a reliable resource for Medicare beneficiaries. Once you are established, you will be able to make a positive impact on the community.

Understand your audience:

When you know your target audience, you will have the foundation for a successful advertising campaign. Because Medicare beneficiaries are usually seniors or individuals with specific healthcare needs, you must tailor your message to address their concerns. Be sure you highlight the benefits your clients are asking about such as; dental, hearing, OTC, giveback amounts and plan costs.

Be sure your message is compliant:

Because Medicare is a highly regulated industry, it’s crucial for agents to adhere to all marketing guidelines set forth by the CMS. Before you do any advertising, make sure your materials are accurate, clear, and not misleading. It is imperative that you avoid making false claims or using deceptive tactics. These things can not only put your reputation at risk but they could also jeopardize your ability to sell Medicare products.

View the new Medicare Marketing rules for 2024

Create an Engaging Online Presence:

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is vital. Build a professional website that showcases your expertise and services. It is also nice to include customer testimonials. Incorporate search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website’s visibility on search engines, making it easier for potential clients to find you.

Social Media:

Social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube, to name a few, offer an opportunity for Medicare agents to engage with their audience and build relationships. Share informative content, answer questions, and provide valuable insights to position yourself as a trusted resource. Be cautious not to engage in direct selling on social media, as it may violate CMS guidelines.

Email Marketing:

Email marketing is a great tool to stay connected with both prospects and existing clients. You can use email to share updates on Medicare plan changes, educational content, and upcoming events. You should always get consent from recipients before sending marketing emails to ensure compliance with anti-spam laws. It is important to offer an opt-out button on all marketing emails.

Networking and Community Involvement:

Make sure you establish yourself as an active member of your local community. Whenever possible, participate in healthcare-related events, workshops, and senior expos. Anytime you have an opportunity to educate the community and let them know you are accessible is helpful. Community outreach programs are another way to show your willingness to help people with their Medicare coverage.

Think about traditional Advertising:

Although these days, digital marketing is essential, don’t underestimate the value of traditional advertising. You may need to try several approaches before you find what works best for you. Direct mail, newspaper ads, and radio spots can still be an effective way to reach older audiences who might not be as active online.

Word of mouth works well:

Happy clients can be your best advocates. If you provide great customer service, your clients will tell their friends and family members. Many people ask each other for recommendations when they are nearing time to enroll in Medicare. Positive reviews from real people can greatly influence potential clients’ decisions. Some agents use testimonials from satisfied customers on their website and marketing materials.