PIA Debuts Annual Agency Marketing Guide

Inaugural Edition of Association Publication Spotlights Social Media

WASHINGTON, July 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National) has unveiled the inaugural edition of a new annual publication for PIA members. The 2010 PIA National Agency Marketing Guide contains hands-on marketing advice from some of the insurance industry's premier experts. It's a valuable commentary on what is working for agents in today's marketplace, with numerous examples from real agents who are experiencing success.

The special emphasis of the 2010 PIA National Agency Marketing Guide is social media. The publication contains a soup-to-nuts guide on how independent insurance agents can use social media to support their agency's sales strategy. The Guide lays the groundwork by explaining why every agency must consider creating a social media strategy. It then describes many of the most popular social media tools and how retail independent agents have put them to use. Finally, the Guide discusses some of the pitfalls agents must avoid and how agents can plan for success in social media.

"The Internet has greatly changed how Americans look for information," said PIA National President Jon Spalding. "Over the past few years, social media has accelerated this change, creating a population of web-savvy individuals who are not nearly as reliant on traditional media as they were just a few short years ago. Although the end result will be different for all agencies, any agency that wants to stay competitive in this changing marketplace must at least consider how social media can support their efforts."

"As a national agents association, PIA is committed to creating opportunities for our members," said PIA National Executive Vice President & CEO Leonard C. Brevik. "As demographics and buying habits change, it's up to us to help our members stay ahead of the curve, so that they can successfully communicate the many benefits of working with independent insurance agents. By helping our members understand and master the latest marketing trends, we're promoting the success of their businesses and the independent agency system."

A print edition of the 2010 PIA National Agency Marketing Guide is being provided to all PIA members along with the June/July issue of PIA Connection magazine. Agents who join PIA in 2010 will also receive a copy. A PDF of the 2010 Agency Marketing Guide is available to PIA members on PIA National's website at www.pianet.com/Members.

"Over the past few years, many agents have found that the tried and true marketing techniques that they have relied upon for years are no longer generating the same levels of success as they once did," said Alexi Papandon, assistant vice president of communications for PIA National. The question then becomes, 'Will agents' marketing habits evolve along with the marketplace?' Given the ingenuity that I've seen from the agency community, I'd say the answer is a resounding 'Yes!' PIA's goal is to ensure that our members are at the forefront of this evolution."

PIA National wishes to thank the sponsors of the 2010 PIA National Agency Marketing Guide: The Hartford, Harleysville Insurance, U.S. Risk Insurance Group and Rough Notes.

The 2010 PIA National Agency Marketing Guide is the latest deliverable from PIA National's award-winning PIA Branding Program, Local Agents Serving Main Street America(SM).  Through the PIA Branding Program, PIA National has previously provided its members with print and radio advertisements which are made available to PIA member agencies at no cost. Earlier this year PIA National introduced a series of Spanish radio ads and the association is poised to release a series of Spanish print ads.

To learn more about the PIA Branding Program and to see a list of the 66 companies that have signed on as sponsors, simply visit PIA National's website at www.pianet.com/piabrandingprogram.

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America(SM). PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.

This press release online at: http://www.pianet.com/NewsCenter/PressReleases/07-26-10.htm

SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents