The Digital Insurance Agent

Carl Willis - Agent Branding & Marketing
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Digital Insurance Agent is a podcast that explores the latest trends, tools, and strategies for transforming your insurance agency in the digital age. Join host Carl Willis, a seasoned financial services digital marketing consultant, as he interviews industry experts, shares success stories, and provides actionable tips to help you stay ahead of the curve and build a successful and sustainable insurance agency in today's ever-evolving market. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this show is the ultimate guide to help you modernize your insurance agency and thrive in the digital world.

  1. 4D AGO

    YouTube Shorts for Insurance Agents: The Trust-Building Strategy That's Replacing Lead Generation

    The lead game has changed — and if you've been in the insurance industry more than five years, you've already felt it. Leads cost more. Loyalty is thinner. And buyers are forming opinions about who they'll trust before they ever pick up the phone. In this episode, Carl Willis, CEO of Agent Branding and Marketing, breaks down exactly how established independent insurance agents can use YouTube Shorts and long-form video to build scalable trust, dominate local search, and generate higher-quality leads — without chasing viral trends or spending more on pay-per-click. What you'll learn: → Why Google has become a credibility engine — and what that means for your agency's visibility → How AI overviews and zero-click search are killing organic and paid website traffic (and what to do about it) → The two-video framework that builds both reach and authority simultaneously → The four types of videos that consistently attract better clients and repel the wrong ones → The one-to-many content system that turns a single 8-minute video into weeks of multi-platform content → A simple 30-day execution plan any agent can follow without fancy equipment or a production team This isn't about becoming an influencer. It's about becoming the most credible, trustworthy voice in your local market — and letting the search engines and AI platforms do the heavy lifting for you. Agents who build this system now will dominate their local markets over the next 12 to 18 months. The ones who wait will become invisible. 🎯 Ready to build your content ecosystem? Schedule your free strategy session with Agent Branding and Marketing: 👉 https://agentbrandingandmarketing.com/schedule 📞 (888) 572-8758 #InsuranceMarketing #IndependentInsuranceAgent #YouTubeShortsStrategy #InsuranceAgentTips #DigitalMarketingForAgents #LocalSEO #InsuranceAgencyGrowth #YouTubeForBusiness #TrustBasedMarketing #AISearch #InsuranceSales #ContentMarketing #VideoMarketing #LeadGeneration #InsuranceBusiness #PropertyAndCasualty #AgentBrandingAndMarketing #YouTubeMarketing #ShortFormVideo #InsuranceIndustry Send a text Visit us online - agentbrandingandmarketing.com Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/agentbrandingandmarketing Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQ3DbHPzI7wWGYt1Pxlcyw

    36 min

  2. FEB 13

    PPC for Insurance Agents: A Proven Framework That Actually Works

    Paid advertising for insurance agents doesn't have to be a money pit. If you've tried PPC before and didn't see results, the problem likely wasn't the channel—it was the strategy. This video breaks down a practical, proven framework for using paid media to generate consistent, qualified leads for your insurance agency. No fluff. Just actionable tactics that work for independent P&C agents generating $500K+ in annual revenue. What You'll Learn: Why combining PPC with SEO creates predictable lead flow instead of relying on referrals aloneHow to target local keywords that drive intent and conversions, not just trafficThe exact geo-targeting strategies that eliminate wasted ad spendWhich PPC channels (Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) deserve your budget and whyHow to schedule ads for maximum impact based on when prospects actually searchThe metrics that matter and how to optimize campaigns in real-timeHow to track ROI by keyword, campaign, and channel to ensure every dollar worksWhy This Matters: Competition for insurance clients is higher than ever. Consumer behavior has shifted. Organic visibility and word-of-mouth referrals aren't enough to sustain growth anymore. PPC advertising gives you control over visibility, speed, targeting, and results—when executed with discipline. The opportunity isn't just traffic. It's predictable lead flow and smarter, scalable growth. The Strategic Approach: This isn't about choosing between SEO or PPC. It's about building a system where short-term momentum and long-term growth work together. SEO builds authority over time. PPC fills the gap immediately and reinforces your brand presence at the top of search results. When certain keywords are too competitive to rank organically, PPC keeps you visible. When SEO begins to perform, paid ads protect your position and amplify results. Key Takeaways: ✓ Focus on location-based search terms to improve lead quality and ROAS  ✓ Use geo-targeting to limit ad visibility to your actual service areas  ✓ Prioritize channels based on performance data, not trends  ✓ Measure aggressively—adjust keywords, refine targeting, reallocate spend quickly  ✓ Track return on investment by keyword, campaign, and channel Who This Is For: Independent property and casualty insurance agents who have been in business 3+ years, are generating $500K or more annually, and want to scale their agencies through strategic digital marketing. If you've struggled with paid advertising in the past or aren't sure how to make it work profitably, this framework will help. Paid media isn't a set-it-and-forget-it strategy. It's a controllable system that rewards attention and decisiveness. When managed strategically, it becomes one of the most powerful tools available to grow your agency. Ready to Build Your Strategy? If you want help developing a customized paid media strategy for your agency, schedule a strategy session at https://agentbrandingandmarketing.com/schedule We'll help you turn advertising into a reliable growth engine instead of an unpredictable expense. Send a text Visit us online - agentbrandingandmarketing.com Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/agentbrandingandmarketing Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQ3DbHPzI7wWGYt1Pxlcyw

    11 min

  3. FEB 6

    Insurance Agent Marketing Budget 2026: What You Need to Know

    Are you budgeting enough for digital marketing in 2026? Most insurance agents are still using outdated marketing budgets that worked in 2024-2025, but the landscape has changed dramatically. In this video, we break down exactly what independent insurance agents should budget for digital marketing in 2026 to achieve predictable, sustainable growth. What's Changed in 2026: Organic clicks down 61% since mid-2024 when AI overviews are present Paid traffic clicks decreased 68% when AI overviews are present AI-driven search is reshaping how consumers find insurance agents Direct carriers and well-funded agencies are building systems while others pull back Realistic Budget Benchmarks by Agent Type: Independent P&C Agents: 10-15% of gross revenue Captive P&C Agents: 8-12% of gross revenue Medicare Agents: 12-18% of gross revenue Life Insurance Agents: 10-16% of gross revenue These aren't ideal numbers—they're actual functional numbers based on what's working across the country right now. Smart Budget Allocation for 2026: The highest-performing agencies are no longer thinking in terms of tactics. They're thinking in terms of functions: ✅ Paid Media (40-60%): Google Ads, Local Service Ads, and paid social for remarketing ✅ Website & Conversion Optimization (10-20%): Your website is now your sales system, not just marketing collateral ✅ SEO & Content Investment (15-25%): Reduces paid ad dependence over time ✅ CRM Automation & Nurture Systems (5-10%): Where ROI is realized or quietly wasted Real Example: A $1M independent P&C agency targeting steady growth might invest $10-12K per month: $5,000-6,500 in paid media $2,000-3,000 in SEO and content $2,000-2,500 in website and conversion optimization $750-1,000 in CRM and automation Why Underfunded Marketing Costs More: Underfunded marketing doesn't save you money—it introduces volatility. And volatility is more expensive than most agents realize. The agencies that win in 2026 won't be the most aggressive; they'll be the most consistent. Key Principles for 2026: Marketing is infrastructure now. Agencies that treat marketing as infrastructure gain control over growth. Agencies that treat it as an expense stay reactive. You don't have to outspend your competitors, but you do need to outcommit to clarity, consistency, and systems. Hidden Costs Agents Rarely Plan For: Creative fatigue requiring fresh content Platform learning periods that take time Tracking and reporting maintenance Compliance review cycles DIY mistakes that quietly cost more than professional help If you're an independent insurance agent generating $500K+ in annual revenue and want to develop a comprehensive digital marketing ecosystem that makes you the dominant agent in your market, we can help. Schedule a Free Strategy Session: Visit AgentBrandingAndMarketing.com/schedule to book your consultation with our team. We'll help you build a marketing system that creates predictability, not chaos. 📈 Stop guessing. Start growing on purpose in 2026. About Agent Branding and Marketing: We specialize in helping independent insurance agents build predictable, sca Send a text Visit us online - agentbrandingandmarketing.com Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/agentbrandingandmarketing Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQ3DbHPzI7wWGYt1Pxlcyw

    15 min

  4. JAN 30

    Google Ads for Insurance Agents: Stop Wasting Money & Generate Quality Leads | John Horn - Stubgroup

    Are you an independent insurance agent struggling with Google Ads? Wasting money on clicks that don't convert? You're not alone. In this episode of the Digital Insurance Agent podcast, host Carl Willis sits down with John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, to break down the REAL strategies behind profitable Google Ads campaigns for insurance agents. 🔥 What You'll Learn: Why most insurance agents waste money on Google Ads (and how to avoid it) The critical role of conversion tracking in machine learning campaigns How to create profitable feedback loops that lower your cost per lead Essential guardrails to prevent wasted ad spend Why starting and stopping campaigns destroys your results The 3-month rule for Google Ads success How to identify if you're ready for Google Ads (or if you should wait) Landing page optimization secrets most agents ignore The truth about those "helpful" Google Ads rep calls 💡 Key Takeaways: John shares over a decade of Google Ads expertise, explaining how the platform has evolved from keyword-based advertising to intent-driven machine learning. Learn why tracking phone calls, form submissions, and lead quality is make-or-break for your campaigns. ⚠️ Common Mistakes Covered: Running campaigns without proper tracking Insufficient budget and patience Poor landing page optimization Following generic Google recommendations Not understanding your profit margins before advertising 🎯 About John Horn: John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, a digital marketing agency specializing in Google Ads management. With over 12 years of experience helping businesses run profitable marketing campaigns, John knows what separates successful advertisers from those who burn through their budget. 📅 Ready to dominate your local market? Schedule a strategy session: https://agentbrandingandmarketing.com/schedule Learn more about Stub Group: https://stubgroup.com 🔔 Subscribe to the Digital Insurance Agent podcast for more expert insights on growing your independent insurance agency through digital marketing strategies that drive real results. #GoogleAds #InsuranceAgentMarketing #InsuranceLeadGeneration #DigitalMarketingForInsurance #PCInsurance #IndependentInsuranceAgent #GoogleAdsForInsurance #InsuranceAgency #LeadGeneration #InsuranceMarketing #StubGroup #DigitalInsuranceAgent Send a text Visit us online - agentbrandingandmarketing.com Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/agentbrandingandmarketing Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQ3DbHPzI7wWGYt1Pxlcyw

    31 min

  5. JAN 23

    How Insurance Agents Can Dominate AI Search Results in 2026

    Are you an insurance agent struggling to show up in Google's AI-powered search results? You're not alone. With AI Overviews now dominating search, 70% of buying decisions happen BEFORE prospects ever contact you—and if you're not visible in those AI results, you're completely invisible to potential clients. In this comprehensive training, Carl Willis, CEO of Agent Branding and Marketing, reveals the exact strategies successful insurance agents are using to dominate their local markets in the age of AI-driven search. What You'll Discover: ✅ Why Google's Gemini AI is filtering out agents who aren't optimized (and how to fix it)  ✅ The 3 forces changing insurance marketing forever in 2026  ✅ How to build a digital footprint that gets recommended by AI search engines ✅ Why organic traffic dropped 61% and paid traffic dropped 68% in 2025—and what to do about it  ✅ The exact ecosystem components that make agents visible vs. invisible in AI searches  ✅ Real case study: How one Phoenix agent achieved 238% visibility increase and 3X lead flow  ✅ 5 non-negotiable moves every insurance agent must make to stay competitive The New Reality of Insurance Marketing: Google's AI now provides curated answers instead of link lists. Your prospects are making trust decisions based on what AI shows them—before they ever visit your website or call your office. If your Google Business Profile, reviews, and localized content don't check all the boxes, you simply don't exist in the consumer's decision-making process. Here's What's Working in 2026: 🎯 Optimized Google Business Profiles that Google's AI loves to recommend  🎯 High-quality, localized service pages that answer multi-step questions  🎯 Consistent review systems across multiple platforms (not just one)  🎯 Short-form video content that trains AI models to recognize your expertise  🎯 Multi-platform visibility that meets prospects wherever they're researching The 5 Critical Shifts for Insurance Agents: Think like a brand, not just an agentBecome a publisher of helpful, localized contentOptimize for multi-platform visibility (repurpose everything)Use AI tools to plan and create content efficientlyBuild a human brand with emotion and storytellingWhy This Matters for Established Agents: If you're already generating $500K+ annually, you understand the value of consistent lead flow. But the old playbook is broken. Vendor-generated content won't cut it. Generic websites get filtered out. The compressed sales cycle means you need to build trust BEFORE the first touchpoint—not during it. The agents who dominate in 2026 will be those who establish brand authority, master local SEO, and become the recommended expert in AI-powered search results. The opportunity is massive for agents willing to adapt now. Take Action Today: Don't let Google's AI build your brand for you with outdated information or incomplete data. Your future clients are already searching—make sure you're the agent they find. 📞 Schedule Your Free Strategy Session: agentbrandingandmarketing.com/schedule  📞 Call Us: 888-572-8758 Our team special Send a text Visit us online - agentbrandingandmarketing.com Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/agentbrandingandmarketing Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQ3DbHPzI7wWGYt1Pxlcyw

    39 min

  6. JAN 9

    How to Create a Winning Content Strategy For Your Insurance Agency

    Most insurance agents don't have a content problem—they have a clarity problem. They're posting on social media, updating their website occasionally, and maybe sending out newsletters, but nothing's working together. There's no strategy, no real traction, just noise. In this episode, we break down exactly how to build a strategic content system that generates consistent, qualified leads and positions your agency as the go-to expert in your local market. This isn't about copying what other agencies are doing—it's about creating a content engine that works in the background while you focus on what matters most: serving your clients. Whether you're trying to bring in more local auto and home quotes, educate prospects on bundling, or build trust with people who aren't ready to buy yet, this episode will give you the framework to make it happen. 🔗 Ready to dominate your local market? Schedule your free strategy session: agentbrandingandmarketing.com/schedule Episode Timestamps: [00:01] The Real Problem: Why Your Content Isn't Working Most agents are creating noise, not strategyThe difference between content and a content system[00:28] What You Actually Need to Succeed Building trust, education, and visibilityCreating an engine that works while you sleep[01:00] Start With Clear Goals Defining what you're trying to achieveDrawing a straight line between content and business outcomesExamples: driving traffic, local SEO, cross-sell opportunities[02:10] Know Who You're Talking To Why trying to talk to everyone connects with no oneUnderstanding different buyer personas (homeowners, renters, contractors, etc.)Matching content to their specific pain points and questions[03:07] Content Is the Entire Buyer Journey Why content is more than just blog postsCreating content that attracts, educates, and convertsThe power of landing pages and video over generic posts[04:37] Teach First, Sell Later How educational content builds trustAnswering questions before quotes are requestedBuilding authority without high-pressure pitches[05:35] Think Local, Win Local Why "best auto insurance" isn't how people buy anymoreSpeaking to your location, not just your productsUsing local weather events, landmarks, and neighborhoods in your content[06:35] Consistency Wins the Race How one blog post becomes a lead-generation systemBuilding an ecosystem: landing pages + SEO + social + emailCreating a content calendar as a commitment to your audience[07:50] Measure, Adjust, Improve Tracking what pages bring trafficUsing data to refine what you create nextDoubling down on what works[08:23] Build It Like You Mean It Why content strategy is the foundation of your marketingCompeting with agencies that show up dailyCreating a digital presence that reflects who you are and how you serve[09:24] Next Steps & Resources How Agent Branding and MarketiSend a text Visit us online - agentbrandingandmarketing.com Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/agentbrandingandmarketing Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQ3DbHPzI7wWGYt1Pxlcyw

    12 min

  7. JAN 2

    Google Ads vs Facebook Ads for Insurance Agents 2026 | Which Platform Drives More Leads?

    If you're running an insurance agency in 2026, you've probably wondered: Should I invest in Google Ads or Facebook Ads? Which platform actually drives better results? Here's the problem—you're not short on opinions, but you're definitely short on clarity. And the truth is, most agents are asking the wrong question entirely. In this episode of the Digital Insurance Agent podcast, we break down the real reason insurance agents struggle with paid advertising. Spoiler: It's not the platform. Most agents don't fail because ads don't work—they fail because ads expose the weak points in their marketing systems. Inconsistent leads create inconsistent premium. Inconsistent premium leads to hesitation about hiring, expansion, and growth. And that hesitation? It quietly caps your agency's true potential. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: The Real Problem with Insurance Marketing  0:31 - Why Most Agents Get Stuck Choosing Between Platforms  2:01 - How Insurance Buyers Choose Agents in 2026: The 5-Stage Journey  4:33 - Google Ads Deep Dive: Capturing Active Demand  5:17 - When Google Ads Work Best (and When They Fail)  7:55 - Facebook Ads Deep Dive: Creating Demand and Familiarity  9:04 - Real Agent Case Study: 42 New Policies in 90 Days  11:13 - Google vs Facebook: Complete Side-by-Side Breakdown  12:47 - The Strategic Sequence Most Agents Miss  13:36 - Which Platform for Your Agency Growth Stage  15:17 - Strategy Beats Platform Every Time  16:14 - Next Steps and Resources What You'll Learn in This Episode: The 5-stage buyer journey insurance customers go through in 2026 (and how to meet them where they are)Why Google Ads and Facebook Ads play completely different—but equally critical—roles in your marketingWhen Google Ads work best: capturing high-intent shoppers ready to request quotes right nowWhen Facebook Ads excel: building familiarity and educating prospects before they're ready to buyThe fatal mistakes that make Google Ads underperform (hint: it's not the platform sending bad leads)How Facebook Ads create demand at the top of the funnel—and why that matters for long-term growthA real composite case study: How one agent generated 42 new policies in 90 days using both platforms strategicallyGoogle vs Facebook side-by-side comparison: user intent, lead quality, cost per lead, sales cycle, and ROI timelineThe strategic sequence most agents completely miss (this is not a competition between platforms—it's a sequence)Which platform makes the most sense for your specific agency growth stageThe Bottom Line: Google Ads are designed to capture active demand—people actively searching for insurance solutions right this moment. They have higher cost per lead ($20-$40 average) but faster close rates. Facebook Ads create demand and familiarity—interrupting the scroll with stories and trust-building content before prospects are ready to shop. They have lower cost per lead ($7-$15 average) but require longer nurture cycles. The winning strategy isn't choosing one over the other. It's using both in tandem to build a marketing engine that educates, retargets, and closes on autopilot. Key Insights from This Episode: Google Ads work best when Send a text Visit us online - agentbrandingandmarketing.com Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/agentbrandingandmarketing Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQ3DbHPzI7wWGYt1Pxlcyw

    19 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    2026 Insurance Marketing Plan: Generate More Leads & Scale Your Agency

    Ready to dominate insurance marketing in 2026?  This comprehensive workshop shows independent P&C agents how to build a digital marketing strategy that generates consistent, high-quality leads while maximizing ROI. What You'll Learn: ✅ Set revenue goals and calculate exactly how many leads you need monthly ✅ Master SEO, AI optimization (AEO/GEO), and generative search rankings ✅ Build a high-converting website that turns 25-30% of visitors into leads ✅ Optimize for ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI, and other answer engines ✅ Structure Google Ads campaigns that actually work (and avoid costly mistakes) ✅ Implement automation to follow up with leads in under 5 minutes ✅ Calculate your true cost-per-lead and marketing budget allocation ✅ Get more online reviews and leverage them for AI recommendations Key Strategies Covered: The Accelerated Growth Model: Drive leads, maximize conversions, optimize results How to rank in AI search engines (not just Google) Why 65% of leads come from organic SEO when done right Landing page optimization that converts 5-10x better Retargeting strategies using Facebook, Instagram, and Google Database marketing automation for consistent lead nurture Resources Mentioned: Free Marketing Calculator: agentbrandingandmarketing.com/calculator Download Workshop Workbook: agentbrandingandmarketing.com/workbook Free Strategy Session: agentbrandingandmarketing.com/schedule AI Rank Checker: geoptie.com/rank-tracker Perfect For: Independent insurance agents generating $500K+ annually who want to scale to $1M-$2M+ through strategic digital marketing, not just buying expensive leads. Presented by Carl Willis, CEO of Agent Branding and Marketing - specializing in digital marketing for insurance agencies. 📞 Schedule Your Free Strategy Session: 888-572-8758 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction & Workshop Overview 4:37 - Setting Clear Revenue Goals for 2026 6:30 - Using the Lead Calculator Tool 13:45 - Setting Your Marketing Budget 22:03 - The Accelerated Growth Model Strategy 23:10 - Does SEO Still Matter in 2026? 25:58 - AEO & GEO: Answer Engine Optimization Explained 31:27 - How to Check Your AI Search Rankings 36:07 - Building Topical Authority for SEO 44:20 - Paid Search & Local Service Ads Strategy 51:22 - Website Conversion Optimization 1:01:35 - Reputation Management & Reviews 1:02:12 - Why 60% of Leads Don't Convert 1:04:33 - Marketing Automation That Works 1:08:44 - Complete Growth Roadmap Recap #insurancemarketing #InsuranceAgents #DigitalMarketing #LeadGeneration #InsuranceAgency #SEO #GoogleAds #AIMarketing Send a text Visit us online - agentbrandingandmarketing.com Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/agentbrandingandmarketing Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQ3DbHPzI7wWGYt1Pxlcyw

    1h 17m
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About

The Digital Insurance Agent is a podcast that explores the latest trends, tools, and strategies for transforming your insurance agency in the digital age. Join host Carl Willis, a seasoned financial services digital marketing consultant, as he interviews industry experts, shares success stories, and provides actionable tips to help you stay ahead of the curve and build a successful and sustainable insurance agency in today's ever-evolving market. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this show is the ultimate guide to help you modernize your insurance agency and thrive in the digital world.

Information

  • Creator
    Carl Willis - Agent Branding & Marketing
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Digital Insurance Agent
  • Show Website
    The Digital Insurance Agent