Why getting lead generation right is good for everyone
Published: 31/03/2022
Doing the right thing for clients at every step of the customer journey helps supports business quality. It starts with lead generation.
It’s no industry secret that poor lead generation practices drive clawback rates for intermediaries - as well as wasted sales efforts and low conversion rates - and lead to cancellations and policy lapses for insurers1. None of this is good for anyone.Those breaking regulatory standards can be damaging to industry trust too, especially where unscrupulous lead providers are accused of using fraudulent or misleading online advertising tactics to procure leads and resell consumer data by impersonating well-known insurance brands2.
It is therefore crucial that both insurers and intermediaries take steps to maintain the highest possible standards when conducting lead provider due diligence and purchasing leads. This will ensure you write better quality business, which is more sustainable, while helping to increase the chances of more positive outcomes for your clients. Here are three steps you can take:
1. Know who you are purchasing leads from
Understanding how data has been sourced and the nature of the customer journey can help avoid overlap and maintain consistency when contacting leads, so it is important to partner with a credible, transparent lead generation firm that is embedding best practice, such as surveying leads, using good quality scripts and meeting the correct regulatory standards around telephone data and communications.2. Keep a close eye on the leads you purchase.
Once you have acquired leads, it is important to track their performance to assess the sales conversion, persistency and overall quality of the business. This will allow you to make better decisions in future when selecting lead providers to partner with. Working to a budget is wise and staying in touch with leads where there is interest or a plan has been sold can help build positive client relationships. This can include updates about the Vitality Programme.3. Spread the risk
Being too reliant on a single lead generation source can be risky and leave distribution firms in a precarious financial position should that supplier for any reason cease operations. Set against an unsteady economic situation, it is vital that broker firms rely on a diverse range of lead providers underpinned by sound practices to secure the sustainability and success of their own business.Why does this matter?
All firms who manage client data are required to meet regulations set out in the Data Protection Act 2018 and guidance is provided by the Direct Marketing Association. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is cracking down on misleading tactics used by lead generators3. It is therefore a good idea to consider trial periods, carry out background checks and find out whether there are refund and quality guarantees (such as compensation policies) in place before dealing with lead providers.
“One of the biggest issues to be aware of is how the enquiries are generated. What do the adverts look like and where are they being promoted? If it’s a phone-based lead generator, what are they saying to gain interest? If someone is misled at their first contact, are they likely to be engaged or to keep the policies that have been recommended?
“Another issue is the reselling of leads/data. How do you know that data isn’t being sold to someone else too? This devalues the enquiry, increases risk of a clawback and can lead to disgruntled and confused customers.
“Self-generated enquiries via referrals and word of mouth are ideal, but purchasing leads is required by many firms and is done well by some. We would encourage anybody buying leads to do thorough research and due diligence to find out how enquiries are generated before working with a seller. There are also tools and services4 that exist to help ensure enquiries are not being resold, so engaging with these can also help.”
- Alan Knowles Chair of the Protection Distribution Group
“Another issue is the reselling of leads/data. How do you know that data isn’t being sold to someone else too? This devalues the enquiry, increases risk of a clawback and can lead to disgruntled and confused customers.
“Self-generated enquiries via referrals and word of mouth are ideal, but purchasing leads is required by many firms and is done well by some. We would encourage anybody buying leads to do thorough research and due diligence to find out how enquiries are generated before working with a seller. There are also tools and services4 that exist to help ensure enquiries are not being resold, so engaging with these can also help.”
- Alan Knowles Chair of the Protection Distribution Group
Working towards better client outcomes is good for everybody – this includes you and your business. Visit our Supporting business quality page to discover more. Or read our Adviser guide to driving better business.
Find out more about how indexation works and why it is a good idea for your clients, especially at this time.
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Sources:
1. Protecting the Protectors Report, LifeSearch and Contact State 2020
2. https://www.covermagazine.co.uk/news/4016704/action-mitigate-fraudulent-lead-generation
3. https://www.ftadviser.com/regulation/2021/12/29/advisers-warned-on-lead-generation-ads-as-scrutiny-increases/
4. https://www.contactstate.com/
1. Protecting the Protectors Report, LifeSearch and Contact State 2020
2. https://www.covermagazine.co.uk/news/4016704/action-mitigate-fraudulent-lead-generation
3. https://www.ftadviser.com/regulation/2021/12/29/advisers-warned-on-lead-generation-ads-as-scrutiny-increases/
4. https://www.contactstate.com/