Problem Attracting Prospects from Outside of Our Area

Jeff Zylstra · August 28, 2012, 01:00:32 PM

I am having an issue where we are receiving an inordinate amount of phone calls from prospects outside of our area. These calls are coming in from across the state and are mostly calls for commercial insurance. Probably customers with insurance problems.

I'm wondering if it is possible for our website provider to have display a box saying something like "We noticed that you are currently outside of our service area. For the best possible service, our agency prefers to serve customers within 60 miles of the greater Grand Rapids area". I know that some sites have geographic location capabilities based on the IP address or internet gateway location. Just wondering if that was possible of feasible.

Alice Mooney · August 28, 2012, 01:49:32 PM

Would it be possible to have a box where they enter their zip code, and they can either continue to the rest of your site, or a message can come up saying they are out of your service area?

Jeff Zylstra · August 28, 2012, 03:09:49 PM

Quote from: Alice on August 28, 2012, 01:49:32 PM
Would it be possible to have a box where they enter their zip code, and they can either continue to the rest of your site, or a message can come up saying they are out of your service area?

Certainly an option, but I would rather have any website changes affect only those who are not in our area. I know that people make up their minds in 2 seconds or less on whether they want to look further or bail out on a website, so I'm hesitant to make any changes that would affect those who I want to reach. Thank you, Alice.

Hans Manhave · August 28, 2012, 03:14:12 PM

I wonder how such a restriction or warning would work with HughesNet or cellular access.

Jim Jensen · August 28, 2012, 03:31:00 PM

I had a notation on ours for quite a while indicating that we're only license in Indiana and Kentucky. Despite this, I had more submissions for quotes from the website from out of state than in-state. If it's not something that pops up or changes in the display, many won't read it.

Mark · August 28, 2012, 04:07:39 PM

I think we're licensed in MI. Send 'em our way!

Jeff Zylstra · August 28, 2012, 04:22:07 PM

Quote from: Mark on August 28, 2012, 04:07:39 PM
I think we're licensed in MI. Send 'em our way!

The one I had a couple of hours ago was from Saginaw, and the one on Friday was from Detroit. You SURE you want me send them your way?

Mark · August 28, 2012, 04:24:29 PM

HAHAHA, I don't know....