The 5 Misconceptions About Websites for Insurance Agents (& Why It’s Costing You Business!)

Do health insurance agents really need a website?

In the past, this might not have been as big of a question. However, with the explosion in internet usage and changes in consumer behavior, having a website for your health insurance agency is paramount. Research shows that 97% of consumers search online to find local businesses — including insurance. If you aren’t online, how will those people find you?

Let’s tackle the five biggest misconceptions about websites for health, senior, and benefits agents and why not having one (or having the wrong one) could be holding you back. 

Misconception #1: “I work strictly from referrals.”

Having a strong referral base is foundational for any health insurance agency. However, the truth is that a strong referral base just isn’t enough. Although your referrals are hearing about you from a trusted source, they still want to do their own research. 

We’ve cemented the fact that consumers are looking for local businesses online. If they want to research you, that’s where they’ll start. Additional research found:

• 57% of internet users won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed website on mobile
• 75% of consumers admit to making judgments about a company’s credibility based on their website design 
• 88% of consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience 

The takeaway? Your website isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s an extension of your referral strategy that helps turn word-of-mouth recommendations into real business.

Misconception #2: “I have a social media page — that’s enough.”

For many small businesses, social media and websites are synonymous. However, the truth is this: social media is not a substitute for a website. While a social media profile is great for engagement, connecting with peers, and sharing education, it has some significant disadvantages:

1. It lacks credibility as there are fewer regulations in place for social media management
2. It is not optimized for search engines or SEO, so it’s not going to rank as well for those searching for your services
3. You don’t own it — the social media platform does
4. You have less control since algorithm changes significantly impact your page’s visibility
5. It can reduce traffic since some social media platforms require visitors to be members to see pages
6. It’s simply not where people start their search for information

► Action item: You certainly should have a social media presence, but it should be in addition to a website presence. In fact, your website and social media profile should complement one another in your overall digital marketing strategy.

Misconception #3: “Creating a website is expensive, and they’re hard to maintain.”

You’re not wrong. Some websites can be expensive and building your own can include significant maintenance. However, the tools you use greatly impact both the cost and effort required. 

For an insurance website, you have three options:

1. Do it yourself: While a DIY website builder may look appealing, it may cost you more in time and effort to make it exactly what you want.
2. Partner with a generic website agency: Partnering with experts is a smart step forward. However, a generic website agency won’t necessarily know the compliance requirements for the health insurance industry, which could cost you time in education and management. 
3. Partner with an insurance website builder: Using tools built for your industry can decrease your resource investment and perform better to fit your goals. 

► Action item: Choose a website builder that understands your needs and can ensure your site is compliant. 

Misconception #4: “I don’t have the time or tech skills to manage a website.”

As a business owner, it’s important to focus on your strengths, which probably doesn’t include website design. So, take that worry off your shoulders. 

When you partner with the right company, one that understands your industry, you can alleviate the need for day-to-day management. Let that team build your website and handle all the heavy lifting. Then, you can focus on the benefits, like the extra leads and brand awareness! 

Misconception #5: “A website won’t help me get more clients.”

The fact of the matter is this: Your website can be your #1 sales tool. A website is designed to help you attract, educate, and convert visitors into leads. Leads that you can work to increase your client base. 

It comes down to design, layout, and experience. A website needs to be modern and designed to convert visitors. In fact, a website with clear call-to-actions (CTAs) can generate up to 126% more leads. What could you do with 126% more leads?

►Action item: Optimize your website to ensure it’s built for conversion, including lead forms, educational content, and more. 

How to Create a Website That Works for You

Now that we’ve tackled the biggest misconceptions about websites for insurance agents, the question isn’t “Do I need a website?” It’s “Can I afford NOT to have one?”

A professional website works continuously in the background so you can focus on growing your agency. And, with an industry-specific, done-for-you solution like an AgencyBloc Website, getting online has never been easier. Partnering with the right insurance website builder can increase affordability, decrease maintenance stress, give you credibility, foster growth, and actually do what it’s supposed to do.

"I feel like I'm the VIP customer. And now I have a beautiful website that is actually going to be a lead generator for me, make my life so much easier, and allow me to scale up as a one-woman show."

— Mary F., Your Medicare-Specialist

Ready to see what an AgencyBloc Website can do for your business? Schedule a demo, and let us show you how simple it is to start.

Posted by Allison Babberl on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Websites

1. marketing
2. productivity
3. prospecting