Tsk tsk. In the face of growing online competition, some are predicting gloom and doom for independent insurance agencies. But recent market share reports suggest that, in many locations, IAs actually continue to build market share and even to dominate. One way to make sure that your independent agency joins those ranks – or stays there – is to up your agency’s game by maintaining a powerful and professional online presence. Here are some ways to get your name out there the right way and keep it there.

• If you don’t already have an agency website, get one. And fast. Choose a professional-sounding but easily remembered URL that will make you simple to find. If you already have a website, make sure that it’s kept current and that it’s mobile-friendly.

• Consider linking your site to other relevant professional sites. “I’ll scratch your back; you scratch mine” isn’t just a saying.

• Create a Facebook page and/or Twitter account for your business. They provide a free and easy way to increase your online visibility and interact with clients and potentials. Use LinkedIn to network with your professional peers and to post important articles and interesting, helpful information. It’s another no-cost way to expand your agency’s reach. CAVEAT: Don’t bite off more social media than you can chew. An inactive Facebook page or Twitter account makes you look unprofessional and haphazard.

• Invite clients to review your business online, and make it simple for them to do so. A 2015 infographic by Invesp, shows that 90% of consumers read online reviews, and 88% of them trust the online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

• Create podcasts, videos, webinars, and slide shares that explain what’s unique about the services and products that you provide. Remind clients and potentials of who you really are as an agency, and educate them about industry-related matters of importance to them. In short, use every tool at your fingertips to remind them that you are their go-to when it comes to insurance.

• Use tools like SumoMe, Buffer, and Google Analytics to monitor your social media referral traffic. Also, remember that practically every social media platform has native analytics (i.e. Twitter and Facebook Insights) that can also help you track progress and accordingly adjust your strategy.

Your agency’s personal, professional service plus an engaging and potent online presence is a winning combination. One that should shush those IA naysayers once and for all.