Veterans Day is more than just a holiday—it’s a moment to honor and recognize those who have served our country. For insurance agents, it’s also an opportunity to engage with your community, build trust, and show genuine support for veterans and their families. Here are some meaningful and effective marketing ideas to consider for Veterans Day that will help your agency make an impact.
1. Host or Sponsor Community Events
- Veterans Day parades or ceremonies: Partner with local veterans organizations or the city council to host or sponsor a Veterans Day parade or a ceremony. Sponsoring these events can give your agency positive exposure and shows your commitment to community service.
- Veterans Appreciation Day: Organize an appreciation event at a local venue. You could arrange for food, entertainment, and guest speakers to honor veterans. This provides a personal way to interact with veterans and their families while showcasing your brand.
- Run a fundraiser for veterans charities: Host a charity fundraiser and donate the proceeds to organizations that support veterans. It could be a virtual event, like a charity raffle, or an in-person activity, such as a fun run.
2. Engage in Sponsorships
- Sponsor a veterans’ program: Many local veterans associations, VFW posts, or American Legion halls have programs dedicated to providing support to veterans. Consider sponsoring these programs by providing financial assistance or resources.
- Sponsor scholarships for veterans or military families: Consider offering a scholarship for veterans or their children. Promoting education shows that your agency cares about veterans beyond their service, and it builds goodwill in the community.
3. Launch Social Media Campaigns
- Highlight local heroes: Use your social media channels to share stories of local veterans. These could be video interviews, written testimonials, or even a series of photo posts. Be sure to use trending hashtags like #VeteransDay, #ThankYouVeterans, and #VeteranStrong.
- Giveaways for veterans: Create a social media giveaway specifically for veterans or active military members. This could be anything from a gift card to a care package.
- Content that educates and honors: Post content that educates your audience—share facts, historical photos, or information about resources available to veterans. Make these posts visual and shareable, ideally accompanied by a personal thank-you message.
4. Participate in Volunteer Work
- Coordinate staff volunteer opportunities: Encourage your team to volunteer at veteran-focused organizations. This could be serving meals at a veterans’ shelter, helping with home renovations for a veteran, or participating in a clean-up event at a local memorial park.
- Team up with veteran service organizations: Contact local veterans’ service groups and offer a day of volunteering, either individually or as a team. Highlight your team’s involvement on social media to demonstrate your agency’s genuine commitment to supporting veterans.
5. Partner with Veterans Organizations (e.g., VFW)
- Partner with a VFW post: Build relationships with your local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post. Offer to co-host events, sponsor gatherings, or provide resources that support the veteran community.
- Provide information sessions: Consider organizing workshops for veterans, either at a VFW post or another community space, on topics like financial planning, healthcare, or insurance. Ensure that these sessions provide value without being overtly sales-focused.
6. Offer Special Promotions or Discounts
- Veterans insurance discounts: Offer a discount for veterans, active service members, and their families. It can be applied to specific types of insurance, like home or auto, and promoted as a thank-you for their service.
- Exclusive policy review service: Provide a complimentary insurance review service to veterans. Use this opportunity to show how they can improve their coverage while potentially saving money.
7. Support Local Veteran-Owned Businesses
- Highlight veteran-owned businesses on social media: Feature veteran-owned businesses on your social media platforms, encouraging your followers to support them. This can help veterans grow their businesses while also building positive community relationships.
- Co-Sponsor an event with veteran-owned businesses: Reach out to veteran-owned businesses to co-host events, such as a community market or pop-up shop. This can mutually benefit both your agency and their business by extending each other’s reach.
Make It Count by Keeping It Authentic
Veterans Day is an important time for reflection and community appreciation. Make sure your efforts are genuine and well-planned—whether through a community event, volunteer day, or social campaign—so that veterans and their families feel your sincere gratitude. By engaging in these types of activities, insurance agents can make a lasting positive impact, build stronger relationships within the community, and honor those who have served.
If you think you’re too late to follow these marketing tips, there’s always time to send out a quick email to clients about discounts and reviews or post on social media.
For more ideas, take a look at this informative guide from the Small Business Administration (SBA).