Our latest research examines the social media reach and activity of general insurers across Facebook, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Key findings
The following findings are based on research conducted by The Dubs social media and research director Andrew Frith, who examined the social media reach and activity of the top 10 Australian General Insurers from November 2016 to January 2017. The results are based on:
- Facebook, X and LinkedIn followings
- Facebook likes
- YouTube subscribers
- Social activity frequency (number of tweets/retweets, Facebook and LinkedIn posts, and YouTube videos).
Surprisingly, many of the larger insurance brands are fairly quiet when it comes to social. Facebook is the preferred channel, and all 10 ranked well to moderate in their handling of Facebook content. LinkedIn isn’t getting much attention, which is also surprising, as there is an opportunity there.
Like most finance sectors, insurance companies have a presence on YouTube but finance content in general tends to exist in a low viewership wasteland on this platform. X is being used quite well by half of the top 10, while the other half have chosen not to utilise the channel at this time.
1. NRMA Insurance
NRMA Insurance had the second largest Facebook following, and ranked mid-pack in terms of number of posts (39). They seem to have a Facebook strategy in place as evidenced by a pro-active team that responds to all comments – negative and positive – and not just with boiler-plate responses, and the use of a wide range of content types and regular posting schedule. Much of their Facebook content is video, combined with curated links and sponsorship posts related to the company’s association with W-League girls’ soccer. NRMA Insurance often gets creative with their products and service updates, with memes such as this:
On X, NRMA Insurance follows best practice, using images and hashtags with every post. They post regularly, but not to a strict schedule, and often link to their content hub or post seasonal short-form (10-second) videos such as How to Prepare for Storm Season. NRMA Insurance also scored points for light-hearted personal posts like this one:
With LinkedIn, the company focuses more on their Roadside Assist product, with very few insurance related posts. NRMA’s YouTube channel has the most posts (16) , the most subscribers (1882) and most video views (1,476,678). Their most successful videos that achieve views in the thousands are predominantly instructive such as:
2. QBE
QBE has a strong social program across the board and is most active on Facebook and X. They also boast the largest LinkedIn following of the top 10. Social content is a balanced mix of tips, friendly messages, links to their content hub, Covered , as well as sponsorship, and educational posts. Posting reflects consistent branding and tone of voice and runs to a consistent schedule. X content is similar to Facebook and adheres to best practice regarding images, video posts, and hashtags. LinkedIn is less of a focus with nine posts in three months and comprising mostly corporate affairs content. With YouTube, QBE ranked fourth, posting 11 videos in three months but, as expected, were in line with across-the-board low viewership figures in the 100-200 range. Of note is their series on Australian Housing Outlook 2016 which included animated infographics and high production values.
[Full disclosure – QBE is a client of The Dubs]
3. AAMI
AAMI ranks at number two for Facebook (59 posts) and has the largest Facebook following (124,936) but have opted not to use X or LinkedIn. Customer service gets in front of Facebook comments and enquiries, and content is a nice mix of sponsorship, tips, general interest, and educational material. In spite of a lack of X posts (the company had been posting regularly up to end of September 2016) AAMI has the most X followers. With YouTube, AAMI is quite active, publishing 12 videos in three months and ranking second in this measure. Their five-part short-form series ‘Top 5 Causes of a Crash’ was a standout for high quality production.
4. CGU
CGU are the most active insurer on LinkedIn and also have good social activity in general, ranking third on Facebook, and fifth on X. They have the second largest X following (3926) but smallest Facebook following (4,682), with content mostly linking to their content hub, with a smattering of curated, product, conversational, and sponsorship content running in support. CGU are also on top of customer service comments and complaints. X content includes curated tweets from government agencies regarding dangerous weather conditions, and links back to the content hub. They had low activity on YouTube during the three month period.
5. Allianz
Allianz were the most active insurer across X and LinkedIn, and also have a Facebook presence. The company uses social media mostly to promote corporate affairs and CSR initiatives. They were one of the few brands to run a Facebook competition, but had no YouTube activity over the research period.
6. Suncorp
Even though Suncorp has less Facebook activity than other brands, they ranked at number two for YouTube activity (but again suffered the curse of low subscribers and views). Facebook content anchors mostly around sponsorship, but also offers some unique, original creations such as smashing pineapples at 200kms into house to show the damage a cyclone can do. X content is similar to Facebook, while LinkedIn is mostly corporate affairs. Their YouTube channel boasts high production-value videos but all with low views.
7. Youi
Youi rank in the middle of the pack for Facebook and LinkedIn activity, and third for X (which the brand uses for personal and direct customer service) and do not use YouTube at this time. While an obvious strategy doesn’t appear to be in place, Youi’s Facebook is notable for clever content that’s often more light-hearted than other brands, such as 5 Lessons we can Learn from Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister. This more relaxed approach also filters across LinkedIn.
8.Budget Direct
Budget Direct are predominantly active on Facebook at the moment, placing fourth for activity. The company tweeted eight times during the three months and had no LinkedIn and little YouTube activity. Their Facebook focuses on educational content, competitions, tips, and general interest links to their content hub. Like most brands in the report, their customer service team seems to be answering most comments.
9. GIO
GIO were not active on X, LinkedIn or YouTube. On Facebook they posted roughly twice a week, mostly curated posts and links to a small content area.
10. APIA
Opting out of social for the time being, APIA had no X, LinkedIn or YouTube activity. Their minimal Facebook activity links to the company’s lifestyle blog.
Related Report: Top 10 General Insurers Most Active On Social Media Jun-to-Aug 2016
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