Advanced SMS Marketing Strategies for Life Insurance & Annuity Sales

ACROPOLIS DIGITAL LLC | MARCH 27, 2025 | BY TREVOR BROWN

Why SMS Marketing is the Ultimate Sales Weapon

If you're relying only on email marketing to nurture leads and book appointments, you’re leaving a ton of money on the table.

Here’s why SMS (text message) marketing is a game-changer:

📱 98% open rate (compared to ~20% for email)

⏳ 90% of texts are read within 3 minutes

💰 Higher engagement rates = more booked calls & closed deals

But here’s the problem: Most life insurance & annuity agents SUCK at SMS marketing.

They send texts like:

🚫 "Hey, just following up. Let me know if you’re still interested!"

🚫 "Hey [Name], I just wanted to check in—do you have time to chat?"

🚫 "Would love to talk to you about life insurance—call me when you can!"

These messages sound needy, weak, and ineffective.

Instead, I’m going to show you a proven SMS framework that actually gets responses, appointments, and sales.

Step 1: The Perfect SMS Sequence for Life & Annuity Leads

Here’s the high-converting SMS sequence I use for annuity & life insurance leads:

📅 Day 1 – Initial Outreach

📌 Text Message:

"Hey [Name], you requested info about [topic]. I specialize in helping people [specific benefit]. When’s a good time for a quick call?"

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Positions you as an expert, NOT a salesperson

✅ Doesn’t ask for permission—it assumes they’re interested

✅ Ends with an open-ended question (boosts response rates)

📅 Day 3 – Social Proof & Authority

📌 Text Message:

"Just helped [Client] secure $XX,XXX in tax-free retirement income using [strategy]. This might be a great fit for you too. Got 10 mins this week to chat?"

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Uses social proof (REAL case studies = instant credibility)

✅ Frames the offer as exclusive (not just another sales pitch)

✅ Creates curiosity & FOMO (fear of missing out)

📅 Day 5 – Objection Handling

📌 Text Message:

"A lot of people think [common objection]—but actually, [quick fact]. Want me to send over a short video explaining how this works?"

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Addresses objections before they even bring them up

✅ Gives them an easy YES (low-pressure commitment)

✅ Drives them to a VSL or webinar (pre-selling before the call)

📅 Day 7 – Urgency & Call-to-Action

📌 Text Message:

"Spots for [strategy] are filling up fast—I can only take on [X] more clients this month. If you’re interested, let’s lock in a time. What works for you?"

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Uses scarcity & urgency (pushes them to take action)

✅ Reminds them this is time-sensitive (not something to “think about”)

✅ Ends with a direct call-to-action (forces a response)

📅 Day 10 – Final Follow-Up (FOMO Play)

📌 Text Message:

"Just touching base—seems like now might not be the right time, which is totally fine. I’ll check back in a few months, but let me know if you want to take advantage of [strategy] before then."

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Uses reverse psychology (people hate missing out)

✅ Takes the pressure off, making them more likely to respond

✅ Leaves the door open for future follow-up

Step 2: Segment Your SMS Leads for Higher Conversions

Not all leads are the same. Segmenting your SMS campaigns will get you way better results.

📌 1. By Financial Goal

Retirement Planning → Focus on secure, tax-free income strategies

Business Owners → Highlight cash flow & tax-saving benefits

High-Net-Worth Clients → Use exclusive wealth-building angles

📌 2. By Lead Source

Facebook Leads → Warmer, need more education & trust-building

Google Search Leads (Hyperlink this article https://theacropolisdigital.com/blog-google-ads-vs-facebook-ads-for-annuity-lead-generationwhich-one-works-better) → Higher intent, need direct CTA for appointments

Referral Leads → Already trust you, emphasize client success stories

📌 3. By Engagement Level

Opened but didn’t respond? Send a new angle or social proof text

Clicked a VSL but didn’t book a call? Send a reminder text with urgency

Never responded? Try different wording or a re-engagement sequence

🚀 Pro Tip: Use CRM software like GoHighLevel, Twilio, or ActiveCampaign to automatically segment leads and send the right message at the right time.

Step 3: Automate SMS Follow-Ups for Maximum Efficiency

If you’re manually texting every lead, you’re wasting way too much time.

Here’s how to automate your SMS follow-ups:

📌 1. Trigger an SMS Immediately After Lead Opt-In

✅ Sends a text within 60 seconds of form submission

✅ Includes a call-to-action (“When’s a good time to chat?”)

📌 2. Automate Multi-Step Follow-Up Sequences

✅ Uses pre-scheduled messages for Day 3, 5, 7, etc.

✅ Adjusts based on engagement & response behavior

📌 3. Combine SMS With Voicemail & Email

✅ If no response to SMS → Send a voicemail drop

✅ If clicked a link but no response → Send an email follow-up

🚀 Pro Tip: Use GoHighLevel to build automated SMS + voicemail + email sequences for maximum response rates.

Step 4: A/B Test Your SMS Campaigns for Higher Conversions

Most agents never test their SMS messages—and they leave MONEY on the table.

Here’s how to optimize your SMS campaigns:

📌 1. Test Different Openers

"Quick question—are you still interested in [strategy]?"

"Just helped [Client] save $XX,XXX—want to see how?"

📌 2. Test Call-to-Action Wording

"What’s a good time for a quick chat?"

"Want me to send a short video explaining this?"

📌 3. Test Different Urgency Plays

"Only taking on 5 more clients this month—interested?"

"Last call before I move on to the next round of clients."

🚀 Pro Tip: Track response rates & booked calls to see which texts work best.

Conclusion: Scale Your Life & Annuity Sales with SMS Automation

If you’re not using SMS marketing, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to book more calls and close bigger annuity & life insurance deals.

📌 Recap of the High-Converting SMS Framework:

✅ Send a structured, multi-step sequence (not just one or two texts)

✅ Use social proof & success stories to build credibility

✅ Overcome objections BEFORE they arise

✅ Leverage automation to follow up at the perfect time

✅ Segment & personalize messages for maximum impact

✅ A/B test & optimize your campaigns based on response rates

💰 Want High-Quality Leads That Actually Convert?

I specialize in exclusive, high-intent annuity & life insurance leads for financial professionals. If you’re tired of low-quality leads that ghost you, let’s talk.

📌 Book a Free Strategy Call Today (Hyperlink the homepage)

Advanced SMS Marketing Strategies for Life Insurance & Annuity Sales

ACROPOLIS DIGITAL LLC | MARCH 27, 2025 | BY TREVOR BROWN

Why SMS Marketing is the Ultimate Sales Weapon

If you're relying only on email marketing to nurture leads and book appointments, you’re leaving a ton of money on the table.

Here’s why SMS (text message) marketing is a game-changer:

📱 98% open rate (compared to ~20% for email)

⏳ 90% of texts are read within 3 minutes

💰 Higher engagement rates = more booked calls & closed deals

But here’s the problem: Most life insurance & annuity agents SUCK at SMS marketing.

They send texts like:

🚫 "Hey, just following up. Let me know if you’re still interested!"

🚫 "Hey [Name], I just wanted to check in—do you have time to chat?"

🚫 "Would love to talk to you about life insurance—call me when you can!"

These messages sound needy, weak, and ineffective.

Instead, I’m going to show you a proven SMS framework that actually gets responses, appointments, and sales.

Step 1: The Perfect SMS Sequence for Life & Annuity Leads

Here’s the high-converting SMS sequence I use for annuity & life insurance leads:

📅 Day 1 – Initial Outreach

📌 Text Message:

"Hey [Name], you requested info about [topic]. I specialize in helping people [specific benefit]. When’s a good time for a quick call?"

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Positions you as an expert, NOT a salesperson

✅ Doesn’t ask for permission—it assumes they’re interested

✅ Ends with an open-ended question (boosts response rates)

📅 Day 3 – Social Proof & Authority

📌 Text Message:

"Just helped [Client] secure $XX,XXX in tax-free retirement income using [strategy]. This might be a great fit for you too. Got 10 mins this week to chat?"

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Uses social proof (REAL case studies = instant credibility)

✅ Frames the offer as exclusive (not just another sales pitch)

✅ Creates curiosity & FOMO (fear of missing out)

📅 Day 5 – Objection Handling

📌 Text Message:

"A lot of people think [common objection]—but actually, [quick fact]. Want me to send over a short video explaining how this works?"

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Addresses objections before they even bring them up

✅ Gives them an easy YES (low-pressure commitment)

✅ Drives them to a VSL or webinar (pre-selling before the call)

📅 Day 7 – Urgency & Call-to-Action

📌 Text Message:

"Spots for [strategy] are filling up fast—I can only take on [X] more clients this month. If you’re interested, let’s lock in a time. What works for you?"

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Uses scarcity & urgency (pushes them to take action)

✅ Reminds them this is time-sensitive (not something to “think about”)

✅ Ends with a direct call-to-action (forces a response)

📅 Day 10 – Final Follow-Up (FOMO Play)

📌 Text Message:

"Just touching base—seems like now might not be the right time, which is totally fine. I’ll check back in a few months, but let me know if you want to take advantage of [strategy] before then."

🔹 Why This Works:

✅ Uses reverse psychology (people hate missing out)

✅ Takes the pressure off, making them more likely to respond

✅ Leaves the door open for future follow-up

Step 2: Segment Your SMS Leads for Higher Conversions

Not all leads are the same. Segmenting your SMS campaigns will get you way better results.

📌 1. By Financial Goal

Retirement Planning → Focus on secure, tax-free income strategies

Business Owners → Highlight cash flow & tax-saving benefits

High-Net-Worth Clients → Use exclusive wealth-building angles

📌 2. By Lead Source

Facebook Leads → Warmer, need more education & trust-building

Referral Leads → Already trust you, emphasize client success stories

📌 3. By Engagement Level

Opened but didn’t respond? Send a new angle or social proof text

Clicked a VSL but didn’t book a call? Send a reminder text with urgency

Never responded? Try different wording or a re-engagement sequence

🚀 Pro Tip: Use CRM software like GoHighLevel, Twilio, or ActiveCampaign to automatically segment leads and send the right message at the right time.

Step 3: Automate SMS Follow-Ups for Maximum Efficiency

If you’re manually texting every lead, you’re wasting way too much time.

Here’s how to automate your SMS follow-ups:

📌 1. Trigger an SMS Immediately After Lead Opt-In

✅ Sends a text within 60 seconds of form submission

✅ Includes a call-to-action (“When’s a good time to chat?”)

📌 2. Automate Multi-Step Follow-Up Sequences

✅ Uses pre-scheduled messages for Day 3, 5, 7, etc.

✅ Adjusts based on engagement & response behavior

📌 3. Combine SMS With Voicemail & Email

✅ If no response to SMS → Send a voicemail drop

✅ If clicked a link but no response → Send an email follow-up

🚀 Pro Tip: Use GoHighLevel to build automated SMS + voicemail + email sequences for maximum response rates.

Step 4: A/B Test Your SMS Campaigns for Higher Conversions

Most agents never test their SMS messages—and they leave MONEY on the table.

Here’s how to optimize your SMS campaigns:

📌 1. Test Different Openers

"Quick question—are you still interested in [strategy]?"

"Just helped [Client] save $XX,XXX—want to see how?"

📌 2. Test Call-to-Action Wording

"What’s a good time for a quick chat?"

"Want me to send a short video explaining this?"

📌 3. Test Different Urgency Plays

"Only taking on 5 more clients this month—interested?"

"Last call before I move on to the next round of clients."

🚀 Pro Tip: Track response rates & booked calls to see which texts work best.

Conclusion: Scale Your Life & Annuity Sales with SMS Automation

If you’re not using SMS marketing, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to book more calls and close bigger annuity & life insurance deals.

📌 Recap of the High-Converting SMS Framework:

✅ Send a structured, multi-step sequence (not just one or two texts)

✅ Use social proof & success stories to build credibility

✅ Overcome objections BEFORE they arise

✅ Leverage automation to follow up at the perfect time

✅ Segment & personalize messages for maximum impact

✅ A/B test & optimize your campaigns based on response rates

💰 Want High-Quality Leads That Actually Convert?

I specialize in exclusive, high-intent annuity & life insurance leads for financial professionals. If you’re tired of low-quality leads that ghost you, let’s talk.

📌 Book a Free Strategy Call Today (Hyperlink the homepage)