General advertising – FAQs

Do you have questions about our advertising resources? Check the list below. If you don't see your question, e-mail us at adhelp@blueshieldca.com.
 

General advertising 

What guidelines do I have to follow in creating my ad? 
Get complete Advertising Guidelines for all printed advertising. 
 
Can Blue Shield create a unique ad for me? 
With more than 10,000 authorized brokers, we're unable to accept requests for unique ad material production. However, we offer a variety of pre-approved advertising materials that satisfy the compliance requirements. If you choose, you may create your own ad using the Blue Shield name and/or logo, but you must receive prior approval from our Producer Marketing Department. Please email adhelp@blueshieldca.com if you need assistance. 
 
Can I include rate information? 
If you create your own ad, you may include the current plan rates in your advertising, along with the plan name(s) for which the rates are shown and the counties where the rates apply. You must also state that the rates are being shown for illustrative purposes and the actual rates may vary depending on age and health status. Get standard disclaimers for your advertising. 
 
Can I put my photo in my ad? 
Absolutely! You can to upload your photo or company logo to develop your personalized pieces. As a reminder, if you create your own ad using the Blue Shield name and/or logo, you will need to get approval from our Producer Marketing Department by emailing adhelp@blueshieldca.com. 
 
How do I submit an ad for approval? 
If you are submitting your own ad, email the final PDF to adhelp@blueshieldca.com prior to printing or placement. Once the compliance review is complete, you will receive an email detailing any changes and/or approval for your ad. 
 
Does Blue Shield offer finished radio or TV spots for my customization? 
At the present time, we do not offer radio or TV finished ads or scripts for broker use. 
 

Internet marketing 

I want to advertise Blue Shield on my website. Are there guidelines I have to follow? 
Like other media vehicles, the internet has specific guidelines. Please refer to our Advertising Guidelines for complete details. 
 
Can I link my agency's website with blueshieldca.com? 
Yes. If you use a hyperlink to Blue Shield's website, you must designate the link with the language, "Official website of Blue Shield of California." It must be made clear that the information the user will view comes from the Blue Shield website. Please refer to our Advertising Guidelines for more information. 
 
Will Blue Shield include a reciprocal link on its site? 
Currently, we do not provide this service. 
 
Can I post Blue Shield applications on my website? 
We highly suggest that you enroll your clients through our Quote & Apply Tool for faster service times and commission payments.
 
How do I get my website approved by Blue Shield? 
For site approval, your site must go through a review. Please email the URL of your site to adhelp@blueshieldca.com. The review period normally requires 10 business days. 
 

Logos and stationery

Do I have to include the Blue Shield logo in my ad? 
No. You are not required to use the Blue Shield of California logo in your advertising. If you do choose to use a logo, you must use the Blue Shield Authorized Broker logo. Please refer to our Advertising Guidelines for more information on using it. Please note that all items using the Blue Shield logo must be pre-approved by the Producer Marketing Department. 
 
Do I have to use the logo as shown on the site? 
Yes. If you decide to use the Authorized Broker logo, it has to be used "as is". You may adjust the size of the logo only if the proportions are kept constant. We also require using the logo treatment provided on the site in order to satisfy the compliance requirement that your name/agency name must be at least as large as the Blue Shield logo type. This means that your name/agency name needs to appear as tall as the size of the Blue Shield name. Please see our Advertising Guidelines for more information. The Producer Marketing Department can provide assistance in selecting the perfect logo for your marketing materials. 
 
How do I use the downloadable logos? 
You can use the downloadable logos when creating your print ads, or provide them to your graphic artist if you are having your ad professionally done. For complete instructions and to download the logos, please see our logos page. If you need further assistance, e-mail adhelp@blueshieldca.com. 
 
Can I use the Blue Shield logo on my business cards or letterhead? 
Absolutely! Email adhelp@blueshieldca.com for guidance designing your business cards, letterhead, or envelopes using the Blue Shield Authorized Broker logo. Remember that all stationery must be pre-approved by the Producer Marketing Department. Please refer to our Advertising Guidelines for more information.