It amazes me how many financial advisers and planners don’t have a website. Even some of those that do have one may as well not have bothered since they are so bad!
The internet has allowed many small businesses and sole traders to look much bigger and more professional than they perhaps may be. You may run your small practice from the spare bedroom of your house, but to a perspective client looking at your website you could be located in a big city skyscraper with a team of 100 staff!
Now I’m certainly not saying that you should be misleading people on your website. What I am saying is that first impressions count, and with more people using the internet to research goods and services you may find that the first impression you give is not when you call them or phone them, but when they Google you and look at your website.
And that’s the thing. Even if a client has been referred to you via another client, there is still a very good chance that they will Google you before the first appointment. If they find no website or a bad website, you could find yourself on the back foot before you’ve even started!
There are two different types of websites that will suit advisers, and most businesses for that matter:
1. A basic site for existing and prospective clients to find out about you
2. A more complex site designed to attract new clients
It’s my opinion that all advisers should have a website that not only provides basic information for existing clients, but also works for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week attracting new clients and leads.
But even if you’re not ready for a full website, I implore you to at the very least get SOMETHING online! Even if it’s just a single page website showing your logo and some contact details, at least it’s something that people can find when they Google you.