As a result, the financial social networking site IFA Life reports taking a big increase in the number of enquiries from financial advisers who now want to use the Internet and social networking websites to raise their profile online to attract new clients and make new professional connections.
Founder of IFA Life Philip Calvert said today: "Just two years ago, most IFAs would never have contemplated using social networks as a marketing tool, but now large numbers are embracing the technology. And what's particularly interesting, is that some of the very latest social media tools such as Twitter are now being adopted by IFAs."
Calvert, who runs seminars for financial advisers on Internet marketing added that many IFAs are finding trading conditions exceptionally tough.
"We've had an usually high number of IFAs calling over the last two weeks asking for ideas on how they can use social networks to promote their services. The common theme amongst those making enquiries was that business was quiet."
But new communication skills are needed to avoid making online mistakes.
IFA Life warns however that many business users of social networking sites make early mistakes such as over-selling themselves. Many business people are attracted by social networks as a marketing tool because of the high numbers of people who will see them and their ability to improve search engine rankings, but over-zealous use of these websites can be a big turn-off for other users.
Philip Calvert continued: "New users of social networking sites need to take a little time initially to hang back, learn the etiquette and avoid advertising their services too prominently."
"The trick for financial planners using these sites is not to advertise - but to add value by posting regular financial tips, hints, ideas, comments, facts, short articles and Blogs. The more you try to sell yourself - the less you'll actually sell. But if you are seen as someone who is helpful, knowledgeable and a good networker - you will quickly attract people to your profile page or website."
Immediate improvement in the visibility of IFA firms
Calvert reports that where IFAs embrace social networking tools through a pre-planned strategy, they can see an immediate and startling improvement in their overall visibility and in search engine positioning. Philip Calvert concluded:
"Those financial planning firms who think that social networking websites are just for kids need to think again. Twitter and Facebook are experiencing growth at a staggering rate - and it's the business world that's embracing it most."
"When IFAs include proven social networking tools such as LinkedIn, IFA Life, Twitter, YouTube, Ecademy, Xing and Social Median as part of their marketing plan, they'll be amazed at the difference it can make to their businesses. If financial advisers ignore these tools, they'll be left behind online and miss out on huge new business opportunities."
