New social media seminar launches to advisers

Launched by financial website provider, Adviser Portals, and regulatory consultancy provider, Paradigm Consulting, the free pilot event aims to demonstrate the positive way websites and social media channels can be used, particularly with intergenerational planning in mind.

A survey conducted by the two firms found that a quarter of advisers don’t place value in having a website and one in 20 said they don’t need a website at all.

It’s hoped the initial event, being held in Cheshire on November 5th and supported by specialists in social media from communications agency Bugler Smith, will be the first of a series that will take place throughout the UK.

Each event will consist of short talks by the three organisations; creating a presence through a website, promoting brands through social media, and financial regulation and compliance on digital channels.

David Ryder, head of proposition at Paradigm Consulting, said: “Digital and social media channels play a vital role in all our lives, both business and personal, so when the survey results came in, we were shocked.

“Websites and social channels can often be seen as simply a sales tool, but they’re so much more important than that, particularly with the ongoing issues around intergenerational planning."

Mark Barry, managing director of Adviser Portals, commented: “Having a digital presence is particularly important because many people now carry out online research, before even thinking about face-to-face communication.

“The next generation of people seeking financial advice are engaging with content and searching for information in different ways, with a big focus on website searches and social media.

“People want to know things before they directly engage, so websites and social media play hugely important roles in helping support advisers with client relationships, and perhaps even bringing new clients to the firm.

“The research we carried out with Paradigm Consulting showed that many IFAs do place value in a positive web presence, but that there’s still some way to go before all firms are making the most of the digital opportunities available.

“We hope this pilot scheme will help bring many advisers up to speed with the digital age.”

Ryan Gibson, head of social at Bugler Smith, added: “Social media has an important part to play, particularly given that current and future generations of potential clients are practically born with a smart phone and social channels in their hand.

“Using social media channels can be daunting, but they are a great place to showcase an IFA’s web content, while first making sure it’s compliant and professional.

“But a website and social channels will only be of maximum benefit if they’re compliant, so constantly updated with the latest FCA regulations and policies. Only then can a digital presence start to provide positive promotion of an IFA.”