Financial Advisors: 3 ways you are hurting your online presence

These days, everything under the sun is Google-able. Anything and everything can be found online. The World Wide Web has eliminated time and geographic constraints for businesses looking to build their online reputation, connections, and influence.  Although the web has provided us with many great opportunities, there are also ways that the web can hurt your businesses reputation.

Making a poor online first impression

Your website is your business card and the face of your online business. Prospects form an opinion about your business within the first 10 seconds of their visit. This is why, more then ever, it is important to have a professional looking website. A good website communicates to prospects that the owner cares about their business and online image, and it makes the visitor feel like the business is trustworthy. Poor design, or do-it-yourself websites, can communicate business instability and a lack of credibility.

Being too controversial or negative

Original and refreshing content can help you stand out from your competitors and help to create loyalty among your visitors. Solve a problem for your prospects or provide fresh insights into your industry. Predictability is a sure way to lose followers but so is being too controversial. Being intentionally controversial is not the way to get people’s attention. The way you choose to discuss topics will determine people’s perception of you. Be positive, be interesting, but don’t be negative.

You’re not promoting your services

Make sure you are clearly showcasing the services that you offer and focusing on problems that you can solve for your prospects. Prospects need to know exactly what services you provide (so do search engines) and how you can help them. You should also make sure you are including a clear call to action. What do you want your prospects to do? Should they call for an appointment, or contact you through your website?

Your reputation is displayed online 24/7 so it is important to proactively protect your online presence.  Start with your website. Would you rather do business with a professional, well-groomed person wearing a nice suit, or a person who looked like they just rolled out of bed?   The same comparison can be made for people’s impressions of your website, and who they decide to do business with.

Still wondering how to improve your online presence?  We want to help!  Get in touch with us today.