In the era of super-fast broadband and increasingly easy-to-use website software, there is more potential for planners to reach new clients than ever, according to a Special Report on Client Engagement in the latest Financial Planning Today magazine.
So how are planners using the latest business technology to make the most of this potential to build their businesses?
When it comes to communicating better with clients and using the best of technology for business, making it personal and producing your own content are the keys to success, Financial Planners say.
Many planners are using their websites to host their blogs and news articles, comment on
topical subjects and then distribute these via their social media channels.
Guildford-based Chartered Financial Planner Keith Churchouse, who is active online, had no doubt what was the most important point to think about for planners looking to communicate better with their clients.
He told Financial Planning Today: “However you communicate, and whatever medium you use, electronic or otherwise, make it personal.
“Clients, new prospects and professional connections want to feel that you are connecting with them directly.”
Claire Butler, who heads up much of the communications for Broadway Financial
Planning in the Cotswolds, said her company uses its website or direct mail to keep clients up to date.
Broadway has blogs and news sections on its site – which Ms Butler updates as part of
her job.
The content is generally created by her and the firm’s boss Keri Carter CFP.
She said: “We try to keep the articles topical and the news section is used for both the sharing of interesting articles and documents, such as our newsletters and cash recommendation reports.
“It is very important to us that we use our own content, but we do share articles that we think will be of interest.
“Our clients comment regularly on the articles that we produce and like the topical ones
especially.
“We feel that keeping clients up to date with what we are up to as a firm makes us more approachable, so clients and prospective clients get to know us as a team, so they feel comfortable dealing with everyone.”
Broadway also produces a quarterly newsletter.
Chartered Financial Planner and owner of Paraplanning firm Para-sols, Cathi Harrison FPFS, produces video content on a resource area, which also has handy guides and checklists.
The full feature appears in the latest issue of Financial Planning Today magazine, which is available to read online now.
Other key features in the latest issue include:
• Stories about MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis' legal battle with Facebook, details of a financial adviser jailed for sexual assault and more.
• Inside My Business: Acumen Financial Planning's Sandy Robertson talks about his work-life balance, his inspirations and his fiercely independent approach to business.
• Planner Casebook - Mike Walker, of Prest Financial Planning, looks at a real-life case involving a HNW couple looking to tackle major Inheritance Tax challenges.
• Client Hunter tips from Nicola Watts, who looks at finding new clients and keeping existing ones engaged • Investment Insiders talk Brexit
• Columns from leading Financial Planner Julie Lord, PFS chief executive Keith Richards, CISI head of Financial Planning Jackie Lockie, senior Paraplanner Chloe Moran and other key commentators
• DFM news and listings