Although the vast majority of business for mortgage brokers and IFAs (Independent Financial Advisors) is driven to them via personal referrals it’s clear that the sector is beginning to grasp the importance of a strong online presence.

That was evidenced recently when Web Wise Business were invited along to talk at one of the Retirement Plus partner roadshows. The topic suggested by Fred Paton, of Retirement Plus, was “lead generation” and for Web Wise Business that means online lead generation. Web Wise Business operate a number of lead generation sites, Now Retirement being one, and using that background and experience, Alex Ogilvie was able to explain to the audience of IFAs and brokers the challenges and opportunities that the online world brings.

Following a short presentation on the challenges of Acquiring, Converting and Retaining online customers the gathered audience were keen to find out more and to share their own experiences. One advisor felt he had gone backwards when he changed web developers and web design – traffic was down considerably. Others had taken the view that their website was a simple electronic brochure or business card and in itself was not a lead generator.

From the questions asked it is clear that there is a growing interest, and in certain instances a good understanding, of the importance of a good online presence. When you consider that around 65% of the UK population are now online, and that the highest online growth rate is among the over 55’s the importance of the online world for IFAs advising on retirement products such as Home Reversion or Equity Release  should not be overlooked.