I am still amazed at the number of financial advisors I meet who still do not have a website. This is just like a business not having business cards. If you think about it, websites are the new business cards. You can’t be in business without one.
The Static site
The simplest website you can get is a static site. Typically this will have 3 to 5 pages and really replaces the corporate brochure. With the static site, you want to tell your visitor what you do as quickly and as blatant as possible. People don’t stick around very long anymore so you have to make your point and establish your hook quickly. A good static site coupled with good branding can be very powerful. The static site usually does not get changed and can get out dated very quickly. The static site is the bare minimum.
The client site
A client site creates some interaction with your clients and prospects. These sites are a little more dynamic by offering things like a tip of the week, economic updates, quotes of the day, online newsletters and the ability to view client statements.
In my opinion a dynamic site is always better than a static site and there are lots of website businesses that can provide tools to make it easier to systemize updates.
The CMS site (Content Management System)
The new trend in websites is to have a content management system so that you do not have to contact a web designer every time you need to make changes to the content of your website. It’s very frustrating to wait weeks for a busy web designer to make little changes like spelling errors or address changes or changes to staff. CMS sites are cost effective and the way of the future. Technology has come a long way and CMS programs like Joomla and WordPress.
The enhanced social media site
If you really want to get serious about your website, the key is to develop a complete online strategy that incorporates social media. The way I look at it is your website is kind of like the needle in the haystack. It’s there but it can be tough to find. Using social media like a facebook page, twitter and a blog can make it so much easier for clients and potential clients to not only find you but also to create an online relationship.
Regardless of how elaborate or simple your website might be, you have to have a website. It’s the new business card or the new listing in the yellowpages.
