IFA database website Unbiased.co.uk reported that online searches for the term “independent financial advisers” have risen 15% since January 2010.
In addition, there has been a 22% increase in online searches for ‘IFA’ on Google, since the start of this year.
Karen Barrett, chief executive of Unbiased.co.uk, said: “These figures paint a positive picture for the IFA brand and the industry as a whole. It appears an increasing number of people who are researching their financial advice options online understand that they need to include the word ‘independent’ to find an adviser who can access products from the whole of the market place.”
Barrett added that the increase in online searches would help boost business for advisers by bringing them new clients.
She said: “With more people specifically searching for independent financial advice online there has never been a better opportunity for IFAs to showcase themselves and the value of getting whole of market, professional advice.”
“With such a surge in online consumer searches, IFAs need to ensure their online activity reflects their firm and areas of expertise in the best possible light. Having an up-to-date, consumer friendly website is essential to ensure that they don’t miss out on these possible new clients, and adding new content will keep their websites ‘fresh’ which will help them to raise their position on Google search results pages,” Barrett added.
