Online searches for ‘independent financial advisers’ reaches a yearly high of almost 120,000 in September
- Online searches for ‘independent financial advisers’ increases by 15% since the start of the year
- Online searches for ‘IFA’ increases by 22% since January 2010
Unbiased.co.uk, the professional advice website, reveals the volume of online search engine enquiries for ‘independent financial advisers’ reached almost 120,000 in September – an all time high for 2010. This surge in online Google searches has resulted in an overall increase of 15% since the beginning of the year.
There has also been an increase of 22% since the start of the year of those searching for an ‘IFA’ on Google. These figures suggest that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the ‘gold standard’ financial advice type and ensuring they include the keyword ‘independent’ when searching for financial advice on Google.
Karen Barrett, Chief Executive of unbiased.co.uk comments: “These figures paint a positive picture for the IFA brand and the industry as a whole, as 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. 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 you don’t miss out on these possible new clients, and adding new content will keep your website ‘fresh’ which will help to raise your position on Google search results pages.”
IFAs wishing to improve their touch points with consumers should ensure they list up to date details on their unbiased.co.uk profile. By signing up to unbiased.co.uk’s enhanced advertising package, IFAs get an enhanced listing on the ‘find an IFA’ consumer search with email and website enabled links, access to the Professional Connections service, and now also a profile on the iPhone ‘find an IFA’ application.
ENDS
1. The term ‘independent financial advisers’ has been calculated by grouping the following search terms:
- Independent financial planner
- Independent financial advisor
- Independent financial adviser
- Independent financial advice
- IFA Independent financial advisor
- IFA
Total number of Google searches on these keywords in September 2010 = 118,870
2. Number of Google searches on the keyword ‘independent financial advisers’ in January 2010 = 103,010
Number of Google searches on the keyword ‘independent financial advisers’ in September 2010 = 118,870
Percentage increase = (118,870 – 103,010) /103,010 *100 = 15.39%
3. Number of Google searches on the keyword ‘IFA’ in January 2010 = 74,000
Number of Google searches on the keyword ‘IFA’ in September 2010 = 90,500
Percentage increase = (90,500 – 74,000) /74,000 *100 = 22.29%
Karen Barrett, Chief Executive, unbiased.co.uk: 020 7833 3131
Anna Schirmer/Anna Moulds/Emily Falla, Lansons Communications: 020 7294 3682
For expert commentary or case studies from over 150 media-friendly IFAs, journalists should visit www.unbiased.co.uk/bluebook.
About unbiased.co.uk, the professional advice website
The unbiased.co.uk portal is a free and confidential UK-wide search matching consumers with local professional advisers: ‘find an IFA’, ‘find a mortgage adviser’, and ‘find a solicitor’, and is currently inviting registrations for its ‘find an accountant’ service. These searches enable consumers to find professional advisers by postcode, area of specialism, qualification and payment method. In 2009, unbiased.co.uk fulfilled half a million searches for local, professional advice.
IFA Promotion, the organisation behind unbiased.co.uk, is now in its 21st year, and was set up to promote the benefits of independent financial advice to consumers. IFAP is sponsored by the following companies:
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AEGON |
J.P. Morgan Asset Management |
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Alliance Trust |
Legal & General |
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Aviva |
Lockton |
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AXA Life |
Lutine Assurance Services |
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Bright Grey |
MetLife |
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Canada Life Ltd |
Opinium Research |
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Cardif Pinnacle |
Prudential |
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The Children’s Mutual |
Royal London 360° |
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Clerical Medical Investment |
Scottish Life |
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Ecclesiastical Investment Management Ltd |
Scottish Widows Plc |
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Franklin Templeton Investments |
Standard Life Assurance Company |
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Friends Provident |
Sun Life Financial of Canada |
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ICM Research |
Zurich Intermediary Group |
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Invesco Perpetual |
Registered Office: unbiased.co.uk is the consumer brand of IFA Promotion Ltd, 90 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5UB. Registered in Scotland: No. 114606
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