Consumer tool puts advisers on the map

A new internet-based service has been launched which is designed to help consumers find a financial adviser in their region.

AdviserMap is a search facility listing the key business details of financial advisers, accountants and solicitors, as well as links to their websites and contact details.

Created by Ciris Business Development – the brainchild of Martin Bamford of Informed Choice and Phil Calvert - the service has been designed to increase the visibility of intermediary firms by creating an online directory of advisers which complements services offered by IFA Promotion, and then markets the firm’s details over the internet.

Google Map technology is the key behind AdviserMap, according to its creators, as a ‘pin bubble’ helps consumers find an IFA, solicitor or accountant in their local area by selecting a region on the UK map, and without the need for a postcode.

Users can, if they choose, filter to search for financial advisers only, and once an intermediary is found, the site gives basic information about services the intermediary provides as well as ‘turn-by-turn’ directions so the consumer can find the company for their first meeting.

Sarah Calvert, former IFA at Bradford & Bingley and now spokesperson for Cirisbiz, says adviser firms are required to pay for either the standard or premium service, says, but the monies are then used to boost the ratings of the site through search engine optimisation of key words on internet services, such as Google, and by providing additional educational support teaching intermediaries how to ‘blog’ and gain exposure on the internet, through regular chat forums on financial services and financial planning.

“As more and more IFAs embrace technology, they are looking to the web for sources of new clients, new resources and new ways to promote themselves,” says Calvert.

“With the adviser community still feeling the effects of depolarisation and increased competition, it is even more important that IFAs are able to promote themselves effectively. When used in conjunction with their own websites, AdviserMap promises to be an extremely valuable tool in their armoury. Internet communication technologies are here to stay, and IFAs now have an amazing array of tools with which to promote their expertise.”

Standard members pay a charge of £47 a year to be listed on the site, while premium members pay £97 annually to upload a photo or logo to enhance their online profile and then gain additional exposure when selected at random to appear on the front of the AdviserMap site.
Premium members can also specify whether they make themselves available for press comment, locally, nationally or to industry journalists.

Cirisbiz has been developing a range of services in recent months, to help intermediaries increase their business exposure with consumers, including guides on how to conduct IFA podcasts and blogging.

If you have any comments you would like to add to this story or would like to speak to its author about a similar subject, telephone Julie Henderson on 020 7968 4571 or email julie.henderson@incisivemedia.com.