Industry Insights | 1 min read

Why do we need digital marketing?

At the recent Glacier IdeasLab 2020 held 8 and 9 September, Francois Muscat, Digital Marketing and Social Media specialist, posed the question that many intermediaries ask him often, “Why do we need digital marketing”? His response is quite compelling and had many participants leaning in as he shared his insights.

“I’m a face-to-face financial adviser, why do I need an online presence?”

The short answer to that question, says Francois, is that intermediaries are no longer in control of the information that investors rely on to make financial decisions. The information sources are as broad and as varied as your client can Google. Francois notes that if, as an intermediary, your main business is derived from referrals, you should know the following:

  • Your online presence leads to referrals.
  • Digital marketing enhances relationships and builds your reputation.
  • A digital marketing strategy allows you to position and promote yourself as an expert.

Francois emphasised that financial advisers are already experts at building relationships, so your digital presence helps to augment this capacity.

He offered some advice to advisers around building their online presence.

1. Be your best

This means:

  • Start by finding out how you currently are presented on the internet, which means Googling yourself.
  • Establish yourself on the internet. A good place to do this is to create your website, but Francois warns that attention must to be paid to content on your website, and what needs to happen to get people to visit your website.
  • When somebody visits your site, you literally have 10 seconds to compel them to stay.
  • Your website is an extension of you.
  • Demonstrate your expertise and start a blog. Blogging gives you a voice and fresh content. It also establishes you as an expert in your field.
  • Give your prospects more ways to get to know you and reach you.

2. Be connected

This means connecting with friends, clients, centres of influence, prospects. It also could mean finding your niche as an adviser. Which client sub-groups could you focus on as a service provider?

3. Be knowledgeable and show your expertise

This means publishing content that demonstrates your informed opinion, balanced view and a voice that has gravitas.

4. Be part of the community and start conversations

Starting conversations is a way to get people to talk about you even when you are not in the room.

Francois also explored the different social media platforms and what value they could add to your business. 

View presentation

Back to Glacier IdeasLab 2020

Glacier Financial Solutions (Pty) Ltd and Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd are licensed financial services providers

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