Online Exposure – Social media is not going away! Most consumers, before going to an appointment with a business or another professional, will conduct a Google search. What they find will determine the decision they make to move forward or move elsewhere. Those with a strong online presence today TRULY stand apart.

For financial advisors, compliance has made it difficult for advisors to enter into this space. Now that many compliance departments have eased their restrictions on participation in social media, advisors are slowly entering into this space. At the same time, just a majority of businesses are either testing or diving into their online reputation and social media.

Here are two quick ways to get started building your online exposure:

First, start by having a strong website that clearly defines, on your home page, the benefits of working with your firm. Use pictures of you and your staff (the most unique part of your firm). Next, add a LinkedIn profile (which is free and incredibly searchable) and a Facebook Business/Fan Page for your business.

The results that businesses are seeing include an increase in the number of referrals received and converted since pre-social media. And, they are receiving contacts from qualified prospects – something that is still surprising to many businesses…and welcomed!