Advisors that use social media professionally have seen higher revenue growth, wider increases in their book of business, and greater expansion of their client bases than other advisors.
Boston, December 20, 2010 � A new report from Aite Group looks at financial advisors� use of social media to support their practices. Based on a Q4 2009 Aite Group survey of 402 advisors, the report explores social media use among various types of financial advisors, and uncovers advisors� objectives behind and barriers to using social media, and the impact that social media has had on advisors� business results.
Although 63% of advisors surveyed use at least one social media tool on a personal basis, just 35% use social media professionally. Of advisors who use social media professionally, 36% say it has helped them reach new prospects, and more than one in five credit social media for increased awareness of their practice and differentiation from their competition. Still, social media use by advisors faces hurdles. Firms’ attitudes and policies toward social media may be depressing its use among advisors; more than half of advisors work for a firm that has a written policy governing the professional use of social media tools.
“Despite firms� philosophies, advisors that use social media professionally are believers in its benefits,” says Ron Shevlin, senior analyst with Aite Group and author of this report. “Beyond the benefits that they have already realized, advisors using social media feel that the tools can help support a range of business objectives, from building customer relationships to supporting customer acquisition and employee recruitment efforts.”
This 22-page Impact Report contains 23 figures. Clients of Aite Group�s Wealth Management service can download the report by clicking on the icon to the right.
About Aite Group
Aite Group is a leading independent research and advisory firm focused on business, technology and regulatory issues and their impact on the financial services industry. It was founded by leading industry experts in Banking and Securities & Investments. Aite Group brings together a team of business strategy, technology and regulatory experts to deliver comprehensive, timely, and actionable advice to financial institutions and technology vendors. It seeks to become a true partner, advisor, and catalyst by exchanging ideas and challenging basic assumptions to ensure that our clients always stay one step ahead of the competition.
