How to build a great website for your small business

What are the benefits of having a website as a financial adviser?

Whether you're a financial adviser, mortgage broker, or accountant, having a high-quality website is important in today's digital world. It's usually the first point of contact for potential clients and serves as a platform to establish long-term credibility.

When potential clients search for financial advice online, your website appears in those search results, helping you connect with a wider audience. This increased visibility leads to new client acquisition and business growth. 

Sharing informative content such as blog posts, guides, and FAQs on your financial advisor website also keeps clients informed and demonstrates your expertise, and features like online booking systems and contact forms streamline communication and enrich the overall client experience.

What are the key features of a great website?

The best websites​ should be user-friendly and extremely simple to navigate and visitors should be able to find the information they need quickly and efficiently. This is easy to achieve by using a clear menu structure, intuitive labelling, and a search function for quick access to specific content.

To convert visitors into clients, you need to incorporate effective lead generation tools. To do this, you can prominently display contact forms, newsletter sign-up options, and clear calls to action, such as "Book a Consultation" or "Request Information," as this makes it easy for potential clients to engage with your services. 

Include client testimonials and case studies to demonstrate your expertise and the positive impact you've had on clients. Consider incorporating video testimonials for a more personal and engaging touch.

With the increasing use of mobile devices, it's more important than ever that your website adapts smoothly to different screen sizes. A responsive design guarantees an optimal viewing experience for users on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. 

Compliance with UK financial regulations is also a necessity, so clearly display your regulatory status and make sure your website content adheres to all applicable guidelines, including data protection laws and FCA regulations. 

Lastly, always use secure hosting, strong passwords, and SSL certificates to encrypt data transmitted through your website. For instance, company formation leaders 1stformations have demonstrated that displaying security badges can reassure visitors that their information is safe and handled responsibly.

How to build a website from scratch?

Building a good financial advisor website from scratch may seem daunting. However, if you follow a structured approach, you can create a professional online presence that effectively represents your financial advisory business.

1. Define your goals and target audience

Begin the process by clarifying your website's purpose. Are you aiming to generate leads, share information, or establish your brand? Identify your ideal client and their needs to adapt your content accordingly.

2. Choose a platform

WordPress is a popular choice for its flexibility, user-friendly interface, and extensive library of plugins and themes, but there are many platforms to choose from.

3. Select a domain name and hosting provider

Choose a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember, and select a reliable hosting provider so that your website is secure and always performs well.

4. Plan your website structure and sitemap

You will want to develop a clear sitemap outlining your website's pages and hierarchy. This will help users navigate, and search engines understand your site's structure.

5. Create key pages

Develop essential pages such as "Services," "About Us," "Blog," "FAQs," and "Contact." These pages inform potential clients as they learn more about your business.

6. Add financial adviser-specific content

Good financial adviser websites​ include regulatory statements, client testimonials, and case studies to build trust and illustrate compliance with industry standards.

7. Optimise for SEO

Utilise relevant keywords related to financial advice throughout your website content to improve your search engine rankings and attract organic traffic on a long-term basis.

What are the best platforms for building your website?

If you want to build a website from scratch​, the first choice you must make is which website platform you want to use. Each platform offers unique features and benefits, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs and technical expertise.

WordPress

Well-known for its customisability and scalability, WordPress provides extensive control over your website's design and functionality. It comes with many different plugins and themes, as well as financial advisor website templates​ that allow you to build a personalised site that suits your business goals. 

Squarespace

This platform offers a user-friendly interface with modern templates, making it a desirable option for those with limited technical skills. You’ll find a range of stylish designs, such as templates specifically designed for financial advisers.

Wix

Wix is a popular website builder known for its affordability and ease of use. It offers a drag-and-drop interface and a wide selection of templates, making it a convenient choice for beginners. However, Wix may have limitations in terms of customisation and scalability compared to WordPress or Squarespace.

Pre-built website templates offer several advantages. They offer a professional and polished look and incorporate industry-specific features, saving you time and effort in the design process.

How to build a website with WordPress

When you want to learn how to build a website from scratch​, WordPress is a great choice. WordPress powers over 40% of all websites globally, making it a dominant force in the online world. Its popularity stems from its flexibility, open-source nature, and ecosystem of resources. 

For financial advisers, WordPress offers a powerful platform to establish a professional and engaging online presence.

This guide will teach you how to build a free website with WordPress:

1. Choose a theme

Select a financial advisor website design​ that aligns with your brand aesthetic and functionality requirements. Themes can include features like client testimonials, service showcases, and contact forms, making for the perfect foundation.

2. Install essential plugins

Plugins are among the best ways to improve your website. For instance, Yoast SEO can improve your search engine rankings, WPForms simplifies lead capture through contact forms, and compliance-specific plugins can help ensure adherence to specific regulations.

3. Customise the design

Adapt your chosen financial advisor website design​ to reflect your brand's identity. Adjusting colours, fonts, and layouts help to create a visually appealing and consistent online presence.

4. Add high-quality imagery and content

Populate your website with professional imagery and compelling content, and showcase your expertise through blog posts, testimonials, and informative resources. Always make sure content is well-written, engaging, and optimised for search engines.

There are also many guides available online that can teach you how to build a website with WordPress.

How much does it cost to build a website?

The cost of building a website varies depending on several factors, including your chosen platform, design complexity, and whether you opt for a DIY approach or hire professionals.

Securing a domain name typically costs around £10-£20 per year, and hosting packages range from basic plans for a few pounds per month to more extensive options with better features aimed at larger businesses. 

Website templates offer a cost-effective solution, with prices ranging from free to up to £200 and beyond. Custom website design is a unique solution but comes with a higher cost, often starting from between £500 and £1,000, increasing based on complexity to as much as £10,000 or more.

Engaging website content is important for attracting and retaining visitors. Professional copywriting services range from £50 to £200 per page, while high-quality photography can cost between £100 and £500 per shoot. 

Search engine optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing services are essential for driving traffic to your website. SEO costs can vary significantly depending on the scope of services but typically start from around £500 per month. 

A more independent financial adviser website​ design and build reduces costs but requires more time, technical skills, and design expertise. Hiring professionals, such as web designers, copywriters, and SEO specialists, equates to a more polished website but means making a bigger overall investment.

For advisers just getting started, free website builders like Wix or WordPress.com offer basic features and templates for establishing a presence online. 

What mistakes should you avoid when building their website?

When creating a website, avoid overwhelming visitors with technical jargon—use clear and concise language that everyone can understand. 

In today's world, people access websites on various devices, including smartphones and tablets, and your site must be able to adapt to any screen size automatically.

Don't forget about search engine optimisation (SEO), where you want to use relevant keywords throughout your website content to improve your search engine rankings and attract organic traffic. Good financial adviser websites​ are more likely to be found by potential clients.

Don’t make your site difficult to navigate. A clear and simple menu structure is ideal for a positive user experience. Build trust by incorporating trust signals, such as client endorsements, security badges, and regulatory information.

Work with Unbiased

Having a website has become a necessity for financial advisers, mortgage brokers, and accountants. It’s the first point of contact for many potential clients, and it gives your business credibility, authority, and visibility.

Fortunately, there are numerous options that cater to all budgets, from building your own financial advisor website to having one custom-built.

If you want to grow your business, join Unbiased Pro today to drive up your ROI.