Social media

Facebook’s user base has grown to more than 1 billion. With more and more clients shifting their attention toward social media platforms, advisors should consider creating a stronger Facebook presence.

LinkedIn is the most widely used social platform among financial professionals. But are you getting the most you can out of it?

Vendors of social media compliance software are expecting a nice boost from the FFIEC's complex new rule proposal.

Social media relationships deserve your personal attention. Start keeping track of the people you connect with online.

For many advisors, social media compliance is confusing and scary. The good news, however, is that the regulators are hastening to provide significant clarification and guidance. But what does it all really mean?

Given the mix of personal and professional content that people share on Twitter, it could be a great resource for finding new clients.

Asset managers ramped up their marketing and compliance staff dedicated to social media efforts by more than 60% from 2011 to 2012, according to new research from Boston-based Cerulli Associates.

Whether they distract you from your daily work or serve as filters for the abundance of daily news, here is a handful of the most influential blogs for financial advisors.

Putting out content is the first part of the equation. Next up: Getting it shared.

“If writing is not your strong suit, consider video blogging or posting audio content instead,” says Marie Swift, founder of Impact Communications.

A successful social media strategy will take time, so make your efforts as efficient as possible.

As you take your website and even your practice mobile, it’s time to do the same with social media.

ING Direct CIO Charaka Kithulegoda says the only problem with allowing users access to online banking through Facebook is the perceived stigma.

Don’t wait for journalists to come to you -- use social media to go to them.

“Social media networks and your website should work seamlessly to promote your brand online,” says Maggie Crowley, digital marketing coordinator of Advisor Websites. “Working together, these two channels drive an unlimited amount of interactions, impressions and ultimately sales to help grow your firm.”

Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to social media, says Blane Warrene, co-founder of the social media archiving firm Arkovi, now a part of RegEd. “Don’t grade yourself by number of followers, [but] by engagement,” he says.

Through less promotional posts, advisors may be able to avoid the red tape.

Let your social media actions adhere to the Golden Rule. Seek out ways to be helpful, says Joanna Belbey, social media and compliance specialist for compliance technology firm Actiance.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for advisors to connect with potential clients, but it should be used with careful diligence. Failure to do so could result in ineffective platform execution, or even worse – a breach in compliance.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for advisors to connect with potential clients, but it should be used with careful diligence. Failure to do so could result in ineffective platform execution, or even worse – a breach in compliance.