We’re often asked why we recommend that financial advisers/planners use two review platforms.

“Google reviews are free, so why do I need to use VouchedFor?”

In response to that, here are four reasons why Google alone isn’t enough.

1. VouchedFor reviews are easier to collect

When we looked into the firms listed in 2024’s New Model Adviser Top 100, we found that they had 10 times more VouchedFor reviews compared to Google

79% of firms who use Google to collect reviews have an average of 24 each.

In contrast, firms using VouchedFor have an average of 252 reviews.

This demonstrates just how much easier it is to get reviews on VouchedFor. And the more reviews you have, the more you build trust with potential clients.

2. VouchedFor reviews appear when people search for you by name

If an existing client has referred you to friends or family, chances are they’ve shared your name, not just the name of your firm.

If that person Googles your name (rather than the name of your firm), your individual VouchedFor reviews will appear in the search results.

Google reviews won’t.

So your VouchedFor profile allows them to hear from people who have directly worked with you straight away.

3. It’s easier to embed VouchedFor reviews on your website

Unsurprisingly, after searching for you or your firm online, potential clients are likely to end up on your website as they consider whether you’re the right adviser/planner for them.

You can embed Google reviews onto your site, but this requires third-party widgets or plugins.

VouchedFor, on the other hand, provides straightforward tools to display verified reviews directly on your website.

4. VouchedFor reviews can be left anonymously

Google reviews are connected to an individual’s profile so, unless they use a pseudonym, their name will appear in public.

This might prove a barrier for clients who’d rather not be named publicly.

By contrast, VouchedFor doesn’t display the reviewer’s name, meaning reviews appear anonymous to anyone reading them.

A few more reasons if you’re not convinced

✅ It’s cost-effective.

VouchedFor’s pricing compares well to other review platforms used in financial services.

✅ You’ll have access to reputation-building tools.

VouchedFor offers excellent tools to help you showcase reviews, whether on your website, in emails, or on social media.

✅ It can also help you generate enquiries.

While not its primary function, VouchedFor can bring in a small number of direct client enquiries each year.

✅ Your reviews are verified to give extra peace of mind.

VouchedFor takes extra steps to confirm the authenticity of each review, giving both advisers and prospective clients confidence in the feedback displayed.

✅ You can get your name in the papers through the Top Rated Guide.

Each year, VouchedFor publishes its Top Rated Guide, which is widely distributed and provides fantastic promotional opportunities for advisers and planners who qualify.

Look out for the latest edition, in The Times, on Saturday 15 March.

Our case for two platforms

Reviews on Google are great (and yes, they’re free), but if clients can’t or won’t use it, you’re sending them down a dead-end road.

That means the logic of using two platforms is inescapable:

• It makes it easier for clients to leave reviews
• It means your business will collect more reviews, impressing more prospects on their digital journey to your door.

For us, the platform to accompany Google is VouchedFor.

By using both, you’ll maximise your online reputation and make sure prospective clients see the best of what you have to offer.

Hopefully, that helps you understand why you should have both Google AND VouchedFor.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, whether you currently use both platforms or not. Email me on phil@theyardstickagency.co.uk  or call 0115 8965 300.