Struggling to generate leads from your website?
Many IFAs have the same problem: a templated site that doesn’t look professional and doesn’t deliver results.
We understand the demands on your time. Between client reviews, compliance checks, and market updates, it’s easy to leave your website on the back burner. But if you’re using an outdated IFA website template, that could be why your site isn’t ranking or bringing in leads.
This article explains the real cost of templated websites. We also outline why bespoke IFA websites with a strong SEO strategy and clean design boost traffic and conversions.
Jump to the section you need most below:
- An overview of templated websites
- How templated sites block lead generation
- Why bespoke adviser website design converts better
- The hidden cost of poor SEO
- How your website influences client trust
- When to upgrade: signs your site is holding you back
- Turning your website into a lead magnet
An overview of templated websites
Templated websites are pre-designed layouts used by hundreds of other firms. Many financial marketing networks and website builders provide these generic and basic templates. They’re quick to launch and cost-effective upfront, but they come at a long-term price.
For IFAs, this often means having a site that looks similar to dozens of competitors. These generic financial websites use the exact wording, layouts, and stock images. Worse still, they lack the flexibility you need to tailor content around your services, ideal client, or local area.
Common signs your site uses a template:
- Overused visuals and generic templated copy
- Rigid layouts that don’t reflect your firm
- Limited ability to add SEO content or optimise pages
- No structured way to capture leads or nurture interest
- Minimal branding options or personality
In short, templated IFA websites favour convenience over performance. And that’s a dangerous trade-off for firms that rely on digital visibility to grow.
How templated sites block lead generation
A high-performing site should work like a digital adviser: educating, reassuring, and guiding prospects toward an enquiry. But most templated websites fall short on all three fronts.
A common question most ask: Why is my IFA website not generating leads?
Here are five common reasons:
1. Poor website performance
Templated sites often load slowly, especially on mobile, which alone can slash conversion rates.
2. Low website conversion
Calls to action are weak or buried, with generic forms that don’t prompt action.
3. Irrelevant or shallow content
Templates use default wording that doesn’t reflect your services or target audience.
4. Hard to update
Many IFAs cannot easily add to their blogs, landing pages, or tools, leaving little to no room for website growth.
5. No lead nurturing
Templated websites rarely support lead magnets, downloads, or newsletter integration.
If you’re investing time in SEO or digital marketing but your site isn’t engaging visitors, something’s not working. In most cases, it’s not your marketing; it’s your website that’s holding you back.
Client insight: “Initially, we thought our site was fine. But it wasn’t until we invested in a rebuild that we realised how much business we missed out on.”
Why bespoke adviser website design converts better
Bespoke IFA websites are designed around your business. They reflect your brand, tone of voice, and ideal client profile.
Unlike templates, a bespoke site allows for:
- Unique layout tailored to your firm’s services and structure
- Clear value propositions and lead pathways
- Compelling calls to action designed to convert
- Strong branding, personality, and team presentation
- Local SEO targeting and structured content
Custom adviser websites also allow you to test, improve, and adapt based on what works. This is because you’re no longer restricted by a fixed structure that hinders growth.
With a bespoke website design for IFAs, your firm can:
- Build trust from the first click
- Guide users through service pages naturally
- Capture warm leads with newsletters, calculators, or downloads
- Support remarketing, PPC, or organic campaigns with specific landing pages
- Improve your online presence across key search engines
Toolkit tip: Claim your free website audit for financial advisers →
Whether you aim to grow or improve your site, custom design gives you the control to boost conversions.
The hidden cost of poor SEO
Search engines reward structure, relevance, and authority. But many templated IFA websites are missing all three.
Why? Because:
- Templates often include bloated code that slows down your site and increases loading time
- Duplicate content across adviser sites confuses Google
- Metadata, heading structure, and URLs aren’t optimised
- The content lacks a clear strategy aligned with search intent
If your site isn’t optimised from day one, even great content won’t rank. Your competitors may be using bespoke sites built with SEO in mind. As a result, they’ll appear ahead of you in every search result.
That’s how advisers ask: Why is my financial adviser site not ranking?
Without visibility, you’re missing out on potential customers actively searching for the financial service you offer.
Common mistake: Adding generic blogs from your network provider. These duplicate posts do not improve your rankings; in fact, they may negatively impact them.
How your website influences client trust
Every visitor interaction is a test of trust. A slow, confusing, or impersonal site can damage your credibility before clients even reach your services.
Here’s what breaks trust fast:
- Outdated IFA website layout or broken links
- No clear credentials, team bios, or client stories
- Stock images that feel cold or staged
- Confusing menus and missing pages
Modern financial adviser web design builds instant reassurance. Fast-loading, mobile-first pages with meaningful visuals, strong social proof, and tailored messaging help visitors feel at ease.
A bespoke website demonstrates your commitment to quality in your brand, your advice, and the client experience. As a result, user-friendly and optimised web pages convert more website visitors into potential clients.
When to upgrade: signs your site is holding you back
Still questioning whether it’s time to rebuild your IFA website?
Here are the most common signs:
- You get compliments on your advice, not your site
- You’re relying 100% on referrals
- The last major update was over 2 years ago
- Your services have evolved, but your site hasn’t
- You’re embarrassed to direct prospects to it
If any of these feel familiar, it may be time for a website upgrade for financial planners. Strong financial adviser websites are an essential part of any long-term marketing strategy.
Don’t let a dated, rigid, or invisible site cost you opportunities in the competitive wealth management space.
Turning your website into a lead magnet
A well-designed website does more than create a strong first impression; it supports lead generation and drives business growth.
At Goldmine Media, we specialise in bespoke website design for IFAs. Every site is purpose-built to reflect your brand, comply with FCA guidelines, and drive measurable results.
Whether you’re looking to improve IFA website conversions or generate more inbound leads, we can support you. In addition, we help build a strong online presence through content and social media.
Goldmine Media is a renowned, all-in-one financial services marketing agency. For over twenty years, we’ve worked closely with driven clients to achieve their goals.
About Goldmine Media
Goldmine Media is a renowned, all-in-one financial services marketing agency. For over twenty years, we’ve worked closely with driven clients to achieve their goals.
Our services include:
Global Marketing Services
As a company, we proudly partner with various clients, from major corporations to small and medium financial firms. These partnerships span across the globe, from the UK and abroad. So, be it the UK, USA, UAE, or Singapore, our team is always ready to meet your marketing goals.
Are you looking for a Top Financial Marketing Agency to Boost Your Firm’s Online Growth?
Please reach out to Goldmine Media and see how we can drive your business forward, whatever your goals are.
So, if you’d like more information on how we can help with your marketing, please get in touch with Goldmine Media. Moreover, you can reach us by calling 0845 686 0055 or emailing findoutmore@goldminemedia.co.uk.
