Are we allowed to ask clients for Google reviews?
It depends on how you're registered and your firm's policy. SEC-registered advisers can use testimonials in advertising since the Marketing Rule (compliance date Nov 4, 2022), with disclosures and oversight. State-registered advisers and brokerage reps follow their own regulators' rules. Check with your compliance officer first; we work within what they approve.
Can we post our reviews on our website or social media?
Once you use reviews in your own marketing, they're part of your advertising: registered advisers need the Marketing Rule's disclosures, such as whether the reviewer is a client and whether they were compensated. Your compliance officer decides how.
When should clients get the card?
After a natural milestone, such as a finished plan or an annual review, and the same way for every client. Never only for clients whose accounts did well.
How do we reply to reviews?
Keep replies general: thank them and invite them to call. Never mention accounts, balances, holdings or any advice you gave, even if they did.
How does verification work for an advisory office?
Like any office: Google chooses the method, often a short video or a mailed postcard to your office address. An advisor's own listing in a shared office can take extra steps.
Is there anything we should avoid asking customers?
Yes: never ask for a specific star rating or wording, never offer anything in return for a review, and never ask only the customers you think are happy. The card simply makes it easy for everyone to leave an honest review.
Which Google category fits best: “Financial planner”, “Financial consultant” or another?
It depends on what most of your work is. The exact Google categories for this trade are “Financial planner” and “Financial consultant”. Your primary category should be the one that describes your main service. Secondary categories some businesses add, only when they really offer that service: “Investment service”. Choose only categories that describe what you actually do. When we set up or clean up your profile, we check each one in Google's own category picker.