John Hancock Funds added several new enhancements to its Web site, www.jhfunds.com, in the second phase of the site's relaunch, which began last June after the company completed the initial redesign. The enhancements include a number of new tools for both financial advisors and individual investors. “Since our relaunch, more than 7,000 advisors have become registered users of the site, where they continue to find useful business-building tools and resources,” says Carey Foran Hoch, senior vice president and head of retail marketing for John Hancock Funds.

The site's new search functionality is a “smart” search that not only pulls up a requested topic but also lists other related sales ideas and areas that may be of interest to the advisor, according to Hoch. Because of the sheer amount of content on the site, the new search functionality makes it easier to find information in order to help advisors get more work done more quickly. Advisors now will find, as well, a robust product and marketing session dedicated to John Hancock's 529 plan, explains Hoch. This includes complete product information along with popular tools and calculators, which help provide estimates of overall college and family costs, customized tuition bills, state tax benefits, and estate tax advantages. In addition, there is a section that helps advisors compare 529 plans with alternative means of saving for college.

The contacts functionality personalizes the experience of an advisor visiting the site and facilitates access to internal Hancock personnel and resources. By selecting the My Contacts link, financial advisors will see their individual John Hancock Funds' contacts as well as the maps for all contacts.