Industry professionals have ranked the Edward Jones website as the best in financial services for ease of navigation, straightforward design and available options for users, according to the five Edward Jones financial advisors in Albert Lea.

The award recently was presented as part of the Web Marketing Association’s 17th annual web awards. Judges included chief executive officers, creative directors and web developers across 96 industries including technology, healthcare and financial services.

“We believe this award offers evidence of our focus on delivering an outstanding experience for our clients — whether that experience is in person or online,” Tim Rea, principal and chief marketing officer for Edward Jones, said. “We’re extremely pleased to receive this recognition and continue to work every day to make the online experience even better.”

Judges scored each website across seven categories including design, innovation and technology. The Edward Jones website scored 67.5 out of a possible 70 points and surpassed the financial services industry average of 50 points, scoring perfect scores for both content and ease of use.

The Web Marketing Association was founded in 1997 to help set a high standard for internet marketing and development of the best websites on the internet. Staffed by volunteers, this organization is made up of internet marketing, online advertising, public relations and top website design professionals who share an interest in improving the quality of online advertising, internet marketing and website promotion. Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company, provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm’s business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work.