About 150,000 people are more likely to see a financial planner after the first phase of the “Don’t Ask Dazza” marketing campaign by the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

The advertisements – featuring the well-meaning friend who offers free but often very flawed financial advice – have achieved a 35% level of awareness among potential consumers, according to FPA research. Of those, 52% (or 150,000) said they were more likely to see a planner as a result.

The campaign directed people to the FPA’s “Good Advice” website. Spokesman Jason Spits said the site had more than 25,500 unique visits over the course of the campaign. There were 65,000 searches for local financial planners, and 77% of visitors downloaded the “Good Advice” brochure.

He says 90% of FPA members who committed to the first year of the campaign agreed it was well run and worthwhile.