Claire Akin's Blog, page 19

Meet Our Team: Elizabeth’s Story

If you’re one of our current clients, then you’ve probably had the privilege of working with Elizabeth Reider—one of our superstar Account Managers. 

Elizabeth is an incredible asset to our team and spends a great deal of her time working with financial advisors, helping them tell their stories and answer their questions.

Elizabeth inherited her heart for giving as well as her organizational and creative skills from her late mother. Please watch this short video to hear from Elizabeth about why she’s passionate about working with financial advisors.

At Indigo Marketing Agency, we understand firsthand how much work you have on your plate as an independent financial advisor. If you’d like help handling your marketing, we encourage you to schedule a free strategy session with our team today. We’d love to hear more of your story and talk about how we can help you cross marketing off your to-do list for good. 

For weekly marketing tips for financial advisors by video, subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/IndigoMarketingAgency.

The post Meet Our Team: Elizabeth’s Story appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.

How to Communicate With Your Clients About Market Volatility (Free Template)

It’s been a wild ride on Wall Street this week! Monday’s market dip almost put the S&P 500 down over 10%. Investors are worried about their portfolios and their purchasing power. But as a financial advisor, how should you communicate with your clients about market volatility? And can you use the events to find opportunities to get new clients?

Never let a good crisis go to waste—or in this case, a dip in the stock market. Market volatility is a powerful marketing opportunity for two reasons. First, your campaign about volatility is likely to get twice as many views and shares as your other campaigns, as we can see in this example from back in 2016. Second, prospects have unprecedented urgency to act during an uncomfortable market dip.

As a financial advisor, you know that market declines are a normal part of investing. But your clients are likely nervous about the recent market volatility and may want to hear from you. It’s your job to keep them calm and informed during volatility. But what’s the best way to communicate about the recent market events? And can you take advantage of the volatility as a marketing opportunity?

Why You Should Communicate During Volatility

Proactive communication is good client service. Your clients hire you to not only help plan for their financial future, but to educate them in good times and in bad. They are eager to hear from you to get an explanation of what’s going on and receive some guidance on what they should (or shouldn’t) do about it.

It’s your job to keep clients from selling when the market is down. We all know that behavior is an important component to long-term investment success, and when clients are feeling the urge to sell when the market is low, it’s your place to remind them of their long-term plan.

Staying in touch results in fewer phone calls and panicked clients. If you’re able to act quickly, clients are more likely to trust that you’re prepared for the volatility and they’ll feel they’re in good hands. This results in less time spent educating and calming individual skittish clients.

What You Should Say About Market Volatility

I think that most advisors wait too long to communicate during market swings because they know that each event is different and they’re waiting to fill in the specifics. And we know that the markets may correct after a big decline. But no matter the specific situation, your key messaging will be the same. You’ll want to communicate the following key points to clients:

This is expected. Explain that you have been anticipating volatility and that it’s a normal and healthy part of market cycles. Point to historical data that shows the frequency of similar events. (1)

Their portfolio is not down as much as the market. Remind your clients that while the S&P 500 may be down X% percent, their accounts are not invested in the index and have therefore declined less than the market. Urge them to call you if they have questions about their individual accounts.

Now is not the time to sell. Explain that no one can consistently predict the right time to get in or out of the market. It’s human nature to lose patience and sell at or near the bottom of a downturn. Even if you were able to get out early in a decline, you’d still have to guess when to get back into the market, and you’d likely guess wrong.

They have not realized any losses yet. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable when the market is down, especially if you’re approaching retirement. However, each time in history that the market has gone down, it has come back up again. Average downturns of 10% are likely to return to normal within about 110 days, based on historical data.

Stay focused on the long term. Remind clients that you’ve built their financial plan and investment strategy for the long term, with short-term volatility in mind. While a correction can be upsetting, there’s no reason to deviate from their long-term financial plan.

Call if they have questions. Encourage clients to get in touch if they are feeling nervous or want to review their accounts.

How to Use Volatility to Get New Clients

Now that you’ve proactively communicated with your existing clients, it’s time to use the market downturn as an opportunity. Downturns bring precious urgency that we don’t find at any other time. Prospects who have put off financial planning for most of their lives are not easily pushed into action when times are good. But when times are bad, things get very uncomfortable and they’re more willing to talk. Here’s how to go after referrals when times are bad:

Include a deal for your clients’ friends and family. Offer to provide a complimentary second opinion and recommendations to minimize losses.

Provide an easy action to take. Share a link to schedule a 15-minute investment review by phone. This way, even if prospects read your email after hours, they can take action when they’re feeling peak urgency and sleep better that night.

Remind clients that you are never too busy to help the people they care about. Reiterate that if they have friends, family, or coworkers who are nervous about the market volatility, you are here to help. Encourage them to forward your market update email to their network.

Bring up outside accounts. Make a point to mention to clients that while the accounts you manage are prepared for this correction, now is a good time to review old 401(k)s and other assets you do not currently manage to assess risk.

Want to learn more about how to market during a crisis? Watch this free webinar where I’ll teach you how to multiply your best clients and help more people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Get Your Free Customizable Template

If you need help creating a marketing campaign, download our free template here. Be sure to get it approved by compliance before sending.

Looking for more ways to improve your marketing as a financial advisor? Find more information on our blog. And for weekly marketing tips by video, subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/IndigoMarketingAgency. Or learn more about how we help financial advisors just like you grow their businesses with our Total Marketing Package. 

_______________

(1) https://www.capitalgroup.com/individu...

The post How to Communicate With Your Clients About Market Volatility (Free Template) appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.

How to Communicate With Your Clients About Market Volatility

It’s been a wild ride on Wall Street this week! Monday’s market dip almost put the S&P 500 down over 10%. Investors are worried about their portfolios and their purchasing power. But as a financial advisor, how should you communicate with your clients about market volatility? And can you use the events to find opportunities to get new clients?

Never let a good crisis go to waste—or in this case, a dip in the stock market. Market volatility is a powerful marketing opportunity for two reasons. First, your campaign about volatility is likely to get twice as many views and shares as your other campaigns, as we can see in this example from back in 2016. Second, prospects have unprecedented urgency to act during an uncomfortable market dip.

As a financial advisor, you know that market declines are a normal part of investing. But your clients are likely nervous about the recent market volatility and may want to hear from you. It’s your job to keep them calm and informed during volatility. But what’s the best way to communicate about the recent market events? And can you take advantage of the volatility as a marketing opportunity?

Why You Should Communicate During Volatility

Proactive communication is good client service. Your clients hire you to not only help plan for their financial future, but to educate them in good times and in bad. They are eager to hear from you to get an explanation of what’s going on and receive some guidance on what they should (or shouldn’t) do about it.

It’s your job to keep clients from selling when the market is down. We all know that behavior is an important component to long-term investment success, and when clients are feeling the urge to sell when the market is low, it’s your place to remind them of their long-term plan.

Staying in touch results in fewer phone calls and panicked clients. If you’re able to act quickly, clients are more likely to trust that you’re prepared for the volatility and they’ll feel they’re in good hands. This results in less time spent educating and calming individual skittish clients.

What You Should Say About Market Volatility

I think that most advisors wait too long to communicate during market swings because they know that each event is different and they’re waiting to fill in the specifics. And we know that the markets may correct after a big decline. But no matter the specific situation, your key messaging will be the same. You’ll want to communicate the following key points to clients:

This is expected. Explain that you have been anticipating volatility and that it’s a normal and healthy part of market cycles. Point to historical data that shows the frequency of similar events. (1)

Their portfolio is not down as much as the market. Remind your clients that while the S&P 500 may be down X% percent, their accounts are not invested in the index and have therefore declined less than the market. Urge them to call you if they have questions about their individual accounts.

Now is not the time to sell. Explain that no one can consistently predict the right time to get in or out of the market. It’s human nature to lose patience and sell at or near the bottom of a downturn. Even if you were able to get out early in a decline, you’d still have to guess when to get back into the market, and you’d likely guess wrong.

They have not realized any losses yet. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable when the market is down, especially if you’re approaching retirement. However, each time in history that the market has gone down, it has come back up again. Average downturns of 10% are likely to return to normal within about 110 days, based on historical data.

Stay focused on the long term. Remind clients that you’ve built their financial plan and investment strategy for the long term, with short-term volatility in mind. While a correction can be upsetting, there’s no reason to deviate from their long-term financial plan.

Call if they have questions. Encourage clients to get in touch if they are feeling nervous or want to review their accounts.

How to Use Volatility to Get New Clients

Now that you’ve proactively communicated with your existing clients, it’s time to use the market downturn as an opportunity. Downturns bring precious urgency that we don’t find at any other time. Prospects who have put off financial planning for most of their lives are not easily pushed into action when times are good. But when times are bad, things get very uncomfortable and they’re more willing to talk. Here’s how to go after referrals when times are bad:

Include a deal for your clients’ friends and family. Offer to provide a complimentary second opinion and recommendations to minimize losses.

Provide an easy action to take. Share a link to schedule a 15-minute investment review by phone. This way, even if prospects read your email after hours, they can take action when they’re feeling peak urgency and sleep better that night.

Remind clients that you are never too busy to help the people they care about. Reiterate that if they have friends, family, or coworkers who are nervous about the market volatility, you are here to help. Encourage them to forward your market update email to their network.

Bring up outside accounts. Make a point to mention to clients that while the accounts you manage are prepared for this correction, now is a good time to review old 401(k)s and other assets you do not currently manage to assess risk.

Want to learn more about how to market during a crisis? Watch this free webinar where I’ll teach you how to multiply your best clients and help more people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Get Your Free Customizable Template

If you need help creating a marketing campaign, download our free template here. Be sure to get it approved by compliance before sending.

Looking for more ways to improve your marketing as a financial advisor? Find more information on our blog. And for weekly marketing tips by video, subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/IndigoMarketingAgency. Or learn more about how we help financial advisors just like you grow their businesses with our Total Marketing Package. 

_______________

(1) https://www.capitalgroup.com/individu...

The post How to Communicate With Your Clients About Market Volatility appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.

36 Top Influencers for Financial Advisors in 2022

It’s no secret that the financial landscape is changing rapidly. To stay ahead of the curve, financial advisors must identify and align themselves with the top influencers in the field.

Here are 36 financial advisor influencers who will likely have a big impact on the industry in 2022.1. Bill Cates

If you need help figuring out how to identify the best niche for your firm, Bill Cates is your guy.  He’s a referral coach for top advisors, bestselling author, hall of fame keynote speaker, and one of my top mentors. He’s coached thousands of financial service professionals on how to identify and serve more ideal clients.

I recommend listening to his Top Advisor Podcast to hear some of his insights and recommendations. You can also sign up for a free workshop webinar he and I hosted together, How to Choose Your Niche & Create a Radically Relevant Marketing Message.

2. Steve Sanduski

Steve Sanduski is a CFP® professional and personal coach to financial professionals. He hosts the ever-popular podcast Between Now and Success, where he brings in top achievers and visionaries in the financial services industry and invites them to share their journey to success. 

3. Ron Carson

Ron Carson…need I say more? Ron is a household name among financial advisors and one of my personal heroes and mentors. He founded Carson Group in 1983, which now has over $15 billion assets under advisement. He’s also a New York Times bestselling author of Avalanche and The Sustainable Edge. You can follow him on Twitter here. 

Ron was also a guest on my podcast, The Marketing Podcast for Financial Advisors. You can listen to our episode on Preparing to Sell Your Financial Advisory Firm here. 

4. Samantha Russell

Samantha Russell is the “Chief Evangelist” at FMG Suite and Twenty Over Ten. She’s a marketing queen who’s passionate about helping financial advisors switch their digital marketing mindset from an “outbound cold sales” to a “warm inbound” approach. She’s given over 600 presentations to more than 10,000 financial professionals since 2015. You can check Sam out on YouTube here. 

5. Michael Kitces

Michael Kitces is another household name among financial advisors who needs no introduction. He’s probably THE top influencer for financial advisors thanks to his blog, Nerd’s Eye View, and his Twitter—both of which have cult-like followings. 

6. Bob Veres

Bob Veres is a top influencer for financial advisors mostly known for his monthly newsletter, Inside Information, which labels itself as “the most important information resource in the financial planning space.” Bob is also a speaker and author of the bestselling book The New Profession. 

7. Daniel Crosby

Daniel Crosby is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who’s passionate about helping financial advisors understand the intersection of mind and markets. A self-dubbed shrink, he’s the go-to person if you want to learn more about behavioral finance and investor psychology. 

Daniel is also the co-author of a New York Times bestselling book, Personal Benchmark: Integrating Behavioral Finance and Investment Management. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

8. Vikram Mansharamani

Vikram Mansharamani is an author, academic, and advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs. He’s been named LinkedIn’s #1 Top Voice for Money, Finance, and Global Economics, as well as one of the 100 most powerful people in global finance.

Vikram’s background is nothing short of mesmerizing. He holds a Ph.D. and two master’s degrees from MIT, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Yale University. He’s also a lecturer at Harvard and previously Yale. Follow him on LinkedIn to learn more. 

You can also check out his two latest books, Think for Yourself: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence and Boombustology: Spotting Financial Bubbles Before They Burst.

9. Joshua Brown

Joshua Brown is a financial advisor and the CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management. He also runs a successful blog, The Reformed Broker, where he uses facts, statistics, satire, and pop culture to discuss markets, finance, and economics. You can check out his podcast and books for more info.

10. Jody Padar

Jody Padar, otherwise known as The Radical CPA, is on a mission to bring the accounting profession into the digital age. She’s also passionate about helping more CPAs develop a work–life balance where they can go home on time and give more to their clients at the same time. 

Jody is a three-time author and has been named in the Top 100 Most Influential People to the Accounting Profession for over 10 years in a row. You can connect with her on LinkedIn. 

11. Barry Ritholtz 

Barry Ritholz is the co-founder and CIO of Ritholtz Wealth Management, which has over $2.3 billion in AUM and is the fourth fastest-growing RIA in the U.S. He also runs The Big Picture, a Weblog with over half a million page views per month. 

Barry has been named one of the 15 Most Important Economic Journalists in the United States and has columns in both Bloomberg Opinion and The Washington Post. He’s also the creator and host of Masters in Business, a popular podcast on Bloomberg Radio. You can follow him on Twitter.

12. Mike Shedlock

Mike “Mish” Shedlock is a registered investment advisor for SitkaPacific Capital Management. He talks about global macroeconomics, politics, central bank policy, and more on his blog, MishTalk. Follow him on Twitter. 

13. Cullen Roche

Cullen Roche is on a mission to help people make smarter, more disciplined decisions with their money. He’s the CIO of Discipline Funds, a global macro ETF; the founder of Orcam Group, a low-fee financial services firm offering multi-asset investment management, financial planning, institutional consulting, and educational services; and author of Pragmatic Capitalism. You can connect with Cullen on Twitter. 

14. Jim Blankenship

Jim Blankenship is a CFP® professional who specializes in Social Security, income tax, and personal finance. A self-proclaimed “technogeek from the old school,” Jim also runs a successful blog called Getting Your Financial Ducks in a Row. He’s been in the finance industry since 1985 and has a wealth of knowledge and insights to share. You can follow him on Twitter. 

15. Jeff Rose

Back in 2008, CFP® professional Jeff Rose set out with one intention: create the best financial planner blog in the world. Guess what? He did it. In 2018, a company even offered to pay him $10 million for his website. His YouTube channel is equally entertaining and inspirational and has 374,000 subscribers and counting. Check out Jeff at Good Financial Cents and Wealth Hacker Labs to get inspiration for your own financial advisor blog. 

16. Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is known for helping thousands of families get out of debt and achieve financial freedom. The author of seven national bestsellers, he does an excellent job of breaking complex topics down into plain language. So check out his platform, Ramsey Solutions, if you want inspiration. 

17. Rachel Cruze

Rachel Cruz is the daughter of Dave Ramsey. She’s a #1 New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and financial expert who hosts her own show, The Rachel Cruz Show. She’s passionate about helping others take control of their money and build a life they love.

18. Jim Marous

Jim Marous is a speaker, publisher, and one of the most influential people in banking. He advised the White House on banking policy and has been named one of the Top 5 Fintech Influencers to Follow. His podcast, Banking Transformed, is one of the top 10 banking podcasts available today. 

19. Ron Shevlin

Ron Shevlin is the Managing Director of Fintech Research at Cornerstone Advisors. He’s also a Senior Contributor for Forbes, where he writes about cutting-edge technology in financial services. If you’re looking to stay on the cutting edge of the fintech industry, follow Ron on Twitter.

20. Colin Williams

Colin Williams is an Australian-based consultant who’s passionate about using data to help wealth and financial planning firms grow strategically. Follow him on Twitter or check out his website, Wealth Data, for more information. 

21. Aaron Klein

Aaron Klein is the co-founder and CEO of Riskalyze—the company that invented Risk Number®, a financial risk management software used by many financial advisors, broker-dealers, and RIAs across the country. You can follow Aaron on LinkedIn for more information.

22. Bola Sokunbi

If you’re a financial advisor for women, Bola Sokunbi is an excellent person to follow in our industry. She’s a Certified Financial Education Instructor, money expert, bestselling author, and the CEO and founder of Clever Girl Finance. Bola’s mission is to empower women to achieve financial success, and it’s evident in every aspect of her online presence. She has a blog, a YouTube channel, books, free courses, and more to inspire you to make deeper connections with your female clientele.

23. Robin Powell

Robin Powell is an award-winning journalist best known as “The Evidence-Based Investor” (TEBI). He’s a passionate champion of global investing and the head of client education for Rock Wealth UK and Evidence Advisers. If you’re in the UK, Robin is a great financial advisor influencer to follow. You can check him out on Twitter. 

24. Douglas A. Boneparth

Douglas Boneparth is a New York-based CFP® professional and the president of Bone Fide Wealth—a wealth management firm that provides effective and relatable advice to New York’s hardest-working Millennials. He was named a Top Most Influential Financial Advisor by Investopedia four years in a row and sits on the CNBC Advisor Council. 

He’s also the author of The Millennial Money Fix, which teaches young professionals everything they need to know about budgeting, college debt, and finding financial freedom. Follow him on Twitter to see what he’s up to next. 

25. Gregory Silberman

Gregory Silberman is a CFA® charterholder and the CIO of Atlanta-based ACG Investment Management LLC, a firm dedicated to scouting alternative investments and making them available to clients. You can learn more about him on Twitter. 

26. Tony Vidler

Tony Vidler is best known as “The Advisor to Advisors.” As a New Zealand-based speaker, business advisor, and sales training coach, he spends most of his days helping advisors build better businesses. You can check out Tony’s website to learn more about him and what he does.

27. Jonathan Chevreau

Jonathan Chevreau is the CFO of the Financial Independence Hub, a finance platform dedicated to helping pre-retirees and retirees get more out of their wealth. If you’re a financial advisor whose target niche is retirement-aged families, Jonathan is a great person to follow for inspiration.

28. Ilyce Glink

Do a lot of your clients have questions about real estate or home buying? If so, you may want to follow Ilyce Glink of Think Glink. She’s a real estate and financial wellness expert, and author of 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask. 

29. Chris Chen

Chris Chen is a CFP® professional, dad, sailor, and wealth strategist who specializes in retirement planning, investment management, and divorce planning at Insight Financial Strategists. He’s also the CEO of Freedom Point, a firm that helps business owners maximize the value of their business and prepare for retirement. If you’re a financial advisor who serves divorcees or business owners, follow Chris on Twitter for inspiration. 

30. Rick Ferri

Rick Ferri is a retired Marine, CFA® charterholder, and podcast host of Bogleheads on Investing. He was also named as one of Investopedia’s 100 Top Financial Advisors in 2019. 

31. Bob Reynolds

Robert “Bob” Reynolds was the Vice Chairman and COO of Fidelity Investments for over 23 years! Today, he serves as the President and CEO of Putnam Investments He’s a pioneer in the financial services space and has had a direct hand in shaping America’s retirement saving system. You can follow Bob on LinkedIn or Twitter to see what he’s up to next.

32. Brittney Castro

Brittney Castro is a force to be reckoned with. As the in-house CFP® professional for Mint as well as the Head of Education for Altruist, she spends most of her days promoting financial literacy via media interviews, YouTube videos, TV experiences, and more. She’s also worked with top financial services companies like Chase, E-Trade, CNBC, and more. You can learn more about the fabulous Brittney Castro on her website. 

33. Larry Fink

Larry Fink is the Chairman and CEO of BlackRock. He co-founded BlackRock in 1988 and helped grow it into a global leader in investment and technology. Barron’s has named him one of the World’s Best CEOs for 15 consecutive years and Fortune has named him one of
the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders. He has almost 1 million followers on LinkedIn. 

34. Steve Gresham

Steve Gresham is the CEO of The Execution Project, a consulting firm that helps financial companies rethink “retirement” and get better results. He’s worked with more than 50 financial services companies, including Fidelity Investments, Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab, and is an incredible person to follow if you’re looking to rethink retirement and grow your revenue as a financial advisor.

35. Simon Thorp

If you’re a financial advisor based in the UK, you need to follow Simon Thorp on LinkedIn. The CIO of Aperture Investors and named a Top Voice for LinkedIn in 2019, Simon writes extensively on current global markets.

36. Rose Han

Rose Han is a former Wall Street trader turned financial educator. She teaches people how to “get good with money” through her investing courses and wildly popular YouTube channel, which has over 1 million views and counting. Rose’s website is BEAUTIFULLY constructed, so I encourage you to check it out if you need some design inspiration.

That’s a Wrap on Our 36 Top Influencers!

There’s a lot of technical aspects that go into marketing today—from setting up your website, social media, and email marketing to writing, content creation, and knowing your message. If you want to be known as an industry expert like one of these featured financial influencers but don’t have the time to work on your digital presence all by yourself, consider outsourcing your marketing to a firm like ours that specializes in financial advisor marketing.

Schedule your free strategy call now and we’ll take a deep dive into your current marketing to figure out what’s working and what’s not. It’s totally free and is a great next step to get a custom approach to your own marketing.  

Which of these top influencers for financial advisors will you follow first? Are there any we left off the list that you’d recommend? Email us and let us know! 

The post 36 Top Influencers for Financial Advisors in 2022 appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.

12 Top-Performing Website Pages for Financial Advisors (Video)

Join me in this quick video where I discuss 8 of the 12 top pages:

Does your company have top-performing website pages?

What makes a good financial advisor website? We’ve worked with thousands of advisors across the country. And after analyzing data for our 30 top-performing websites, we discovered each advisor had 12 web pages in common.

Today, we’ll go over each of those web pages, why they’re so important for conversion rates, and show you A+ examples of each.

1. Fee-Only Web Page

Financial advisors know a lot of jargon. But it’s important to remember that your prospects probably don’t. Even simple terms like “fee-only” may leave them scratching their heads.

Having a web page that explains what “fee-only” means and why it’s important helps show potential clients that you know how to break things down into simple language they can understand.

Fee-Only Web Page Example 1Fee-Only Web Page Example 22. Our Team Web Page

Your “Our Team” web page is pretty straightforward. It’s where you introduce each of your team members, along with a photo and bio.

The more personalized and relatable your “Our Team” web page is, the better. While it’s important to touch on your credentials and why you’re qualified to help someone, most prospects want to understand you on a personal level. Don’t be afraid to talk about why you became a financial advisor, your hobbies, and so on.

Check out these incredible “Our Team” web pages for inspiration:

Our Team Web Page Example 1Our Team Web Page Example 23. About Web Page

Your “About” web page tells your firm’s story. It talks about how long you’ve been in business, who you serve, and what makes you different. Here are two great examples:

About Web Page Example 1About Web Page Example 24. Account Access Web Page

Your “Account Access” page is where current clients go to log in to their financial accounts. It’s usually either a portal that clients log in to, or it’s a static web page with quick access links to all the platforms you use (think Fidelity, Black Diamond, ShareFile, etc.). Here are a few examples:

Account Access Page Example 1Account Access Page Example 2Account Access Page Example 35. Resources Web Page

Your “Resources” web page is like an educational hub. It’s where you house your blog posts, videos, market insights, and any other resources you want to share. This is where prospects go to learn more about your recommendations and engage with your firm.

Resources Web Page Example 1 (Tab labeled “Cool Stuff”)Resources Web Page Example 2 (Tab labeled “Knowledge Center”)Resources Web Page Example 3 (Tab labeled “Resources”)6. Who We Serve Web Page

Your “Who We Serve” web page is where you talk about your niche and ideal target audience. It’s where you touch on client pain points, aspirations, and concerns, and remind them you have the tools to help them navigate it all.

Who We Serve Web Page Example 1Who We Serve Web Page Example 2Who We Serve Web Page Example 37. Client Experience Web Page

Good financial advisor websites have a “Client Experience” web page highlighting client stories, testimonials, and case studies. Combined, these web pages help build your firm’s credibility and put prospects at ease about working with you.

Client Experience Web Page Example 1Client Experience Web Page Example 2Client Experience Web Page Example 38. See a Sample Financial Plan Web Page

So many advisors don’t add a Sample Financial Plan to their website and it’s a huge missed opportunity. Clients want to know what they can expect to get when they work with you. Not having a sample financial plan on your website is like a car salesman asking you to buy a car sight unseen.

Sample Financial Plan Web Page Example 1Sample Financial Plan Web Page Example 29. Our Services/Advisory Fees Web Page

This may come as a shock, but in addition to an “Our Services” web page, you need to have your pricing front and center on your website. Watch this short video for three reasons why: Why You Should Publish Your Advisory Fees on Your Website.

Then view these really great examples of advisors who have published their fees online (and have the conversion rates to back up its success!):

Services & Fees Web Page Example 1Services & Fees Web Page Example 2Services & Fees Web Page Example 310. What We Do and How We Help Web Page

This web page dives deep into your process and how you help your clients reach their goals. It conveys your expertise, sets expectations, and explains why you’re the best possible person to help your target audience with their finances.

What We Do Web Page Example 1What We Do Web Page Example 2

If you haven’t figured out who you serve best yet, I highly encourage you to attend my free workshop webinar on How to Choose Your Niche & Create a Radically Relevant Marketing Message.

11. Get Started Now/Schedule a Call Web Page

This is arguable THE most important web page on any good financial advisor website. It’s a call-to-action page that lets prospects immediately take the next step with you.

The best “Get Started Now” pages have an online calendar of some sort where prospects can schedule a call any time day or night without having to email you first. Check out these good examples:

Get Started Now Web Page Example 1 Get Started Now Web Page Example 2Get Started Now Web Page Example 312. Why I Became a Financial Advisor Web Page

Every advisor should have a blog post or web page on their website titled “Why I Became a Financial Advisor.” In fact, when you work with Indigo Marketing Agency, it’s one of the first pieces of content we create for you because it’s guaranteed to be one of your top-performing pages.

Why is this page so important? The truth is, prospects won’t care much about you until they know your story and the “why” behind what you do. This starts with telling them about what inspired you to get into this industry.

Why I Became a Financial Advisor Web Page Example 1Why I Became a Financial Advisor Web Page Example 2 BONUS: Niche-Specific Web Pages

In addition to these 12 web pages, any good financial advisor website should also have niche-specific content geared toward their target audience’s biggest pain point. If your firm serves business owners, it may be a web page on How to Convert a C Corp to an S Corp (& Whether You Should). If you serve Amazon executives, it may be a guide on Demystifying Your Amazon RSUs.

Think about the biggest problems that keep your clients up at night, then create web pages that address those issues. It’ll show off your expertise and help reassure clients that you have the knowledge and tools to help them manage their wealth.

Here are two more examples of niche-specific web pages:

Tax Rules When Selling Your HomeWhat Are the Tax Implications of Options Trading? Need Help Making a Good Financial Advisor Website? We’ve Got Just What You Need!

So, what makes for a good financial advisor website? These 12 web pages! If you’re not getting the marketing results you want as a financial advisor, your website is likely to blame.

The good news is that we specialize in building custom websites for independent financial advisors. And the best part? We don’t charge any monthly fees or contracts like other agencies do.

We know which web pages make up a good financial advisor website, and we’ve designed this package to include all the essentials you need to grow your business. Schedule your free strategy session with our team to get started.

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The post 12 Top-Performing Website Pages for Financial Advisors (Video) appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.

12 Top-Performing Website Pages for Financial Advisors

What makes a good financial advisor website? We’ve worked with thousands of advisors across the country. And after analyzing data for our 30 top-performing websites, we discovered each advisor had 12 web pages in common. Today, we’ll go over each of those web pages, why they’re so important for conversion rates, and show you A+ examples of each. 1. Fee-Only Web PageFinancial advisors know a lot of jargon. But it’s important to remember that your prospects probably don’t. Even simple terms like “fee-only” may leave them scratching their heads. Having a web page that explains what “fee-only” means and why it’s important helps show potential clients that you know how to break things down into simple language they can understand. Fee-Only Web Page Example 1 Fee-Only Web Page Example 22. Our Team Web PageYour “Our Team” web page is pretty straightforward. It’s where you introduce each of your team members, along with a photo and bio. The more personalized and relatable your “Our Team” web page is, the better. While it’s important to touch on your credentials and why you’re qualified to help someone, most prospects want to understand you on a personal level. Don’t be afraid to talk about why you became a financial advisor, your hobbies, and so on.Check out these incredible “Our Team” web pages for inspiration: Our Team Web Page Example 1 Our Team Web Page Example 23. About Web PageYour “About” web page tells your firm’s story. It talks about how long you’ve been in business, who you serve, and what makes you different. Here are two great examples: About Web Page Example 1 About Web Page Example 24. Account Access Web PageYour “Account Access” page is where current clients go to log in to their financial accounts. It’s usually either a portal that clients log in to, or it’s a static web page with quick access links to all the platforms you use (think Fidelity, Black Diamond, ShareFile, etc.). Here are a few examples: Account Access Page Example 1 Account Access Page Example 2 Account Access Page Example 35. Resources Web PageYour “Resources” web page is like an educational hub. It’s where you house your blog posts, videos, market insights, and any other resources you want to share. This is where prospects go to learn more about your recommendations and engage with your firm. Resources Web Page Example 1 (Tab labeled “Cool Stuff”) Resources Web Page Example 2 (Tab labeled “Knowledge Center”) Resources Web Page Example 3 (Tab labeled “Resources”)6. Who We Serve Web PageYour “Who We Serve” web page is where you talk about your niche and ideal target audience. It’s where you touch on client pain points, aspirations, and concerns, and remind them you have the tools to help them navigate it all. Who We Serve Web Page Example 1 Who We Serve Web Page Example 2 Who We Serve Web Page Example 37. Client Experience Web PageGood financial advisor websites have a “Client Experience” web page highlighting client stories, testimonials, and case studies. Combined, these web pages help build your firm’s credibility and put prospects at ease about working with you. Client Experience Web Page Example 1 Client Experience Web Page Example 2 Client Experience Web Page Example 38. See a Sample Financial Plan Web PageSo many advisors don’t add a Sample Financial Plan to their website and it’s a huge missed opportunity. Clients want to know what they can expect to get when they work with you. Not having a sample financial plan on your website is like a car salesman asking you to buy a car sight unseen. Sample Financial Plan Web Page Example 1 Sample Financial Plan Web Page Example 29. Our Services/Advisory Fees Web PageThis may come as a shock, but in addition to an “Our Services” web page, you need to have your pricing front and center on your website. Watch this short video for three reasons why: Why You Should Publish Your Advisory Fees on Your Website. Then view these really great examples of advisors who have published their fees online (and have the conversion rates to back up its success!): Services & Fees Web Page Example 1 Services & Fees Web Page Example 2 Services & Fees Web Page Example 310. What We Do and How We Help Web PageThis web page dives deep into your process and how you help your clients reach their goals. It conveys your expertise, sets expectations, and explains why you’re the best possible person to help your target audience with their finances. What We Do Web Page Example 1 What We Do Web Page Example 2If you haven’t figured out who you serve best yet, I highly encourage you to attend my free workshop webinar on How to Choose Your Niche & Create a Radically Relevant Marketing Message.11. Get Started Now/Schedule a Call Web PageThis is arguable THE most important web page on any good financial advisor website. It’s a call-to-action page that lets prospects immediately take the next step with you. The best “Get Started Now” pages have an online calendar of some sort where prospects can schedule a call any time day or night without having to email you first. Check out these good examples: Get Started Now Web Page Example 1 Get Started Now Web Page Example 2 Get Started Now Web Page Example 312. Why I Became a Financial Advisor Web PageEvery advisor should have a blog post or web page on their website titled “Why I Became a Financial Advisor.” In fact, when you work with Indigo Marketing Agency, it’s one of the first pieces of content we create for you because it’s guaranteed to be one of your top-performing pages.Why is this page so important? The truth is, prospects won’t care much about you until they know your story and the “why” behind what you do. This starts with telling them about what inspired you to get into this industry. Why I Became a Financial Advisor Web Page Example 1 Why I Became a Financial Advisor Web Page Example 2 BONUS: Niche-Specific Web PagesIn addition to these 12 web pages, any good financial advisor website should also have niche-specific content geared toward their target audience’s biggest pain point. If your firm serves business owners, it may be a web page on How to Convert a C Corp to an S Corp (& Whether You Should). If you serve Amazon executives, it may be a guide on Demystifying Your Amazon RSUs. Think about the biggest problems that keep your clients up at night, then create web pages that address those issues. It’ll show off your expertise and help reassure clients that you have the knowledge and tools to help them manage their wealth. Here are two more examples of niche-specific web pages: Tax Rules When Selling Your Home What Are the Tax Implications of Options Trading? Need Help Making a Good Financial Advisor Website? We’ve Got Just What You Need!So, what makes for a good financial advisor website? These 12 web pages! If you’re not getting the marketing results you want as a financial advisor, your website is likely to blame. The good news is that we specialize in building custom websites for independent financial advisors. And the best part? We don’t charge any monthly fees or contracts like other agencies do. We know which web pages make up a good financial advisor website, and we’ve designed this package to include all the essentials you need to grow your business. Schedule your free strategy session with our team to get started.

The post 12 Top-Performing Website Pages for Financial Advisors appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.

How to Create Your 2022 Marketing Plan & Grow Your AUM by 25% This Year (Webinar)

Drumroll, please…. I’m excited to introduce you to our biggest, most requested webinar of the year: How to Create Your 2022 Marketing Plan (& Grow Your AUM by 25%)!   

Register Here

After working with thousands of independent financial advisors, we’ve really cracked the code on what works to help advisors get new clients. And that’s exactly what I go over in this time-sensitive, information-packed webinar.

Register right now, and you’ll:

• Learn how advisors really get new A+ clients today.
• Uncover how your marketing measures up to top advisors.
• Master the art of finding and embracing your specialization.
• Get clear on how to create a provocative value proposition.
• Learn how to get in front of new highly qualified prospects.
• Discover how to use the new testimonial rule to increase conversions.
• Create your powerful 2022 marketing calendar!

Register Here

The post How to Create Your 2022 Marketing Plan & Grow Your AUM by 25% This Year (Webinar) appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.

Announcing Our New Testimonial Program for Financial Advisors!

The new testimonial rule has officially gone into effect as of May 4, 2021! This completely revolutionizes the way financial advisors can market their services. But as an advisor, how do you effectively use the new testimonial rule in your marketing without running into compliance issues?

That’s where we come in.

We’re excited to announce that Indigo is now offering a Testimonial Program to help advisors get glowing client reviews online—all while remaining compliant. This program is especially powerful for any advisor looking to strengthen their reputation and trustworthiness online.

Why Are Testimonials Important for Financial Advisors?

The new testimonial rule is a phenomenal change for our industry (one that’s about 40 years overdue!). Client testimonials are really important for financial advisors for two reasons: 

1. Testimonials provide credibility and social proof.

If you look up a restaurant or a car wash online, you want to see five-star reviews before you take the time to drive there. The same is true for financial advice. People want to see five-star reviews before they schedule a call or hand over their life savings. Testimonials give you that credibility factor.

2. Testimonials boost your search engine optimization (SEO) and help people find you online.

Google gives preferential treatment to businesses that have reviews. So, if you have zero reviews on your Google My Business page, it’s actually hurting you when it comes to people finding you online.

On the other hand, if your Google My Business page has at least five reviews, you’ll rank higher than those that don’t. So, for our Testimonial Program, our goal is to get you at least five, five-star reviews that boost your credibility and help improve your SEO.

Why We Created Our Testimonial Program

We developed our Testimonial Program because we know it can be awkward and uncomfortable asking your own clients for reviews.

A lot of times we see advisors with five-star reviews, but they either don’t have comments or the comments say something vague like, “Great financial advisor.” This tells a prospect absolutely nothing about who you serve, how you help, or why they should work for you.

With our Testimonial Program, we transform your testimonials from good to great by coaching your clients to talk about what prospects really want to know:

Why did they choose you over another advisor?What’s the most important benefit they’ve gotten from working with you?What’s the most important thing you’ve helped them achieve?

These are the questions that lead to really fantastic, well-written testimonials that paint a clear picture of who you serve best and why your clients love working with you.

What’s Included in the Testimonial Program?

When you enroll in our Testimonial Program for financial advisors, you get:

Up to five written testimonialsA “Please Share Your Story of Working With Us on Google or Facebook!” email to collect testimonialsA “See What Clients Are Saying About Us!” email to show off those glowing reviewsA possible “Client Profile” article for any reviews that are truly remarkable and worthy of a deeper diveA disclosures page added to your websiteA “Client Stories” page added to your website that houses all your testimonials in one placeWhat are the three types of testimonials we help you get?

We help you collect these three types of testimonials:

Reviews for your Google My Business and Facebook pagesClient stories for your websiteClient profiles that highlight your best client reviews (usually in-depth video or text articles with photos)How Our Testimonial Program Works

Okay, those are a lot of benefits. But how do we actually help you collect testimonials? Here’s the 14-step process we deploy once you enroll in our Testimonial Program:

We check with compliance to make sure you can receive testimonials.We add a disclosure page to your website for testimonials. (We create this page if you don’t already have one.)We confirm that your Google My Business (GMB) and/or Facebook pages are live. We add disclosure links to both pages.We deploy our “Please Share Your Story of Working With Us on Google or Facebook!” email. This email asks all clients to leave a review, which is required by compliance.One week later, you send a specific email to your “target clients”—individuals who know you well, are tech-savvy, and have a GMB or Facebook account.We send your target clients survey questions via email and follow up for responses.We take your client’s response and write a great one-paragraph review.We ask your client to 1) post their review on GMB (replacing their previous review, if necessary), and 2) give us permission to use it on your website.We follow up with your clients twice if they still haven’t posted on GMB.We create a page on your website called “Client Stories” where we add all the testimonials we receive. (We don’t create this page until you have at least three testimonials.)We create a corresponding email called “See What Clients Are Saying About Us!” that shows off all your client reviews.If a client gives a great review that’s worthy of a deeper dive, we’ll add that to your marketing content calendar as a “Client Profile” story.If a client is willing to do a video testimonial, we schedule a Zoom call to record their thoughts, then we edit it into a high-quality video.At the end of the Testimonial Program, you receive a summary of your results and testimonials.Testimonial Program Example

We’ve already been gathering testimonials for a few of our clients, and the results have been phenomenal!

Watch this video to see how we helped one advisor increase his web traffic by 54% overall and by 317% on his “Get Started Now” page—all through Google My Business testimonials.

How Testimonials Can Drive MORE TRAFFIC To Your Site (Here’s the Proof!)

Here is another example of a client who successfully completed the Testimonial Program:

Testimonial Program Results Example 

How Much Does It Cost?

Program Pricing: $999

Think of our Testimonial Program as an investment in your future. Collect glowing, five-star reviews today, and they’ll keep serving your business and attracting the right clients for years to come.

How to Get Started

Our Testimonial Program is available to all current clients, so contact your account manager to get started.

If you’re not sure about compliance, ask your compliance department directly or contact your account manager and we’ll get the ball rolling for you. We add all the appropriate disclosures to your site and can handle any compliance checklists you get.

Need a Testimonial Rule Refresher?

It’s been a while since the testimonial rule went into effect. If you need a refresher, watch this webinar to learn everything you need to know about the testimonial rule and compliance: How to Use Testimonials in Your Marketing.

Here is another great webinar I recommend watching to learn more about how to best use testimonials in your marketing: Best Practices for Using Testimonials in Your Marketing.

Next Steps

Ready to start collecting those glowing reviews? Contact your account manager today to enroll in our Testimonial Program. We’ll take it from there! You just sit back, relax, and watch the five-star ratings pour in!

The post Announcing Our New Testimonial Program for Financial Advisors! appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.

How to Make a Good First Impression With New LinkedIn Connections (Video)

If you’re like most financial advisors, you want to make the best impression possible on LinkedIn. And this may have you wondering: What should I do when I get a new LinkedIn connection? What protocol is there for following up and staying engaged? 

Well, that’s exactly what we’ll talk about today. 

As part of our Total Marketing Package, we help advisors grow their networks by making new connections on LinkedIn for them. Then we send those connections a follow-up message that thanks them for accepting and includes some helpful financial resources they may enjoy. 

But beyond that, there’s a lot you can do to engage a new LinkedIn connection and start a conversation. Here are four of my favorite tips:

1. Learn About Your LinkedIn Connection’s Needs First

It’s tempting to send someone a bunch of information about you, your business, and how they can start working with you. But what you want to do first is engage with them about their content. 

One easy way to do this is to look through their recent posts and like or comment on an article they talked about. You’ll learn something new about them, and it’ll give you something to reference in your follow-up message. 

2. Thank Them for Connecting and Reiterate Who You Serve and How You Can Help

Next, you want to thank them for connecting and reiterate how you may be able to help them. 

It could be something simple like: “Hey, John. Thanks for connecting. As you know, I help lawyers who run their own practice to set up a benefits package for their business. I have some free resources I’d love to share with you if you’re interested.”

This message shows them that you’re aware of their financial planning needs and have the tools and know-how to help people like them reach their goals. 

3. Send Follow-Up Information

Now it’s time to send the free resources you mentioned in your previous message. Here’s the catch: these resources need to be targeted and applicable to that person’s situation. Don’t send them a guide on how to select benefits as a Wells Fargo employee if they have no ties to the company at all. Shared resources must be relevant and valuable to their unique needs and concerns. 

4. Go Back to Your New Connections a Few Months Later and Reengage

Communication often goes cold after that initial interaction. You thank them for connecting, you send them some helpful resources, and then the two of you never really speak again. That’s why this final step is so important. 

A few months after that initial interaction, you need to nurture the relationship by reaching back out. The good news is, LinkedIn actually has a feature where you can sort your connections by most recent. Then you can go back and reengage with those individuals using these two steps:  

Step 1: Ask a provocative question that’s relative or important to them.

This could be something like: “As a business owner, have you ever thought about taking some chips off the table?”

Step 2: Send some follow-up information on how you can help them achieve that goal. 

For example, you could follow up your provocative question by saying, “Helping business owners free up their financial resources is exactly what I do best. If you have questions about your specific situation, click here to schedule a phone call.”  

The goal here is to establish a relationship on LinkedIn, circle back by reengaging, then take the conversation off of LinkedIn so you can close on it. 

Does Your Marketing Feel a Little Stale? We’re Here to Help! 

If you’re ready to take your marketing from dull and boring to shiny and captivating, we encourage you to schedule a free strategy session with our team. During this call, we’ll review your current marketing strategy and tell you how you can get some quick wins that will boost your business and attract more clients you love. 

Click here to schedule your free call now. We can’t wait to learn more about you and your business!

For weekly marketing tips for financial advisors by video, subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/IndigoMarketingAgency.

The post How to Make a Good First Impression With New LinkedIn Connections (Video) appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.

4 Ways to Make a Great First Impression With New LinkedIn Connections (Video)

If you’re like most financial advisors, you want to make the best impression possible on LinkedIn. And this may have you wondering: What should I do when I get a new LinkedIn connection? What protocol is there for following up and staying engaged? 

Well, that’s exactly what we’ll talk about today. 

As part of our Total Marketing Package, we help advisors grow their networks by making new connections on LinkedIn for them. Then we send those connections a follow-up message that thanks them for accepting and includes some helpful financial resources they may enjoy. 

But beyond that, there’s a lot you can do to engage a new LinkedIn connection and start a conversation. Here are four of my favorite tips:

1. Learn About Your LinkedIn Connection’s Needs First

It’s tempting to send someone a bunch of information about you, your business, and how they can start working with you. But what you want to do first is engage with them about their content. 

One easy way to do this is to look through their recent posts and like or comment on an article they talked about. You’ll learn something new about them, and it’ll give you something to reference in your follow-up message. 

2. Thank Them for Connecting and Reiterate Who You Serve and How You Can Help

Next, you want to thank them for connecting and reiterate how you may be able to help them. 

It could be something simple like: “Hey, John. Thanks for connecting. As you know, I help lawyers who run their own practice to set up a benefits package for their business. I have some free resources I’d love to share with you if you’re interested.”

This message shows them that you’re aware of their financial planning needs and have the tools and know-how to help people like them reach their goals. 

3. Send Follow-Up Information

Now it’s time to send the free resources you mentioned in your previous message. Here’s the catch: these resources need to be targeted and applicable to that person’s situation. Don’t send them a guide on how to select benefits as a Wells Fargo employee if they have no ties to the company at all. Shared resources must be relevant and valuable to their unique needs and concerns. 

4. Go Back to Your New Connections a Few Months Later and Reengage

Communication often goes cold after that initial interaction. You thank them for connecting, you send them some helpful resources, and then the two of you never really speak again. That’s why this final step is so important. 

A few months after that initial interaction, you need to nurture the relationship by reaching back out. The good news is, LinkedIn actually has a feature where you can sort your connections by most recent. Then you can go back and reengage with those individuals using these two steps:  

Step 1: Ask a provocative question that’s relative or important to them.

This could be something like: “As a business owner, have you ever thought about taking some chips off the table?”

Step 2: Send some follow-up information on how you can help them achieve that goal. 

For example, you could follow up your provocative question by saying, “Helping business owners free up their financial resources is exactly what I do best. If you have questions about your specific situation, click here to schedule a phone call.”  

The goal here is to establish a relationship on LinkedIn, circle back by reengaging, then take the conversation off of LinkedIn so you can close on it. 

Does Your Marketing Feel a Little Stale? We’re Here to Help! 

If you’re ready to take your marketing from dull and boring to shiny and captivating, we encourage you to schedule a free strategy session with our team. During this call, we’ll review your current marketing strategy and tell you how you can get some quick wins that will boost your business and attract more clients you love. 

Click here to schedule your free call now. We can’t wait to learn more about you and your business!

For weekly marketing tips for financial advisors by video, subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/IndigoMarketingAgency.

The post 4 Ways to Make a Great First Impression With New LinkedIn Connections (Video) appeared first on Indigo Marketing Agency.