Paladin Digital Marketing Blog for RIAs and IARs

How Financial Advisors Use Websites To Create Contact With Investors

Written by Jack Waymire, BA, MBA | January 6, 2025 at 7:03 PM

Do you believe establishing trust on your financial advisor website is important before investors are willing to give up their anonymity and contact you? 

If you answered yes, do you have an effective strategy for building that online trust? For example, at least 2% of your website’s visitors provide their contact information before leaving.

 

Get the right financial advisor marketing strategy! Connect with Paladin Digital Marketing today!

 

If you answer no or are unsure, you're not alone. Many financial advisors and wealth managers face the same challenge—converting visitors into engagements. The good news is we will describe seven powerful marketing strategies for building online credibility and trust, making it easier for investors to feel comfortable reaching out to your firm.

Pro Tip: Used correctly, these key website tactics for financial advisors will create a powerful online platform that encourages investors to contact you.

 

1. Create a Modern, Fast, Investor-Focused Website

Your website is the first impression investors will have of your services, and first impressions are the foundation of building initial trust! A fast, efficient, informative, and easy-to-navigate financial advisor website tells prospective clients that you are an expert they can trust. 

But it’s not just about speed—your website must also be investor-centric, with clear and compelling reasons for visitors to take action and contact you.

What makes websites investor-focused?

  • Clean design: A cluttered or outdated website reflects poorly on your brand. A modern, streamlined design instills confidence and positions you as a forward-thinking advisor.
  • Fact, not fiction: Many unsubstantiated website claims can turn investors off. Make sure you provide facts along with your fiction.
  • User-friendly navigation: Investors don’t want to waste time, so make it easy for them to find the key information they are seeking.
  • Clear Calls-To-Action (CTAs): Every page should have an obvious, compelling CTA. Whether scheduling a consultation or subscribing to a newsletter, make sure you guide visitors to their next step.
  • Mobile optimization: 62% of investors are browsing on their smartphones. Your website should offer a seamless experience across all devices.

Pro Tip: Fast-loading, professionally designed websites show investors you're serious about your business. Adding clear CTAs will increase the chances that a visitor will move from browsing to contacting you.

 

2. Transparency Builds Online Trust

Transparency is a powerful tool for financial advisors, and the Internet is an ideal platform for showcasing it. Investors today are wary of hidden fees, unclear processes, and opaque strategies. By being upfront and transparent on your website, you signal that you have nothing to hide—something investors value deeply in relationships that require trust.

Here are some ways to leverage transparency:

  • Fee structures: Do you tell them how you are compensated or how much? We recommend including a clear breakdown of your fees. Are you fee-only? Do you charge a percentage of assets under management (AUM)? Make sure your website explains this in straightforward terms. Investors should never have to wonder how they compensate their financial advisors.
  • Service details: Outline your services and how those services benefit your clients. Whether you focus on retirement planning, tax strategies, or portfolio management, transparency about what you do will build trust.
  • Professional certifications and affiliations: You claim to be a financial expert. Where did that expertise come from? Highlighting your credentials (education, experience, certifications) demonstrates your commitment to the highest standards in financial knowledge. Certifications like CFP® or affiliations with trusted organizations like NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) can boost your credibility.

Pro Tip: When investors feel you’re transparent, they are far more likely to trust your firm and reach out.

 

3. Share Your Expertise: Be A Consistent Content Blogger

One of the most effective ways to build trust with potential investors is to share your expertise by publishing consistent, high-quality content (blog articles, pillar pages, eBooks, webinars, social media posts). You position yourself as a trustworthy authority when you consistently provide valuable insights and advice.

Pro Tip: Be a consistent source of high-quality content. Inconsistency does not generate trust.

What types of content resonate most with investors?

  • Blog posts: The best strategy is regularly publishing blog articles on topics addressing major financial pain points. For example, asset accumulation, asset preservation, retirement planning, or tax-saving strategies show that you're knowledgeable and up-to-date. Make sure to address common questions investors may have.
  • Educational resources: Offering whitepapers, guides, or eBooks on your website can help investors learn more about planning, investing, and risk management. In exchange for these valuable resources, ask for a visitor’s contact information.
  • Video content: Not everyone has the time to read long articles. Short, informative videos explaining financial concepts can make your website more engaging.

Pro Tip: By providing educational content, you establish yourself as a trusted source of financial knowledge. Over time, this consistent sharing of knowledge builds a relationship with visitors, encouraging them to contact you when they are ready to take the next step.

 

4. Use Email Marketing to Build Trust Over Time

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to stay in mind with potential clients who already know your name. While social media, a paid ad, or your financial advisor’s website may be the initial contact points, email marketing allows you to nurture relationships over time.

Here’s how to build trust through email marketing:

  • Personalization: Address recipients by name and send tailored content based on their interests or stage in the investment journey. Segmenting your email list into categories like 'retirement planning' or 'wealth preservation' ensures your message resonates with the right audiences.
  • Consistent communication: Send regular newsletters with market updates, investment tips, or news about your firm. This keeps you on their radar without being overly promotional.
  • Value-driven content: Avoid sending sales pitches. Instead, focus on providing value. Share insights that help investors make better financial decisions. The more they trust your knowledge, the more likely they will reach out when they need a financial advisor.

Pro Tip: A solid email marketing strategy builds familiarity and trust over time, which can lead to the next steps by prospective clients.

 

5. Specialize to Build Trust: Become an Expert in a Niche Market

Think of doctors. Would you go to a general practitioner if you needed a knee replacement? Or would you go to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee replacement? The same is true for investors and financial advisor marketing. It is easier to build trust when you market your firm as specialized. 

Trying to be all things to all investors is a major marketing mistake that erodes trust before investors even think of contacting you. When you specialize in working with a particular type of investor—high-net-worth executives, doctors, or business owners—you differentiate yourself from other advisors and demonstrate deeper expertise.

Investors want to feel understood. If they can see that you have experience with clients just like them, they're more likely to trust your abilities and reach out.

Consider these benefits of specialization:

  • Clear messaging: A specialist's website speaks directly to the needs of a particular audience. This focused messaging helps potential clients see the value of working with you.
  • Unique offerings: When you specialize, you can create services or packages tailored to the specific needs of your niche. This sets you apart from generalist advisors who offer a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Client trust: People trust specialists more than generalists. When you show that you’ve successfully helped others with similar financial needs, prospective investors will be more comfortable contacting you.

Pro Tip: Specialization gives you a competitive edge and builds trust by demonstrating your expertise in a specific area.

 

6. Leverage Client Testimonials and Case Studies

Social proof is a powerful motivator. Be sure to include powerful testimonials and case studies on your financial advisor website that give prospective clients real-life examples of how you've helped others achieve their financial goals. This evidence helps ease doubts about working with someone they just met online.

How to use testimonials and case studies more effectively:

  • Be specific: A vague testimonial like “Great service!” isn’t helpful. Encourage clients to be specific about how you helped them—whether guiding them through a complex financial decision or helping them retire on their terms.
  • Showcase diverse experiences: Feature testimonials from various clients, demonstrating your ability to help people in various financial situations.
  • Use case studies: These are in-depth examples of how you solved specific financial challenges for clients. Walk prospective investors through the problem, your solution, and the outcome. Case studies are especially effective for highlighting your expertise and problem-solving skills.

Pro Tip: When potential clients see that others have benefited from your services, it creates trust and reassures them that you’re the right advisor.

 

7. Building Trust Online to Encourage Investor Contact

Establishing trust through your online presence is essential for converting anonymous website visitors into prospects for your services. You build a foundation of credibility by creating a modern, transparent, specialized website, consistently sharing content, utilizing email marketing, and leveraging client testimonials. Implementing these six strategies enhances your reputation and increases the likelihood that investors will take the next step and contact you.

Pro Tip: The better your platform, the higher the probability visitors will send website links to friends, family, and associates.

With the right approach, your financial advisor’s website can be a powerful tool for growing your business and forging meaningful relationships with new clients.