Imagine you’re in the market for a financial advisor. How would you go about selecting  the right person? Clients typically choose their financial advisor thanks to a recommendation from a friend or family member. The reality is that there are a lot of advisors for clients to choose from, so making yourself stand out is essential for continued success in a competitive market. 

As an advisor, it is critical to separate yourself from the pack and clearly show a prospective client why you’re the right choice for them. The ability to connect with your ideal clients will make all the difference in your firm’s growth. That’s where having strong messaging and branding can make your lead generation much more effective. Here are five things to think about when building your brand:

 Know Your Target Audience

Instead of trying to be everything to all prospective clients, consider developing a target clientele with one or two focus areas. Do you specialize in serving executives? High-net-worth individuals? Small business owners? Families? Clients are searching for an advisor who resonates with their personal experience and goals. By building a brand that’s geared toward your specific expertise, you can help set yourself apart.

 Tell Your Own Story

Entrusting someone with your money requires, well, trust. It’s easier to trust someone you know, which is why telling your own story as an advisor is a key component of successful branding. Don’t be shy! Sharing your own journey is a way of showing clients that you’re human, and that you’ve got the right experience to serve them effectively.

 State Your Values Clearly

The competition for clients can be fierce. For some advisors, that might create a tendency to overpromise and underdeliver. Instead, state your values clearly and pledge to uphold them. In a business where reputation is paramount, it’s always worth emphasizing that when you make a promise, you’ll keep it.

 Stay Visible

First impressions matter — which is why having a well-designed website is imperative. But successful branding goes far beyond that. The best financial businesses stay present in their clients’ lives by posting relevant information on social media and sharing expert insights in the form of blogs, webinars, articles, and more. Not only does this create value for your clients, but it helps you build long-term relationships with them through numerous touchpoints. Think of your brand not just as that of a financial planner, but as a subject-matter expert — one who’s regularly sharing valuable insight.

 Develop a Consistent Brand 

Now that you’ve done the hard work of establishing a unique, differentiated brand, it’s important to maintain it. Remember to keep a consistent voice in your communications. Perhaps just as important, your design choices should be as consistent as your messaging. Ultimately, the strongest brands are the ones that are immediately recognizable. And how do brands become recognizable? By being consistent.

Want to learn more about how to create an exciting brand identity for your business? Our team of marketing professionals at GMP specializes in working alongside financial advisors to maximize their marketing. Get in touch with us today to discover how we can enhance your branding.