Good to know
Ground rules for marketing an advisory firm
Many advisory practices grew to their current size on referrals alone, and that works until the founder wants to step back or the firm raises its minimum. Then the gap shows: no page explains who the firm is for, the website reads like every other RIA, and nobody knows which introductions turned into clients. Marketing for an advisor is mostly about being easy to check out after someone hears your name.
The SEC marketing rule shapes every claim
Registered investment advisers follow the SEC marketing rule, which sets conditions for client endorsements, reviews, third-party scores and any performance you show. Advisors who are also registered representatives answer to FINRA rules on communications with the public as well. The specialist drafts inside those limits and your chief compliance officer approves every piece before it goes live.
Recordkeeping for posts and email
Social posts, email campaigns and website changes count as advertising records that examiners can ask for. So the team works with the archiving tool your firm already uses, keeps approval notes with each item, and avoids channels your compliance manual does not allow, such as texting prospects from personal phones.
Client data stays out of campaigns
Account statements, balances and portfolio details are protected under privacy rules such as Regulation S-P, and marketing never needs them. Lists are built from contact details and simple tags like life stage or service type. Client stories appear only with written consent and the disclosures the marketing rule requires.