Let’s be real. If you’re not showing up on Google, you’re pretty much invisible to a lot of people who need financial advice. Sure, referrals are great (probably where you get most of your clients), but even those people are probably Googling you before they call. What happens if they don’t find much, or worse, someone else looks more credible?
That’s where SEO comes in. Yeah, I know, it sounds fancy, but it’s basically just getting Google to notice you when the right people are looking. And you don’t need to be a tech expert to make it work. Let me break it down.
What’s SEO Anyway?
Think of Google like a librarian who has to organize everything on the internet. When someone types in “Best financial advisor near me,” Google’s job is to show them the best stuff. SEO is what helps make sure your website is one of those top results.
For you, it’s not about being everywhere. It’s about showing up when someone is searching for what you do. So, if someone is googling “How do I save for retirement in my 30s,” SEO makes sure you pop up.
Why Should You Even Care?
I know you’re busy. You’re managing portfolios, keeping clients calm during market drops, and trying to grow your practice. So why bother with SEO? Well, if you want to grow, you’ve got to meet people where they’re at. And these days, that’s online.
Everyone’s Google Searching
Think about it. Before they found you, your clients probably googled questions like “How do I start investing?” or “How much should I save for retirement?” They’re typing those exact things into Google right now. If you’re not showing up, someone else is.
First Impressions Happen Online
Even if a friend or colleague refers to you, they’re still going to Google your name before they call. If your website looks outdated or doesn’t answer their questions, they might back off. SEO helps you make a good first impression before they even pick up the phone.
It’s a Long-Term Game
Unlike ads, which stop working the second you stop paying for them, SEO sticks around. You optimize your site once, and it keeps working for you. You can focus on your business, and your website quietly brings in new leads.
How to Get Started Without Losing Your Mind
You don’t need to become an SEO expert. Here’s the deal: keep it simple, and follow these steps to get noticed.
Figure Out What People Are Asking
What do your clients ask you all the time? Those are the same things they’re typing into Google. Write them down.
For example:
- “What’s the best way to save for retirement in my 40s?”
- “How do I choose the right financial advisor?”
- “What should I do with my 401(k) from an old job?”
These are your golden keywords. Use them on your site, in blog posts, and page titles. But don’t force it. Just talk like you normally would.
Make Sure Your Website Works
Your website’s your online office. If it’s slow or confusing, people will leave, no doubt. Here’s what to check:
- Titles: Make sure every page is clear about what it’s about. Something like “Retirement Planning for Families in [City]” tells people right away what you do.
- Speed: A slow website is a turn-off. Use something like PageSpeed Insights to see what’s slowing you down.
- Mobile-Friendly: People search on their phones now more than ever. Make sure your site doesn’t look like a mess on small screens.
Blog Like You Talk to Clients
I know, blogging sounds like a chore. But it’s one of the best ways to connect with people. Think of your blog as a mini-consultation—answering the questions people are asking.
Some blog ideas:
- “5 Common Retirement Mistakes You’re Probably Making”
- “How to Save for College Without Losing Your Mind”
- “Investing for Beginners: Where to Start”
Here’s what I do at Taylor Method, I use topics like financial advisor salary guide, sales training for advisors and how to get leads for your business. Topics like these help the advisors find my website and this is the opportunity where I’m using content to educate and later sell the services.
As an advisor your job is to Keep it casual. No need for fancy jargon. Just give helpful advice in a way that sounds like you’re talking to someone in your office.
Claim Your Local Spot
If you work with local clients, local SEO is a must. Here’s how you get started:
- Google My Business: Claim your profile, fill out your info, and throw in a few pictures.
- Ask for Reviews: A quick, honest review from a happy client goes a long way.
- Local Keywords: Add your city or neighborhood in your website copy. Example: “Wealth Management Services in [City].”
Track What Works
SEO isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing. Use Google Analytics to see what’s getting hits. Are people finding your blog posts? Or is your homepage getting the most traffic? Keep an eye on it and adjust as needed.
How Jake Took His SEO from Zero to Hero
Jake, a financial advisor, wasn’t tech-savvy. But he wanted more clients, so he gave SEO a shot. He wrote a blog post called “How to Start Saving for Retirement While Paying Off Debt.” It wasn’t fancy, just some basic advice.
Within weeks, people found it online, and Jake landed his first client from that post. A month later, he had two more clients. Jake didn’t overthink it. He just showed up where his clients were already looking.
Another general example is if you google marketing guides for different industries, you’ll notice how good companies use content to connect with customers. Tech companies targeting CMOs have guides like tech marketing guides. App companies have guides like App Marketing Guide to Leads. Vet marketing companies have guides like Veterinary Marketing Guide for Practice Owners.
The goal is to be smart and learn how to connect with your buyer persona, the people who are already interested in your services.
Quick Wins to Get Started
Feeling overwhelmed? Just start with these steps:
- Claim your Google My Business profile—takes 5 minutes.
- Write a blog post answering a question your clients always ask.
- Check your website speed and fix anything that’s slow.
Final Thoughts
SEO’s not magic. It’s just about showing up when people are already looking. It doesn’t work overnight, but if you stick with it, it’ll pay off. Start small, keep it consistent, and watch your online presence grow.
People are out there searching for advice—make sure they find you.