Why DIY Marketing is Stifling Financial Advisor Growth

“You wouldn’t try to DIY your HVAC or electrical work, so why would you try to DIY your financial plan?”

I see financial advisors use this analogy all the time in their emails, social media content and websites.

And it makes sense. Money is high stakes, mistakes are costly, and getting expert help saves stress and risk.

But here’s the irony:

Many advisors who preach this message turn around and try to do their own marketing themselves...I laugh every time I see it.

The Problem With DIY Marketing

On the surface, it feels practical. Save money, stay in control, and post a few updates on LinkedIn or Instagram. But the results often look like this:

• Empty calendars

• Inconsistent lead flow

• Generic posts that sound like everyone else

• A lot of time spent, no ROI

Advisors wouldn’t tell a client to manage a $5M portfolio by “Googling some strategies and hoping for the best.”

Yet that’s exactly how most treat marketing.

Why It Backfires

Marketing is about psychology, not just content. If you believe clients need expert guidance with money, the same logic applies to business growth.

• You miss emotional triggers. Good marketing connects to fear, stress, and urgency, not just logic.

• You burn out. Consistency is hard when it is not your primary job.

• You undervalue the craft. Just like financial planning, effective marketing is a skill built over years of practice.

What Works Instead

If you want a steady stream of booked calls, stop thinking of marketing as a side task. Treat it like you would any other high-value investment: worth hiring a pro.

Here’s what shifts when you stop DIY marketing:

1. Messaging that resonates. Instead of jargon, you use language that speaks to what clients are actually worried about.

2. Systems that nurture. Email, SMS, and follow-up sequences keep leads warm without you lifting a finger.

3. Content with purpose. Every post ties back to a strategy, not just filling a feed.

The Takeaway

You tell clients every day that doing it themselves costs more in the long run.

The same is true for your business. If you're tired of wondering why your calendar is empty, it is time to apply the same standard you ask of clients: get expert help.

Because when your marketing is handled right, you can focus on what you do best helping clients with their money.

Ready to Stop DIY Marketing?

If you are a financial advisor and you know your marketing is not bringing in qualified leads, it is time to change that. I help advisors move from DIY tactics to proven systems that generate consistent booked calls.

👉 Book a call with me today  and let’s talk about building a marketing system that works for you.