In this episode of The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman explores the fast-emerging concept of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)—how advisors can adapt their websites and content strategies for the AI-driven search era. As traditional SEO gives way to AI search tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews, Mark explains what this shift means for financial advisors and how to stay visible in a world where consumers ask questions directly to AI instead of clicking through search results. He shares practical, actionable steps—like writing with user intent in mind, expanding website depth and breadth, structuring Q&A sections, and earning external credibility—to help advisors ensure their content is surfaced in AI-powered search results. If you want your firm to show up when prospects ask financial questions to AI, this episode is a must-watch. #EarnedMedia #LeadGeneration #FinancialAdvisorMarketing The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros
In this episode of Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark sits down with Michelle Lawless, VP at Media Minefield, to unpack how PR powers growth for advisory firms—especially in a world where AI search favors credible, third-party sources. Michelle explains the difference between advertising and earned media, why local TV news and thought-leadership placements boost trust, and how to pair traditional media with strategic LinkedIn to win in no-click search. We also discuss ROI (Return On Investment), and Media Minefield's process—from messaging sessions and story development to market exclusivity and national opportunities. If you want to elevate credibility, increase inbound, and become the go-to expert in your market, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe for more advisor-focused marketing tactics! #EarnedMedia #LeadGeneration #FinancialAdvisorMarketing The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros
AI is reshaping every industry, and financial advice isn't immune. Are you prepared? In this episode of The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman unpacks a recent Microsoft study ranking personal financial advisors among the occupations most at risk of AI disruption—and explains why some advisors should be worried. More importantly, he outlines five practical strategies to stay relevant and thrive in the age of AI: doubling down on relationships, positioning yourself as a trusted guide, embracing holistic planning, staying tech-savvy, and deepening your niche expertise. Discover how to combine human connection with technology to build an unshakable practice in an AI-driven world. Whether you're a solo advisor, part of an RIA, or work at a larger firm, this episode gives you the roadmap to not just survive the AI revolution—but profit from it. #legacyplanning #familywealthpodcast #intergenerationalwealth The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros
In this episode of the Financial Advisor's Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman breaks down the latest seminar marketing trends based on real-world data collected over the past several years at USA Financial. He explores the age-old question every advisor faces: Should you serve a meal at your seminar or not? Mark compares response rates from meal and non-meal events dating back to 2018, reveals how pandemic-era shifts and election cycles have influenced performance, and highlights which topics are driving the strongest turnout in 2025. If you're a financial advisor planning your next seminar, this data-driven analysis will help you make smarter decisions and maximize your results heading into fall and winter. #legacyplanning #familywealthpodcast #intergenerationalwealth The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros
In this episode of The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman shares a smart, strategic way for financial advisors to turn the often-overlooked trusted contact form into a powerful marketing opportunity. By reframing this regulatory requirement as a chance to connect with the next generation—especially the "alpha child" often listed as a trusted contact— financial advisors can strengthen multi-generational relationships, reduce future asset attrition, and position themselves as a family's long-term financial resource. Learn how to proactively educate clients and reach out to trusted contacts in a compliant yet relationship-building way. It's important to communicate wealth values to the next generation and help clients engage adult children in financial planning. If you're looking for creative marketing ideas, tools to enhance client retention, and ways to future-proof your practice, this episode is a must-watch. #legacyplanning #familywealthpodcast #intergenerationalwealth The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros
Struggling with client retention or referrals? In this episode, Mark Mersman shares proven communication strategies for financial advisors to strengthen trust, improve client retention, and increase referrals. You'll discover four things your best clients likely believe—and why most clients leave not because of poor advice, but because of surprises or unclear expectations. Learn how to "future pace" your client relationships, clearly define your value, and proactively guide clients through life's financial changes. If you're looking to grow your financial advisory practice and build long-lasting relationships, this video is a must-watch. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros
How well do you really know your clients? In this inaugural episode of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, shares a really simple idea to leverage your clients' interests and turn them into a marketing opportunity for you. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #futurezeros
Want to create client events that are more than just a meet-and-greet? In this episode of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, Mark Mersman sits down with Jeff Bush, founder of WellSpring Financial, to uncover the secrets of successful client event marketing. Jeff shares real-world examples of events that have worked wonders for his firm, and reveals how you can use events to build stronger client relationships and grow your business. Don't just host an event – create an experience! The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #financialadvisormarketingplaybook
In this episode of Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, I'm joined by Senior Advisory Business Consultant Kevin Roskam to discuss navigating market volatility with clients. With markets experiencing recent fluctuations, we'll dive into understanding investor sentiment, differentiating between working and retired clients, and addressing common advisor mistakes. Kevin shares strategies for proactive communication, emphasizing the importance of focusing on clients' income and long-term plans rather than short-term market reactions. We'll also explore how to manage client emotions, set realistic expectations, and effectively communicate the value of risk management strategies during uncertain times. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #financialadvisormarketingplaybook
Join Mark Mersman as he sits down with Kristian Borghesan, CMO of Future Vault, to discuss the evolution of the modern financial advisor and the challenges Future Vault helps solve in the wealth management industry. Kristian shares insights into Future Vault's AI-powered digital vault technology, designed to streamline document handling, enhance security, and improve client-advisor collaboration. Discover the concept of "Advisor 3.0," the importance of offering comprehensive services beyond investments, and how tools like Future Vault can strengthen client relationships, facilitate wealth transfer to the next generation, and ultimately enhance the value advisors provide. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #financialadvisormarketingplaybook
So, you got published in a newspaper, magazine, or some other publication. Now what? In this episode of Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, I'll share 8 easy steps you can take to leverage your newly found fame. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #financialadvisormarketingplaybook
Are you a financial advisor who wants to get free publicity? It's easier to do than you might think. In this episode of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook, we'll share how any financial advisor can get easily published in well-known media outlets without spending a dime. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #financialadvisormarketingplaybook
Supercharge your financial advisory practice with AI! Join Mark Mersman (USA Financial) and Craig Kirkpatrick (Optimal AdvisorAI) in this episode of Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook as they explore how to use AI compliantly to save time, improve client connections, and drive growth in their practice. Learn practical AI applications and get expert advice on getting started. The Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook is a podcast/video series for high-performing financial planning professionals that are committed to improving their craft, helping their clients, and growing their business. Hosted by Mark Mersman, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Financial, this series contains a wide variety of content – from quick win ideas to long-form interviews, each episode provides actionable marketing ideas and insights that can be implemented easily into your practice. From digital marketing to traditional direct-response marketing, each episode delivers straight-forward and engaging content that any financial professional can use to improve their bottom line and grow their practice. Consider subscribing for continued insights from USA Financial: https://www.youtube.com/@USA-Financial For more of the Financial Advisor Marketing Playbook: https://www.usafinancial.com/insights/financial-advisor-marketing-playbook Contact us: Phone (888) 444-0125 https://www.usafinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/usafinancial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/usafinancial Powered by USA Financial #usafinancial #advisoradvancement #financialadvisormarketingplaybook
In this episode of 16 Ways from Sunday, Mark Mersman interviews Matt Halloran, Partner and Podcasting Expert with Top Advisor Marketing. This episode is all about podcasting for financial advisors. Matt shares tips, tricks, and best practices to consider if you’re a financial professional who is looking to add podcasting to your marketing mix.
In this episode of 16 Ways from Sunday, Mark Mersman interviews Micheal Burt, aka Coach Burt, Founder of Micheal Burt Enterprises, a coaching and consulting business that teaches sales professionals, business owners, and those interested in rapid growth the five areas to get significant life in their business.
In this episode of 16 Ways from Sunday, Mark Mersman interviews Jonathan Arnold, branch manager with Inlanta Mortgage. Jonathan discusses the importance of strategic partnerships and how the right mortgage professional relationship can be mutually beneficial to wealth management and financial planning professionals.
In this episode of 16 Ways from Sunday, Mark Mersman interviews Sara Grillo, financial author, podcast host, marketing consultant, and keynote speaker. They dive into conversation on elevator speeches, the two sentence rule, and the effectiveness of social media as it relates to financial advisor marketing.
In this episode of 16 Ways from Sunday, Mark Mersman interviews Dennis Moseley-Williams. He is the founder of DMW Strategic Consulting, a practice management company that helps organizations secure and build sustainable relationships by creating experience-driven solutions that deliver results, increase revenues, and build enthusiastic referral-generating communities. This episode is all about building the experience within your practice. Are you ready to shift from service to experience? If so, this is the episode for you.
In this episode of 16 Ways from Sunday, Mark Mersman interviews William Chettle, the Director of Experience and Engagement for Symmetry Partners. William oversees the firm’s marketing and communications to build greater brand awareness, foster deeper engagement with clients and enhance their overall experience. This episode is all about branding, development, persuasion, and the little things.
In this episode of 16 Ways from Sunday, Mark Mersman discusses the current status of the SECURE Act. He highlights some of the biggest marketing and planning opportunities that the bill could present for financial advisors and the clients they serve.