Combining the ease of Web-based publishing with the Internet’s global access to audiences, blogs have become an important way for financial professionals to stay informed on key issues such as the economy, products, markets and strategy. A good blog is a shortcut that makes you smarter, faster.
The challenge, however, is this: The explosive growth of blogs makes it harder than ever to know where to go to get the information you need. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of nine blogs maintained by some of the smartest people in financial blogging, brand building and social media strategy. Even if you only find one that suits your interests, you’ll be way ahead.
1. Bill Winterberg: FPPad
Bill Winterberg is a CFP that specializes in helping financial professionals integrate new technology into their practice. He started out blogging and has expanded into video and podcasts. In his weekly videocast, Bits and Bytes, Bill tackles practical questions that are on the minds of any mobile financial professional looking to leverage technology in their practice. Recent topics include how to incorporate iPhones and iPads into your practice, how secure is DropBox and how to make your website standout.
If you’re driving the tech agenda in your agency, Bill is the guy to follow.
2. Susan Weiner: Investment Writing Blog
Susan Weiner wrote the book on financial blogging. Literally. Financial Blogging: How to Write Powerful Posts That Attract Clients is not only the title of her book, but exactly what she writes about on her blog.
A CFA by training, Susan has worked in various communications roles in the financial service industry and is an expert in how to craft compelling content for your audience. Recent posts include one on how to write clearly and avoid using jargon that your clients don’t really understand (see Quantitative Easing for the Regular Folks) or when and how to use the Q&A format most effectively (see Q&A Format for Articles: Good or Bad?).
If you’re trying to cut through the noise with your own blog writing, Susan will help inspire you to greatness.
3. Ryan Hanley: Content Warriors
By day, he’s a mild-mannered marketer for a regional insurance agency in New York. But by night, Ryan Hanley is a content warrior helping insurance and financial professionals to master the art of content marketing.
What sets Ryan apart is his passion for social media and content marketing. Both as a blogger and a podcaster, Ryan is deeply invested in helping his audience understand the world of digital marketing and social networking. If you’re new to content marketing, I’d recommend you take a look at The Four C’s of Beginner Content Marketing.
If you want to really understand how to rock your practice using social strategies, make the Content Warfare podcast part of your weekly ritual.
4. Stephanie Sammons: Wired Advisor
As a CFP and former financial advisor, Stephanie knows the importance of reputation and thought leadership to financial professionals. She consistently produces high quality content aimed at helping advisors understand the complexities of digital marketing (see A 7-step Process for Expanding Your Online Presence) and leverage this knowledge to grow their online influence (download her free guide How to Build Online Equity and Influence in a Wired World).