How Often Should Financial Advisors Communicate With Clients? (Hint: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All)
One of the most common questions advisors ask is:
“How often should I be reaching out to my clients?”
Weekly? Monthly? Quarterly reviews only?
Here’s the truth: there’s no perfect answer—but there is a right approach. And it starts with this:
The best advisors communicate more than expected, in ways that are valuable—not just frequent.
Here’s a breakdown of what that looks like, with recommendations on cadence, content, and client experience.
1. Quarterly Reviews: The Foundation
Frequency: 4x per year (at minimum)
Quarterly reviews are the baseline. Most clients expect them—and they work well for portfolio updates, goal check-ins, and bigger-picture planning.
But if quarterly reviews are the only touchpoint? You’re missing a huge opportunity to stay top of mind and build trust year-round.
2. Monthly Emails or Newsletters: A Sweet Spot for Value & Consistency
Frequency: 1x per month
A monthly newsletter or email update is the gold standard for most advisors. It strikes the balance between staying visible and not overwhelming.
What to include:
Brief market commentary (1-2 paragraphs max)
A short planning insight (e.g. Roth conversion timing, tax-loss harvesting)
Firm updates or upcoming client events
A “thought of the month” or book/podcast recommendation
Keep it short. Keep it human. Keep it relevant.
3. Special Event Check-Ins: Timely, Personalized Touches
Frequency: As needed (2–5x per year per client)
Your best clients want to hear from you when it matters most. That means:
After a major market move
When new legislation (e.g. Secure Act 2.0) affects planning
On key dates (birthdays, retirement anniversaries, etc.)
Advisors who go the extra mile to check in—personally—during big moments build loyalty fast.
4. Weekly? Only If It’s Light, Helpful, and Scalable
Frequency: Optional, 1x per week max
Some advisors thrive with weekly content—especially on LinkedIn, podcasts, or Substack-style blogs. But sending a weekly client-facing email?
Only do it if:
It’s consistently high-quality
It’s optional (not a forced opt-in)
It’s framed more as a resource, not an update
A weekly market newsletter can work… but only if you’re saying something people want to read.
5. Client Segmentation Is Key
Not every client wants (or needs) the same frequency of communication.
High-net-worth clients might want more frequent, tailored check-ins.
Mass affluent clients may prefer streamlined, consistent digital touchpoints.
Consider creating tiers:
A-level: Monthly call + quarterly review + concierge check-ins
B-level: Monthly newsletter + semiannual reviews
C-level: Quarterly updates + annual review
Smart segmentation = high impact without burnout.
6. When in Doubt: Ask Them
You don’t need to guess. Ask your clients:
“How often do you like to hear from me outside of review meetings? Would a monthly update be helpful?”
They’ll tell you. And they’ll appreciate that you asked.
Final Thought: Frequency Matters. But Value Matters More.
You don’t need to flood your clients with emails or constant commentary.
You just need to show up consistently, thoughtfully, and in moments that matter.
The goal isn’t more noise. It’s more trust.
Want a sample monthly newsletter template for advisors? Or help creating a communication calendar by client tier? Let me know and I’ll send over a framework.
