Never Run Out of Video Ideas: The Financial Advisor's Year-Round Content Playbook
Where Data Meets Personality (And They Actually Get Along)
Author: Andrew Murdoch | YT Era
Reading Time: 13 minutes (or one compliance review that should've taken 5)
Executive Summary
So here's a fun fact nobody asked for: 49% of advisors don't share educational content because they're not sure how to execute it, and 46% cite lack of time as the barrier, according to Broadridge's 2024 Financial Advisor Marketing Trends Report. Meanwhile, James Conole built Root Financial to $1.3 billion in AUM generating 700+ qualified prospects annually with a systematic content calendar—proving that "I don't know what to create" is a solvable problem, not a permanent condition.
This week's report reveals the exact 12-month content calendar framework that transforms "I have no idea what to film today" into "I have more video ideas than time" (a better problem, trust me). You'll discover the psychology of timing—why prospects search for different topics at different times of the year—the 70/30 rule that balances evergreen foundation with seasonal spikes, and month-by-month breakdowns of what your ideal clients are actually thinking about.
Plot twist: According to Wistia's 2025 State of Video Report, businesses see peak video engagement in Q1 and Q4, with March and October generating the most views monthly. This isn't random—it maps directly to when prospects are making financial decisions. When you align your content calendar with these natural search patterns, YouTube's algorithm rewards you with that powerful flywheel effect that turns one video into a lead generation machine working 24/7/365.
The Content Calendar Framework: Why Strategic Timing Multiplies Results
The Psychology of Timing (Why Prospects Search Different Topics at Different Times)
Let me paint you a picture with numbers: Your prospects aren't sitting around thinking about estate planning on January 2nd. They're Googling "last-minute IRA contributions" and "should I adjust my 401(k)?" because Q4 statements just arrived and New Year's resolutions are fresh. Come October? They're searching "year-end tax strategies" and "charitable giving before December 31st" because panic mode has officially activated.
YouTube isn't social media (I'll keep saying this until it sticks). It's the world's #2 search engine where users actively search for solutions. According to multiple sources analyzing YouTube and Google data, 68% of YouTube users watched videos to help make purchase decisions. This means timing your content to match when prospects are actively searching creates a compounding advantage that social media scrolling can never match.
The data backs this up in ways that should make you pay attention: According to Pew Research Center's 2024 Social Media Fact Sheet, 90% of U.S. adults with household incomes over $100,000 use YouTube. Nielsen's 2025 Gauge Reports show YouTube captured 11.6-12.5% of total TV viewing from February through May 2025—more than Netflix, more than ANY other streaming platform. Your high-net-worth prospects aren't just on YouTube; they're spending an average of 48.7 minutes daily there (Oberlo citing Insider Intelligence).
But here's where it gets interesting (and by interesting, I mean profitable): They're not watching cat videos. They're researching solutions to problems they're experiencing right now. January brings retirement goal-setting searches. April triggers post-tax-season relief and Roth conversion questions. December creates urgency around RMDs and tax-loss harvesting. Your content calendar should mirror this natural rhythm, not fight against it.
The 70/30 Rule: Evergreen Foundation + Seasonal Spikes
As I explained in my book Mastering YouTube Marketing for Financial Services, financial services is inherently an evergreen industry. Tax optimization videos get more views during tax season every single year. This creates a strategic advantage: invest time once, harvest results forever.
The 70/30 framework works like this:
70% Evergreen Content - Your foundation library that works 365 days a year:
"5 Expensive Retirement Mistakes I See Every Week"
"Social Security: Take It at 62 or Wait? Here's The Math"
"Why Your 401(k) Isn't Enough (And What To Do About It)"
"The Backdoor Roth: Legal? Yes. Complicated? Also Yes."
These videos continue generating views, building trust, and creating leads years after publication. According to my research analyzing successful advisor channels, evergreen content recommendations from my book suggest a mix of 40% basic needs content (security and stability), 35% social needs content (belonging and status), and 25% self-actualization content (purpose and potential).
30% Timely Content - Your seasonal amplification that creates urgency:
"3 Year-End Tax Moves That Could Save You Thousands" (Q4 every year)
"Last-Minute IRA Contribution Strategies" (January-April annually)
"What the New Tax Bill Means for Your Retirement" (whenever legislation passes)
"Medicare Open Enrollment: What Changed This Year" (October annually)
According to Wistia's data analysis, the second and third quarters tend to have the lowest total views, with June and July having the least monthly views of the year. This isn't because people stop watching—it's because fewer seasonal triggers exist. Your evergreen content fills these gaps while seasonal content captures the high-intent traffic during natural decision-making windows.
Oak Harvest Financial Group proves this framework works at scale. They grew from $85 million to $750 million AUM over five years, generating approximately 1,000 first appointments annually from YouTube, with 65-70% of new client leads coming from their content. Their secret? Consistent educational content that maintains professional standards year-round, amplified by timely topics that capture seasonal search spikes.
How to Repurpose One Piece of Content Across Multiple Seasons
Here's where the magic happens (and by magic, I mean efficiency). One core video becomes a renewable resource:
Example: "Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)"
Original Evergreen Version (Published January, 8-12 minutes):
Comprehensive explanation of RMD rules
Calculation methodology
Common mistakes and penalties
Strategic withdrawal planning
Seasonal Variations Throughout the Year:
April Update (3-5 minutes): "Tax Season Lessons: The RMD Mistakes I'm Seeing Right Now"
July Planning (5-7 minutes): "Mid-Year RMD Check: Are You On Track?"
October Urgency (4-6 minutes): "Q4 RMD Deadline Approaching: What You Need to Do Now"
December Crisis (3-4 minutes): "Last-Minute RMD Strategies to Avoid Penalties"
Same core topic. Different angles. Multiplied results. Each video serves different prospect needs at different times while reinforcing your authority on the subject.
(I won't dive deep into repurposing mechanics here since we have a dedicated report that covers the complete multiplication playbook. For the full system, see my report on The Multiplication Effect: Repurposing Video Content.)
Your 12-Month Content Themes (Month-by-Month Breakdown)
Each month below includes the primary theme prospects are thinking about, 3-5 specific video topic ideas, one "timely" angle that creates urgency, and an evergreen variation you can film once and use indefinitely.
January: New Beginnings & Tax Planning Preview
Primary Theme: Fresh starts, goal-setting, and getting ahead of tax season
Video Topics:
"5 Financial Goals to Set Right Now (Before Life Gets Busy Again)"
"What You Should've Done in December But Can Still Fix in January"
"IRA Contribution Limits for 2025: Maximize Before the Deadline"
"New Tax Law Changes That Affect Your Retirement This Year"
"January Financial Reset: Where to Start When Overwhelmed"
Timely Angle: January captures peak motivation for financial changes. According to Natixis research, 49% of people underestimate inflation's impact—frame content around "starting the year right."
Evergreen Variation: "The 5-Step Financial Planning Process (Start Here)"
February-March: Tax Season Preparation & Execution
Primary Theme: Tax optimization, documentation, and last-minute strategic moves
Video Topics:
"Tax Documents Checklist: What You Need Before Meeting Your CPA"
"Last-Minute Tax Strategies That Actually Work (Not Too Late Edition)"
"Tax-Loss Harvesting Explained: Learning from Last Year's Mistakes"
"Why Your Refund Might Be Smaller This Year (And What to Do)"
"Estimated Tax Payments for Retirees: Getting Ahead of Penalties"
Timely Angle: Create urgency around the April 15th deadline while positioning yourself as the calm expert amid panic.
Evergreen Variation: "The Complete Guide to Tax-Efficient Retirement Income"
April: Post-Tax Relief & Strategic Planning
Primary Theme: Relief, lessons learned, and proactive planning for next year
Video Topics:
"Filed Your Taxes? Here Are Your Next 3 Moves"
"Roth Conversion Strategy: Is Right After Tax Season the Perfect Time?"
"What Your Tax Return Reveals About Your Financial Plan"
"Spring Financial Checkup: 5 Things to Review Now"
"How High-Income Earners Can Reduce Next Year's Tax Bill Starting Today"
Timely Angle: Capitalize on post-filing relief combined with fresh memory of tax bill pain—peak receptiveness to prevention strategies.
Evergreen Variation: "Roth Conversion Deep Dive: When It Makes Sense and When It Doesn't"
May-June: Mid-Year Review & Summer Planning
Primary Theme: Portfolio review, estate planning (graduation season), mid-year adjustments
Video Topics:
"Mid-Year Portfolio Review: The 5 Questions You Should Ask"
"Estate Planning for Growing Families (Graduation Edition)"
"How to Take a Real Vacation Without Derailing Your Financial Goals"
"Teaching Your College Graduate About Money (Without Being Annoying)"
"Investment Rebalancing: When and Why It Matters"
Timely Angle: According to Natixis data, 39% forget healthcare costs and 35% fail to understand income sources. Mid-year reviews address these gaps when prospects are reflective but not panicked.
Evergreen Variation: "The Comprehensive Portfolio Review Process: What to Examine and When"
July-August: Back-to-School & Education Funding
Primary Theme: Education funding, family financial literacy, preparing for Q4
Video Topics:
"529 Plans Explained: Is It Too Late to Make a Difference?"
"Paying for College Without Destroying Your Retirement"
"Teaching Your Kids About Money (Before They Move Out)"
"Should You Help Adult Children Buy a Home? The Financial Reality"
"Back-to-Business Financial Reset: Preparing for Q4"
Timely Angle: Frame education funding around the emotional trigger of children starting school—heightened financial awareness.
Evergreen Variation: "The Complete Education Funding Strategy Guide"
September: Back to Business & Medicare Open Enrollment Prep
Primary Theme: Quarterly review, Medicare preparation, refocusing on goals
Video Topics:
"Q3 Review: Are You On Track for Your Year-End Goals?"
"Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know Before October 15th"
"Social Security Claiming Strategies to Consider Before Year-End"
"Market Volatility Check: Should You Adjust Your Portfolio?"
"Estate Planning Review: Has Anything Changed Since Last Year?"
Timely Angle: September's "back to business" mentality combined with approaching year-end deadlines creates dual urgency.
Evergreen Variation: "Quarterly Portfolio Review Framework: What to Check Every 90 Days"
October: Q4 Tax Strategies & Year-End Planning
Primary Theme: Year-end tax planning, charitable giving, Q4 financial moves
Video Topics:
"Q4 Tax Planning Checklist: What to Do Before December 31st"
"Charitable Giving Strategies That Maximize Tax Benefits"
"Tax-Loss Harvesting: How to Make Market Losses Work for You"
"Should You Make Additional Retirement Contributions Before Year-End?"
"The 10 Financial Tasks You Must Complete in Q4"
Timely Angle: Wistia data shows peak engagement in Q4, with October specifically generating high viewership—highest-intent traffic period.
Evergreen Variation: "The Complete Year-End Tax Strategy Guide"
November: Thanksgiving Gratitude & Family Financial Conversations
Primary Theme: Family financial discussions, holiday spending, gratitude-based estate planning
Video Topics:
"How to Talk to Aging Parents About Money (Without the Awkwardness)"
"Holiday Spending Without Derailing Your Financial Goals"
"Estate Planning Conversations to Have Around the Thanksgiving Table"
"Generosity and Wealth: Smart Charitable Giving Strategies"
"What to Do If Your Parents Haven't Planned for Long-Term Care"
Timely Angle: Thanksgiving brings families together—natural opportunity for sensitive financial conversations framed around "while everyone's together."
Evergreen Variation: "The Complete Guide to Multigenerational Wealth Planning"
December: Year-End Urgency & New Year Preparation
Primary Theme: Final deadline moves, RMDs, setting up next year for success
Video Topics:
"Last-Minute Year-End Tax Moves (Before December 31st Deadline)"
"Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Don't Miss the Deadline"
"Year-End Charitable Giving: Maximizing Impact Before Midnight"
"How to Use December Market Activity to Your Advantage"
"Setting Financial Goals for Next Year (The Right Way)"
Timely Angle: December combines maximum urgency (hard deadlines) with forward-looking optimism (new year)—highest conversion potential.
Evergreen Variation: "The RMD Masterclass: Everything You Need to Know"
The Evergreen Library: Content That Works 365 Days a Year
According to my testing and the framework detailed in Mastering YouTube Marketing for Financial Services, your evergreen library should represent approximately 70% of your total content output. These videos continue working long after publication, making them the highest ROI content you'll ever create.
Core Concepts Every Advisor Should Have Filmed
Retirement Planning Foundation (8-12 videos):
"5 Expensive Retirement Mistakes I See Every Week" (according to Natixis research, these include underestimating inflation at 49%, forgetting healthcare costs at 39%, and failing to understand income sources at 35%)
"Can You Actually Retire at 62? The $500K Question"
"Social Security: Take It at 62 or Wait? Here's The Math"
"The 401(k) Reality Check: Why It's Not Enough Alone"
"How Much Do You Really Need to Retire? The Honest Answer"
"Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)"
"Roth vs Traditional IRA: Which One Is Right for You?"
"The Complete Guide to Retirement Income Planning"
Tax Optimization Essentials (6-10 videos):
"Roth Conversions Explained: When They Make Sense"
"The Backdoor Roth Strategy: Legal? Yes. Complicated? Also Yes."
"Tax-Loss Harvesting: How It Actually Works"
"Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies for High Earners"
"Understanding Capital Gains Tax in Retirement"
"Charitable Giving Tax Strategies That Actually Save Money"
Investment Strategy Fundamentals (6-8 videos):
"Asset Allocation Explained: Beyond the 60/40 Rule"
"Understanding Market Volatility Without Panicking"
"Dollar-Cost Averaging vs. Lump Sum Investing: The Data"
"Rebalancing Your Portfolio: When and Why It Matters"
"The Truth About Dividend Investing in Retirement"
Estate Planning Core (4-6 videos):
"Estate Planning Mistakes That Cost Your Family Thousands"
"Do You Really Need a Trust? The Honest Answer"
"Understanding Beneficiary Designations (More Important Than Your Will)"
"How to Talk to Your Family About Inheritance"
How to Structure Evergreen Content So It Never Expires
The key to creating truly evergreen content is eliminating all time-specific references while maintaining practical utility. Here's the framework:
Avoid These Time Traps:
Specific tax years: "In 2025, the contribution limit is..." becomes "The IRA contribution limit is..."
Current events: "With recent market volatility..." becomes "When markets become volatile..."
Temporary legislation: "Under the SECURE Act..." becomes "Under current legislation..."
Dated examples: "Last quarter..." becomes "For example..."
Include These Timeless Elements:
Conceptual frameworks that transcend specific years
Mathematical principles and calculation methodologies
Psychological factors that drive decision-making
Strategic thinking processes applicable in any market environment
Case studies framed as "patterns I see" rather than "recent clients"
According to my research detailed in the book, 70-93% of human communication happens non-verbally through body language and facial expressions, which is why YouTube creates such powerful connections that text never could. Your evergreen library becomes digital versions of yourself explaining concepts with the same authority and authenticity you bring to client meetings.
The "Update" Strategy (When to Refresh vs. Recreate)
Refresh When: (Create new 3-5 minute video referencing original)
Tax law changes affect specific strategies
Contribution limits increase annually
New legislation creates planning opportunities
Market conditions warrant addressing viewer concerns
Example: Original evergreen video "Understanding Roth Conversions" from 2023 still works. Create October 2025 supplement: "New Tax Brackets Make Roth Conversions More Attractive in 2025" that links back to the original comprehensive video.
Recreate When: (Complete new video replacing old)
Fundamental strategy becomes obsolete due to law changes
Your understanding or presentation skills have significantly improved
Technology quality gap is too large (2020 webcam vs 2025 quality)
Original video has compliance issues under new regulations
James Conole's approach at Root Financial demonstrates this perfectly. His evergreen library of retirement planning content continues generating qualified prospects years after publication, while he supplements with timely updates that capture seasonal search traffic. The result? 700+ qualified prospects annually, $120 million in new AUM, and a 90-97% conversion rate from YouTube-sourced leads according to his October 2024 interview on Michael Kitces' Financial Advisor Success Podcast.
How to Time Your Content Without Becoming a Slave to the Calendar
The biggest objection I hear: "This sounds like I'll be chained to a filming schedule forever." Not true. The batch system makes strategic timing effortless.
The Strategic Filming Approach: Evergreen vs. Timely
The biggest objection I hear: "This sounds like I'll be chained to a filming schedule forever." Not true. The smart system separates evergreen content from timely content with different production cadences.
Evergreen Content - Quarterly Batch Sessions: According to my report on the time-starved advisor's system, successful advisors record their foundational evergreen content in focused 4-hour quarterly sessions. These are the videos that work year-round regardless of timing:
Quarterly Evergreen Sessions (4 hours, four times per year):
Record 10-15 foundational videos per session
Topics: Core retirement concepts, investment principles, estate planning basics
Result: 40-60 evergreen videos annually that compound in value forever
Example Quarterly Evergreen Topics:
"Understanding Social Security Benefits"
"The Complete Guide to Roth Conversions"
"5 Common Retirement Planning Mistakes"
"Estate Planning 101 for Families"
"Investment Diversification Explained"
Timely Content - Monthly Recording Sessions: Seasonal and trending topics require fresher recording to ensure accuracy and relevance. These shorter monthly sessions capture current opportunities:
Monthly Timely Sessions (1-2 hours, twelve times per year):
Record 3-5 timely videos per session
Topics: Tax deadline content, market updates, new legislation, seasonal planning
Result: 36-60 timely videos annually that capture high-intent seasonal searches
Example Monthly Timely Topics:
October: "Year-End Tax Moves Before December 31st"
January: "New IRA Contribution Limits for 2025"
April: "Post-Tax Season: What to Do Next"
July: "Mid-Year Portfolio Review Checklist"
The Combined Approach: This hybrid system means you're filming content either quarterly (evergreen) or monthly (timely), but never feeling chained to a daily or weekly production schedule. Your annual time investment: ~24-30 hours total (16 hours for quarterly evergreen + 12-18 hours for monthly timely) to produce 75-120 videos that work 24/7/365.
The "Holiday Buffer" Approach
Never film content the week it needs to publish. The holiday buffer principle means filming seasonal content at least 4-6 weeks before it's needed:
The 4 Weeks Before Content Goes Live:
Week 1: Film raw content during quarterly batch session
Week 2: AI-assisted editing and thumbnail creation
Week 3: Compliance review and approval
Week 4: Buffer week for unexpected delays
This buffer eliminates the stress of "I need to film a Thanksgiving video on Thanksgiving" while ensuring timely content is published when prospects are actively searching (or slightly before). You're on vacation in December while your year-end tax strategies video generates leads automatically.
Using YouTube's Scheduling Feature to Your Advantage
YouTube's native scheduling feature is your secret weapon for maintaining consistency without constant management, but use it strategically to avoid platform red flags:
How Successful Advisors Use Scheduling:
Upload and schedule 2-3 videos at a time (not bulk uploads of dozens)
Space releases throughout the week
YouTube's algorithm rewards predictability over time
You focus on client service while content publishes automatically
Critical Upload Strategy: Never upload all your quarterly content at once. YouTube's spam detection may flag bulk uploads of 10+ videos. Instead, upload and schedule 2-3 videos at a time, spacing them out over your planned release schedule.
Finding Your Optimal Posting Schedule: If you're serious about YouTube growth, start by posting consistently every 6 days. This means you'll hit a different day of the week each time. After 3-6 months of this pattern, YouTube Analytics will reveal which day of the week generates the highest engagement for YOUR specific audience. Then lock in that day and time for maximum algorithmic favor.
YouTube's algorithm rewards channels that maintain consistent publishing schedules, with regular weekly publishers seeing significantly more suggested video appearances than sporadic publishers. The scheduling feature ensures you never miss a publishing window, even when you're on vacation, in client meetings, or dealing with life.
How to Identify YOUR Unique Seasonal Opportunities
Beyond universal financial planning seasons, your niche creates unique timing opportunities:
If You Serve Business Owners:
January: Business goal-setting and entity structure review
March: Estimated tax payment strategies
September: Year-end business tax planning
December: Equipment purchases and bonus structures
If You Serve Tech Employees:
January-March: Post-RSU vesting tax planning
May-August: IPO lock-up expiration strategies
Year-round: Stock option exercise timing
If You Serve Retirees:
January: Social Security COLA adjustment impact
April: Post-RMD tax planning
October: Medicare open enrollment
December: RMD deadline urgency
If You're Location-Specific:
State-specific tax law changes
Local employer benefit deadlines
Regional real estate market timing
Community events that trigger financial questions
Your content calendar should reflect the actual patterns of your ideal client's financial decision-making cycle, not just generic advisor assumptions.
Case Study: Oak Harvest Financial Group's Seasonal Success
The Results: Oak Harvest invested approximately $20,000 annually in YouTube and grew from $85 million to $750 million AUM in five years (782% growth). They now generate ~1,000 first appointments annually from YouTube, converting ~250 into new clients. YouTube drives 65-70% of all new leads with average client balances of $1 million.
The Strategy: Oak Harvest balanced evergreen education (retirement fundamentals, tax strategies) with seasonal content capturing search spikes:
Evergreen foundation: "5 Retirement Mistakes," "Social Security Timing," "Tax-Efficient Withdrawals"
Seasonal amplification: "Year-End Tax Strategies" (Q4), "IRA Contribution Deadlines" (Q1), "Medicare Enrollment Guide" (Fall)
Why It Works: When prospects Google "year-end tax strategies" in November, Oak Harvest's Q4 video appears. When they search "should I take social security at 62" (timeless question), Oak Harvest's evergreen content educates them. The combination creates consistent lead flow year-round while capturing peak traffic during high-intent periods.
The $20,000 annual investment essentially created a 24/7 marketing employee generating appointments while the team sleeps, vacations, and serves clients. Videos continue producing results years after publication—the definition of asymmetric returns.
Results vary significantly. Oak Harvest's success required consistent effort and strategic implementation over five years.
Implementation: Your First 90 Days
Time to stop reading and start creating. Here's your exact roadmap:
Month 1: Create Your 12-Month Content Map
Week 1: Research
List the 10 most common questions you answer in client meetings
Review email inbox for recurring prospect questions
Use AnswerThePublic to see what people actually search for in your niche
Identify your 3-4 core evergreen themes (retirement, tax, estate, investment)
Week 2: Calendar Framework
Map questions to appropriate months based on when prospects ask them
Note which questions are timeless (evergreen) vs seasonal (timely)
Create spreadsheet: Month | Primary Theme | 3-5 Video Topics | Timely Angle | Evergreen Version
Identify gaps where you need more content ideas
Week 3: Topic Refinement
Convert questions into searchable video titles (60 characters max, include keywords)
Ensure each month has 3-5 topics minimum
Balance educational value with compliance requirements
Submit topic list to compliance for pre-approval
Week 4: Batch Planning
Schedule first quarterly filming session (4-hour block in Month 2)
Identify filming location and basic equipment setup
Create compliance-approved disclaimer templates
Set up YouTube channel if you haven't already
Month 1 Deliverable: Complete 12-month content calendar with 40-50 approved topics mapped to publishing months.
Month 2: Film Your Evergreen Foundation
This month you're building the library that works 365 days a year. According to the batch system detailed in my Time-Starved Advisor report, you can record 10-15 core videos in one focused 4-hour session.
Week 1: Pre-Production
Finalize your first 10 evergreen topics (prioritize most-asked questions)
Create simple bullet-point outlines (not full scripts)
Set up recording space and test audio quality
Gather any visual aids, screen shares, or data you'll reference
Week 2: Batch Recording
Saturday Morning 8 AM-12 PM (or your preferred 4-hour window):
8:00-8:30: Setup and test recording
8:30-11:30: Record 10-15 videos (average 12-15 minutes each)
11:30-12:00: Upload files to editor or AI tool
Aim for "good enough" not "perfect"
Record each video in 1-2 takes maximum
Week 3: Post-Production
Use AI tools like Descript to edit by editing text
Create thumbnails using Canva Pro templates
Write video descriptions including CTAs and links
Add required compliance disclosures
Week 4: Upload & Schedule
Upload 2-3 videos to YouTube as "unlisted" initially (never bulk upload all at once)
Get final compliance approval on published versions
Schedule for release spaced throughout upcoming weeks
If you're serious about growth, set consistent publish schedule in the morning every 6 days initially
After 3-6 months, YouTube Analytics will tell you the best day of the week to post for your specific audience
Month 2 Deliverable: 10-15 evergreen videos recorded, edited, approved, and ready for scheduled release.
Month 3: Add Your First Seasonal Videos
Now you're layering timely content on top of your evergreen foundation.
Week 1: Identify Upcoming Seasonal Opportunities
Review Months 4-6 on your content calendar
Choose 4-5 seasonal topics aligned with upcoming prospect search patterns
Week 2: Film Seasonal Batch
Repeat your 4-hour batch recording process
Focus on timely angles with urgency elements
Include current year references where appropriate
Videos should be as long as they need to be—add value to the viewer without unnecessary filler
Week 3: Quick Turnaround Post-Production
Edit faster since these are time-sensitive
Create thumbnails emphasizing urgency or timeliness
Schedule to publish during appropriate months ahead
Week 4: Evaluate First Month Performance
Review YouTube Studio analytics for Week 1-4 published videos
Identify which evergreen topics are getting traction
Note viewer retention patterns (where people drop off)
Adjust future content based on what's working
Month 3 Deliverable: First seasonal videos recorded and scheduled. Performance data from initial evergreen library informing content refinement.
Months 4-12: Maintain the System
Quarterly Batch Sessions: Every 3 months, block 4 hours to record next quarter's content. Typically falls in March, June, September, and December—conveniently during slower business periods.
Monthly Quick Check (10 minutes on the first Monday):
Review YouTube Studio analytics: Total views, new subscribers, watch time
Check lead attribution: How many prospects mentioned YouTube?
Note top-performing videos to inform next quarter's topics
Weekly Activities (Zero time—content auto-publishes):
Videos release automatically via YouTube scheduling
You're serving clients, taking vacations, or living life
Prospects discover, binge-watch, and reach out when ready
By Month 6, you'll have 25-30 videos published. By Month 12, you'll have 50-60 videos working simultaneously. Each one is a digital employee that never calls in sick and works 24/7/365 to grow your practice.
According to Kitces Research, financial advisors work 43-53 hours per week on average. The calendar system adds zero additional weekly time while creating a sustainable lead generation engine that compounds over time.
Quarterly Filming Checklist:
[ ] 4-hour block scheduled on calendar
[ ] Recording space set up and tested
[ ] Equipment checked (camera, microphone, lighting)
[ ] Topic outlines prepared (not full scripts)
[ ] Compliance disclaimers finalized
[ ] Editor or AI tool ready for uploads
Monthly Publishing Checklist:
[ ] Videos scheduled for weekly release
[ ] Thumbnails created and uploaded
[ ] Descriptions include CTAs and links
[ ] Compliance approval documented
[ ] Analytics review scheduled for month-end
Evergreen Library Tracker:
[ ] Retirement Planning (8-12 videos)
[ ] Tax Optimization (6-10 videos)
[ ] Investment Strategy (6-8 videos)
[ ] Estate Planning (4-6 videos)
[ ] Total Foundation: 24-36 core videos
This Filming Checklist transforms an overwhelming annual project into manageable monthly and quarterly actions. Print it. Use it. Watch your "I don't know what to create" problem disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions (Or: Things You're Thinking But Too Polite To Say)
Q: Is this just another theoretical framework that sounds good on paper?
Look, I'd love to tell you this is all theory so you can feel better about not implementing it. But Oak Harvest Financial Group grew from $85 million to $750 million AUM over five years generating 1,000 annual appointments from YouTube. James Conole at Root Financial built $1.3 billion AUM with 90-97% conversion rates from YouTube-sourced prospects. Heritage Wealth Planning's Michael Scandlen grew to 80,000+ subscribers systematically.
The catch? They all used content calendars instead of random video creation. They aligned topics with prospect search patterns. They committed to consistency even when early videos got minimal views.
Results vary based on your market, consistency, and implementation quality. But the framework has been validated by multiple six- and seven-figure practices.
Q: How long before I see results?
Ah, the million-dollar question (literally, in some cases). Most advisors see initial traction in 30-45 days, meaningful results in 90 days, and "why didn't I do this sooner" moments around month 4. Your mileage may vary—especially if you treat this like your gym membership.
Realistic Timeline:
Month 1-2: Pure chaos. You're figuring out equipment and wondering if anyone will watch.
Month 3-4: Glimpses of patterns. Certain topics get more traction. You might get your first "I found you on YouTube" inquiry.
Month 5-6: Real patterns emerge. You'll identify your top 3-5 performing content themes. Search traffic increases. You're getting 1-2 qualified inquiries monthly.
Month 7-12: Predictability arrives. You can forecast lead flow. One good video generates leads for months. You're getting 3-5 qualified inquiries monthly.
Year 2+: Compound growth kicks in. Old videos generate leads while you sleep. You're getting 10-15 qualified inquiries monthly.
Ben Felix's journey with PWL Capital demonstrates this patience requirement. Once his channel gained traction? Exponential growth that traditional marketing could never match—growing PWL Capital from $700 million to $5.5 billion AUM with YouTube as their #2 lead source.
But here's the real question: What's your alternative? Continue spending $11,937 per client on social media marketing (Kitces Research)? Keep wondering where next month's clients will come from? Or invest 4 hours quarterly building a lead generation asset that works forever?
Q: Won't my compliance department shut this down immediately?
Actually, YouTube makes compliance easier because you can review everything before it goes live. According to my report on AI and video integration, 70% of financial firm social media communications were non-compliant according to FINRA data. But YouTube's pre-publication review process eliminates the reactive compliance nightmare.
How to Work WITH Compliance (Not Against Them):
Pre-Approved Topic Library: Get blanket approval for educational topics upfront:
"Understanding Dollar Cost Averaging"
"401(k) Basics for Beginners"
"Estate Planning 101"
"Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies"
Frame these as educational content, not promotional material. Compliance wants you successful, not slowed down.
Templated Disclosures: Create once, use forever:
Standard opening disclaimer (15 seconds max)
Closing disclosure template
Description boilerplate with required firm information
Consistent language across all videos
Batch Submission Strategy: Compliance teams actually prefer reviewing 13 videos quarterly versus getting peppered with weekly requests like some kind of regulatory whack-a-mole (according to a study I'm inventing right now, but every compliance officer I've talked to confirms this). Submit your entire quarterly batch at once during slow periods.
AI-Assisted Compliance Checking: Tools now scan content against FINRA/SEC rules before human review, catching obvious issues early. This speeds approval cycles dramatically.
Many firms now have "YouTube-friendly" compliance fast tracks that approve educational content within 24 hours. The key is positioning your content calendar as educational library building, not promotional content creation.
Q: What if I waste months creating videos nobody watches?
Valid fear. But here's the data: According to Broadridge's 2024 report, 49% of advisors don't share educational content due to execution uncertainty, and 46% cite lack of time. Your competitors aren't even trying. The bar is low.
We're not guessing what to create. Your 12-month content calendar is built on questions prospects actually ask you, search patterns identified through AnswerThePublic, seasonal timing when prospects actively research solutions, and topics proven successful by advisors like James Conole and Oak Harvest.
Strategic Time Investment Perspective:
According to Kitces Research, the average advisor spends $3,119 to acquire each client, with $2,600 being time investment. Your content calendar frontloads that time into systematic quarterly sessions that build a permanent asset.
Even if 90% of your videos get under 1,000 views (the YouTube average), the 10% that break through generate leads for years. One Oak Harvest video with 50,000+ views likely generated dozens of appointments over time—leveraged time investment creating asymmetric returns.
The real question isn't "what if nobody watches?"—it's "can I afford NOT to build this asset while my competitors do?"
Q: Is YouTube really worth it compared to paid advertising?
Great question. Let's look at the actual numbers instead of opinions.
The Channel Cost Reality: According to Kitces Research's analysis of nearly 1,000 advisors, client acquisition costs vary dramatically by channel:
Client referrals: $338 per client (most cost-effective)
SEO/paid web listings: $674 per client
Radio advertising: $7,855 per client
Social media: $11,937 per client
Marketing consultants: $25,403 per client
The average total cost across all channels is $3,119 per client, with 83% ($2,600) representing advisor time costs rather than hard dollar marketing spend.
The Right Answer: YouTube organic and paid advertising aren't competitors—they're complementary tools for different jobs. The real question is what you're trying to accomplish and over what timeframe.
Paid Advertising (Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Facebook Ads):
Pros: Immediate results, predictable costs, highly targetable, quick to scale or shut off
Cons: Ongoing expense required, stops working when you stop paying, no brand building, costs compound without creating lasting assets
Best for: Advisors who need leads immediately and have budget for continuous ad spend
Timeframe: Days to weeks for initial results
YouTube Organic Strategy:
Pros: Builds long-term asset, decreasing cost per lead over time, establishes thought leadership, compounds with each video, prospects arrive pre-educated and pre-sold
Cons: Slower initial results (3-6 months to first clients), requires consistent content creation, front-loads the work
Best for: Advisors building sustainable, long-term practices without relying on continuous ad spend
Timeframe: 3-6 months to initial traction, 12-24 months to full flywheel effect
The Hybrid Approach (What Smart Advisors Actually Do):
Many successful advisors use paid advertising to generate immediate cash flow while building their YouTube presence for long-term sustainability. Paid ads keep the lights on while YouTube builds your moat. Oak Harvest invested $20,000 annually in YouTube production while also running other marketing initiatives, creating a balanced approach that delivers both immediate and compound results.
The key insight: Paid advertising is renting attention. YouTube organic is buying an asset. Choose based on your timeline, budget, and growth goals—or strategically use both.
Q: What about AI-generated content? Can I automate this?
Plot twist coming: AI is a powerful assistant but a terrible replacement for you.
According to Wyzowl's 2025 State of Video Report, 88% of consumers say video quality impacts their trust in a brand. High-net-worth prospects can smell inauthenticity instantly. They're not going to trust their $2 million portfolio to someone who couldn't be bothered to show up on camera.
Where AI Actually Helps (And I Use It):
Research and topic generation: AI analyzes top-performing content in your niche
Script outlining: Creates structure for your bullet points (not full scripts)
Editing: Descript uses AI to let you edit video by editing text
Thumbnail creation: Canva's AI helps design eye-catching thumbnails
Repurposing: Opus Clip automatically creates 10-15 short clips from long videos
Compliance scanning: AI tools check content against FINRA/SEC rules pre-submission
Where AI Fails Spectacularly:
On-camera presence: Deepfakes and AI avatars trigger uncanny valley response
Authentic stories: AI can't replicate your specific client experiences
Trust building: Prospects want to see the real human managing their money
Nuanced advice: Financial planning requires judgment AI can't provide
The winning combination? Use AI to handle the tedious parts (editing, repurposing, research) while you focus on what only you can do: explain complex concepts in your unique voice with your specific expertise.
As I detailed in my report, AI tools now slash production time by 75% without sacrificing authenticity. That's the efficiency gain worth pursuing.
Additional Resources
Knowledge is power, but implementation is profit. Here are YT Era resources to accelerate your success (yes, we're shamelessly plugging our stuff—at least this stuff is FREE and we're honest about it):
“How To Get Even More Leads Easier & Faster by Using YouTube." (2025)
The First AI Brain to Help Financial Advisors Dominate YouTube
The Part Where We Ask You To Do Something
Look, we both know most of you will read this, nod sagely, and then go back to doing exactly what you were doing before (source: my imagination, but feels accurate). For those ready to shake things up:
This Week's Challenge: Create your 12-month content calendar using the month-by-month framework above. Block one hour on your calendar right now. By this time next week, you should have 40-50 video topic ideas mapped to appropriate months.
Don't overthink it. Your first calendar doesn't need to be perfect—it needs to exist. You'll refine it as you learn what resonates.
Ready for the full transformation? Apply to work with us HERE. Fair warning: We only work with advisors who are tired of pretending everything's fine and ready to build a sustainable lead generation system that actually works.
Disclaimer
This report contains strategies that have worked for some advisors but may not be suitable for all practices. Results vary significantly based on implementation, market conditions, and individual circumstances. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Any earnings or income statements are estimates based on documented case studies. Your results may differ substantially. Success requires consistent effort, strategic implementation, and ongoing optimization.
Before implementing any marketing strategies discussed in this report, consult with your compliance department or legal counsel to ensure alignment with your firm's policies and regulatory requirements.
Sources (For The Skeptics)
Because apparently "trust me bro" isn't a valid citation anymore:
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Financial Advisor Marketing Trends Report 2024, Published February 7, 2024 - 49% of advisors don't share educational content due to execution uncertainty; 46% cite lack of time as barrier; Survey of 403 U.S. financial advisors
Kitces Research, How Financial Advisors Actually Do Financial Planning, 2024 - Financial advisors work 43-53 hours per week; Average total cost to acquire new client is $3,119 with $2,600 (83%) representing advisor's time value
Wyzowl, State of Video Marketing Report 2025, January 2025 - 93% of businesses rate video as important marketing tool; 88% of consumers say video quality impacts trust in brand; 87% convinced to buy after watching video
Wistia, 2025 State of Video Report - Businesses see peak video engagement in Q1 and Q4; March and October ring in most views monthly; Second and third quarters have lowest total views with June and July having least monthly views; Businesses repurposing webinars see 61% higher engagement
James Conole/Root Financial Case Study, via Michael Kitces Financial Advisor Success Podcast Episode 445, October 2, 2024 - $1.3B AUM; 90-97% conversion rate from single meetings; 700+ qualified prospects in 12 months; $120,000 annual YouTube ad revenue vs $20,000 production costs; 110,000+ subscribers
Oak Harvest Financial Group Case Study, Multiple Sources - $85 million to $750 million AUM over 5 years; ~1,000 first appointments annually from YouTube; ~250 new clients yearly; 65-70% of leads from YouTube; $20,000 annual investment
Heritage Wealth Planning/Michael Scandlen Case Study, Multiple Sources 2024-2025 - 80,000+ YouTube subscribers; Successful podcast repurposing strategy
PWL Capital/Ben Felix Case Study, Multiple Sources 2025 - $700M to $5.5B AUM (2015-2025); YouTube #2 lead source; 1,100 annual leads
Natixis Investment Managers, Global Survey of Financial Professionals - Top retirement planning mistakes: underestimating inflation (49%), forgetting healthcare costs (39%), failing to understand income sources (35%), relying too much on public benefits (33%)
Andrew Murdoch, Mastering YouTube Marketing for Financial Services (Book), 2025 - Content mix recommendations (40% basic needs, 35% social needs, 25% self-actualization); Financial services as evergreen industry; Non-verbal communication statistics (70-93%)
Pew Research Center, Social Media Fact Sheet, November 13, 2024 - 90% of U.S. adults with household incomes over $100,000 use YouTub
Nielsen, The Gauge Monthly Reports, February-May 2025 - YouTube achieved 11.6-12.5% share of total TV viewing; First streaming platform to exceed 10% of total TV viewing
Oberlo citing Insider Intelligence - U.S. adults spend average 48.7 minutes daily on YouTube
Multiple Sources (Meltwater, Zippia, Nuoptima, Herenow) citing YouTube/Google Data - 68% of YouTube users watched videos to help make purchase decisions; 2 billion logged-in users visit YouTube monthlyYouTube Algorithm Engine drives over 70% of viewing time according to platform data, rewarding consistent publishing schedules
