Fund Marketing for ETFs.

Early ETF movers capture the majority of assets by quickly establishing trust and liquidity. New ETFs face the risk of fading into obscurity if they fail to differentiate and attract attention early on. Growth requires more than a well-structured product; it demands marketing, strong narratives, and clear communication of benefits. Fundmarketers provides specialized marketing to help new and established ETFs break through the noise, build investor trust, and achieve growth in a ruthless "winner-takes-all" market.

Leading Fund Managers modernize Marketing, Sales, and Investor Relations strategies.

Specialized fund marketing solutions for ETF Fund Managers. From shaping your foundational strategy to building investor-centric websites and managing day-to-day operations, Fundmarketers is your partner in elevating your fund's marketing.

Launch your Fund business.

Launch your fund with our all-inclusive Fund Marketing service designed for Fund Managers.

Strategy Consulting.

Specialized strategy consulting tailored for Fund Managers providing leadership in marketing, sales and investor relations.

Audit Services.

Fund marketing intelligence for optimizing your digital operations, materials, and campaigns while adhering to regulatory guidelines.

Fractional CMO.

Gain the expertise of an experienced Chief Marketing Officer. Our Fractional CMO service offers hands-on marketing leadership.

Leadership Workations.

Exclusive Fund Management Workations and Retreats in Asia designed to promote innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

Webflow Development.

Specialized Webflow Development for Fund Managers. We develop beautifully designed, responsive, and SEO-optimized Webflow websites tailored to your brand within 60 days.

ETF Fund Marketing challenges.

The most successful ETF fund managers know that launching a new ETF is only the beginning. In a "winner-takes-all" market, early entrants quickly dominate, leaving newcomers to survive intense competition, regulatory hurdles, and the challenge of differentiating themselves. ETF managers must leverage strategic marketing to effectively communicate their unique value propositions, educate investors, and build a strong digital footprint to not just survive but thrive.

Early entrant advantage

Early ETF movers often dominate new or trending categories due to established trust, liquidity, and visibility. New ETFs must break through these barriers quickly. Without effective marketing that clearly communicates a unique value proposition, newer funds risk fading into obscurity.

Intense market competition

Capital generally flows toward the most well-known, liquid, and low-cost ETFs. For newer entrants, standing out requires strong differentiation and visibility. Strategic marketing and compelling storytelling are essential to compete against larger, established players.

Investor education

ETFs can be complex and often misunderstood. Investors require clear, transparent, and educational communication to understand the unique benefits of a specific fund. Without this, even well-structured ETFs may struggle to attract and retain investor capital.

Fund website and digital operations

An ETF’s website is not just a digital brochure; it is a key tool for attracting investors and sustaining engagement. A well-optimized, informative, and user-friendly website enhances an ETF's visibility and credibility in a competitive market.

Brand differentiation

To compete in a saturated ETF market, a compelling brand identity is crucial. Effective marketing must emphasize unique selling points—such as lower fees, innovative strategies, or superior risk management—that resonate with both retail and institutional investors.

Regulatory compliance

ETFs operate under complex regulatory frameworks that influence marketing and communication efforts. Successful fund marketing requires a thorough understanding of these regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate the risk of costly errors.

Why the best ETF Fund Managers market themselves.

Just like Ray Dalio sharing his principles, the best Fund Managers recognize that owning their marketing is a strategic advantage. By establishing a strong digital footprint, engaging with investors, and controlling your narrative, you not only attract new capital but also ensure existing investors remain confident, even during times of negative performance. Marketing isn’t just an add-on — it’s integral to your fund’s risk management strategy.

What I found most valuable is the understanding of people, what makes them tick, and how to tap into that understanding.

Ray Dalio

Founder and CIO Mentor, Bridgewater Associates

Understanding your investors and why meeting all investor selection criteria on key channels taps into what makes them tick.

Ray Dalio's quote "What I found most valuable is the understanding of people, what makes them tick, and how to tap into that understanding," underscores the importance of meticulously knowing your audience.

Covering all investor selection criteria on channels where investors conduct their research, especially on your own website, is necessary for staying competitive.

Investors today are well-informed and tech-savvy, often making decisions based on a holistic view of a fund’s strengths, not just its performance. By ensuring your digital experience thoroughly addresses these criteria, you create a compelling, trust-building brand identity that aligns with what investors are looking for — ultimately increasing your chances of attracting and retaining assets.

Liquidity and tradability
  • Bid-ask spread Narrow spreads indicate lower trading costs and better liquidity.
  • Trading volume High average daily trading volume ensures ease of buying and selling without significant price impact.
  • Market access Availability on multiple exchanges and the ease of access across regions.
  • Minimum investment requirements Accessibility in terms of investment size, allowing both small and large investors to participate.
Cost efficiency and expense ratios
  • Expense ratio Low ongoing management fees, which are particularly important for passively managed ETFs.
  • Tracking error The extent to which an ETF's performance deviates from its benchmark index; lower tracking error is preferable.
  • Tax efficiency Due to their unique creation and redemption process, ETFs generally offer greater tax efficiency by minimizing capital gains distributions.
Fund composition and strategy
  • Index or strategy replication Clarity and reliability of the underlying index or strategy that the ETF follows (e.g., sector-specific, thematic, ESG, smart-beta).
  • Sector and geographic exposure The ETF's focus on specific sectors (e.g., technology, healthcare) or regions (e.g., emerging markets) should align with investor preferences and strategies.
  • Underlying holdings transparency Regular and clear disclosure of underlying assets to provide visibility into the ETF’s actual investments.
Reputation and track record
  • Fund provider reputation Established fund managers with a history of successful ETF management tend to inspire more confidence.
  • Fund longevity Longer operational history indicates stability and expertise in various market conditions.
  • Performance history Historical performance against benchmarks and peer funds, particularly during volatile market conditions.
Trustworthiness and credibility
  • Regulatory compliance Strict adherence to regulatory guidelines, ensuring investor protection and trust.
  • Independent audits Regular audits to provide assurance of the ETF's financial health and management practices.
  • Transparency in operations Clear information about management practices, governance, and fees.
Diversification and risk management
  • Asset diversification The degree of diversification within the ETF, reducing exposure to single assets or sectors.
  • Risk mitigation features Presence of risk management features such as stop-loss measures or minimum volatility strategies.
  • Leverage and inverse options Availability of leveraged or inverse ETFs for more sophisticated risk management strategies.
Community and networking
  • Investor education and resources Availability of resources, such as webinars, reports, and analysis, to help investors make informed decisions.
  • Investor engagement Active engagement with the investor community through events, forums, and communication channels.
  • Advisory support Offering tailored support and advice for different investor profiles, from retail to institutional.
Accessibility and flexibility
  • Minimum investment requirements Accessibility in terms of investment size, allowing both small and large investors to participate.
  • Trading platforms compatibility Availability across various trading platforms, offering ease of access.
  • Fractional shares availability Ability to invest in fractional shares to attract a broader range of investors.
Costs and value propositions
  • Fee transparency and competitiveness Clear and competitive fee structures, including management fees, trading costs, and any additional charges.
  • Value-added services Access to research, portfolio analysis tools, or exclusive insights as part of the ETF package.
  • Total cost of ownership (TCO) Consideration of all associated costs, including transaction fees, management fees, and bid-ask spreads.
Due dilligence and risk analysis
  • Portfolio rebalancing policies Understanding how and when the ETF rebalances to maintain alignment with its investment objectives.
  • Risk and return profiles Detailed information about potential risks and expected returns based on past performance and future projections.
  • Stress testing and scenario analysis Regular stress testing to evaluate how the ETF would perform under various market conditions.

Owning your Fund Marketing is risk management.

25%
reduced redemption rates through open communication during performance dips. (2017, ICI)
15%
increase in AUM, even amid market volatility with firms that used digital marketing and investor relations. (2021, Deloitte)
20%
rise in investor interactions with firms that used digital marketing and investor relations. (2021, Deloitte)
75%
of investors stayed during underperformance because of marketing compared to just 50% for those without marketing. (2022, Cerulli Associates)

ETF fund managers need to do more than just highlight product features and cost advantages to attract and retain investors.

A future-proof fund marketing strategy is essential, especially in a highly competitive market where volatility and price wars push investors to consider alternative options. Controlling the narrative, building a differentiated brand, and delivering a superior digital experience are key to maintaining investor loyalty and drawing in new capital.

All fund marketing efforts should align with the criteria investors use when selecting ETFs. Understanding what drives their decisions — such as transparency, cost-efficiency, and exposure to specific themes or sectors — is important. Emphasizing only low fees or broad market coverage risks investors perceiving ETFs as interchangeable, especially when competitors offer similar benefits.

Without a modern marketing strategy and robust digital footprint, your ETF risks to close shop in crowded marketplace. Effectively communicating your unique value proposition, investment thesis, and catering to the specific needs of a broad investor base create a compelling story that attracts and retains investors.

With the growing influence of tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Z on investment decisions, providing a seamless, engaging, and educational digital experience is increasingly important to becoming and staying the preferred choice among investors.