The surprisingly simple 260%+ ROI marketing campaign

Hey, Tommy here.

Today, we’re covering the simple 5-step strategy that led a young financial services firm to transform their business.

In today’s issue:

• Fantastic results

• Proven 5-step strategy

• Case study: How to improve open rates by up to 50%+

• And more…

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FROM THE WEB
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GROWTH STRATEGY
An in-depth analysis

Are you struggling to turn your marketing from a cost center into a profit generator?

You're not alone.

Many financial services firms find themselves trapped in ineffective marketing strategies. They watch potential leads slip away and revenue stagnate.

The pain is real. Most firms waste thousands on marketing that delivers sub-optimal results. Imagine being stuck with campaigns that don't convert. Marketing agencies that don't understand your industry. Leads that never turn into substantial contracts. Missed opportunities for high-value client acquisition.

A young financial services firm faced these exact challenges.

But...

They decided to take a different approach that changed everything.

By implementing a targeted newsletter marketing approach, they transformed their entire business trajectory.

Their results speak for themselves:

• 260% Marketing ROI (small cost of execution)

• $1.38 million in New Revenue

• 42% Lead Close Rate (because of better targeting)

• Average Contract Value: $138,000

The firm's CEO was amazed. Their new marketing strategy felt "data-driven and scientific". Finally it gave them a clear picture of what works and what doesn't.

So how did they achieve this marketing “miracle”?

Let me break down the five-step strategy. Here is how they turned their marketing from a cost center to a revenue generator

5-Step Strategy:

1. Develop Laser-Focused Personas

• Identify precise targeted decision-makers

• Create detailed client profiles

• Map out specific industry pain points

For this firm, that meant identifying CEOs and decision-makers in high-potential industries. They targeted entertainment and private equity.

Actionable Implementation Guide:

• Conduct in-depth interviews with 5-10 ideal clients at least (or pick your most valuable clients)

• Review your current client database for common characteristics

• Create a detailed persona worksheet with:

  • Job title and responsibilities

  • Key challenges

  • Decision-making triggers

  • Communication preferences

Pro Tip: Most firms skip this step, but it's the foundation of all successful marketing. Spend at least two weeks developing truly comprehensive personas.

2nd Pro Tip: Use Apollo.io (it's free to sign up) to figure out roughly your newsletter audience size

Real-World Impact: thanks to the above, the firm created a laser-focused targeting strategy.

2. Build a High-Performance Content Machine

• Leverage internal expertise

• Create search-optimised content (every newsletter should be a blog post too)

• Develop lead-generating assets (lead magnets like tax planning spreadsheet, year end checklist, industry report, etc.)

The firm used their 50+ in-house consultants as initial content creators. They interviewed them and made content out of it.

Content Creation Roadmap:

• Inventory your team's expertise

• Develop a 3-month content calendar (weekly newsletter = 12 pieces of content)

• Create content types that convert:

  • Detailed industry guides

  • Case study deep dives

  • Webinar and podcast content

  • Gated premium resources

Pro Tip: use the copywriting framework PASTOR to write compelling stories.

Practical Exercise: Host a 2-hour internal content brainstorming session. Have each team member contribute 3-5 potential content ideas based on their expertise. Or use Justin welsh’s GPT for idea generation.

3. Single-Channel Marketing Approach

Channel Strategy Checklist:

• Implement newsletter

• Create channel-specific content (break down the newsletter into sections)

• Set up tracking

Quick Win: Audit your current marketing channels. Cut the bottom 20% performers and reinvest those resources into growing a targeted newsletter.

The firm's approach was comprehensive. They mixed inbound marketing, social media, organic contente, and strategic sponsorships. Everything led to their newsletter.

4. Marketing Technology Investment

• Minimum for newsletter platform

• Implement lead scoring

• Build email flows that convert visitors into readers

Technology Implementation Steps:

• Select a newsletter automation platform (beehiiv recommended)

• Set up lead scoring criteria

• Develop automated nurture workflows

The firm transformed their marketing from a guessing game to a data-driven machine.

Pro Tip: The funnel doesn't have to be complicated. Create content, convert readers with your newsletter. It's a 2-step approach.

5. Thought Leadership Development

• Secure media placements

• Create industry-specific content

• Position as an expert solution provider

Bonus Strategy: Personal Branding for Leaders

• Develop LinkedIn content strategy

• Create monthly thought leadership posts

• Engage consistently with industry conversations

The firm secured media placements in top trade publications like CFO and Mergers & Acquisitions. They established themselves as true industry thought leaders.

Measurement and Optimisation Framework:

• Track these key metrics monthly:

• Lead generation volume

• Conversion rates

• Customer acquisition cost

The Numbers Don't Lie. From struggling with ineffective marketing to generating $1.38 million in new revenue. This, with a remarkable 42% close rate on leads. this firm's transformation is proof that the right strategy can revolutionise your marketing.

Simplicity and consistency are key to a successful strategy.

Your Next Steps:

1. Create your newsletter strategy

2. Block time in your calendar for focused execution

3. Commit to consistent, measured progress

Marketing success isn't about massive, overwhelming changes. It's about strategic, consistent improvements that compound over time.

The path is clear, the strategy is proven, and the potential is there for you to leverage it.

If this sounds confusing to you, reply to this email and I will provide guidance as much as I can.

CASE STUDY
“How to improve newsletter's open rates by 50%+ in 90 days?”

Based on recent testings and results, here is what we’ve achieved using a strategic approach:

Subject Line Optimisation:

• A/B test 3-5 subject line variations per issue

• Use power words that trigger curiosity

• Include specific numbers/metrics

• Personalise with recipient's role/industry

• Use emojis whenever applicable

Data Insights:

• Initial open rate: 27%

• After 90-day optimisation: 43%+ (+59%)

• Key tactics that worked:

  • Personalised subject lines

  • Segmented audience lists

  • Consistent send times

  • Focused, value-driven content

Want your question to be answered in the next issue? Reply now to this email.

See you soon,

Tommy - founder at NewsLaunch.co