The conversation around organic vs. inorganic growth often pits one strategy against the other. But that framing misses the mark—especially for RIAs considering a transaction. Whether you're a potential buyer seeking to acquire or a seller exploring affiliation or transition, the truth is the same: without a solid foundation of organic growth, inorganic strategies are unlikely to succeed.

Organic Growth Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational

  • For buyers, organic growth proves your business is scalable, healthy, and positioned to integrate another firm without chaos.
  • For sellers, a strong organic track record makes your firm more attractive to buyers or aggregators—and gives you leverage in negotiations.

Inorganic growth—through acquisition, merger, or affiliation—can be a powerful accelerant. But if your firm hasn’t embraced marketing, brand development, and client experience as core functions, even a “successful” deal can lead to cultural disconnects, integration failures, and missed growth opportunities.

Growth Readiness Starts with Organic Disciplines

Here are best practices every buyer and seller should have in place before exploring a transaction:

1. Clarify Your Value Proposition

What makes your firm stand out to clients—and to potential partners? Articulate it clearly, concisely, and consistently.

2. Build a Scalable Marketing Platform

A modern website, CRM system, client engagement tools, and performance tracking aren’t optional—they’re proof your business is built to grow.

3. Strengthen Your Thought Leadership

Educational content like blogs, webinars, or podcasts not only attract ideal clients, but position your firm as a strategic partner in any deal.

4. Enhance the Client Experience

Buyers want firms with loyal clients. Sellers want to join firms with strong retention. That all starts with consistent, high-touch service.

5. Develop Referral Networks

COIs, strategic partners, and even existing clients can be your best growth channels—if you cultivate and communicate with them effectively.

6. Track and Report Key Metrics

Being able to quantify your growth story—cost of acquisition, referral conversion, retention rate—builds confidence with prospective partners.

The Bottom Line

Before you pursue any kind of deal, pursue organic growth. It strengthens your firm, sharpens your strategy, and sets you up for a successful match—whether you're the buyer or the seller.

At RIA Match, we help firms find their fit. But even more importantly, we help them prepare.

📘 Ready to take the next step?

Get the guide tailored to your growth goals:

  • Buyers:
    Get your copy of the Buyer Preparedness eBook—a comprehensive guide to succinctly promote your firm and target the best-suited sellers by identifying your key differentiators and clearly communicating your core attributes and value proposition.
  • Sellers:
    Get your copy of the Seller Preparedness eBook—a comprehensive guide to succinctly promote your firm and target the best-suited buyers by identifying your key differentiators and clearly communicating your core attributes and value proposition.

Bill McGuire is Director, Strategic Business Development for RIA Match. Bill is also the Founder and Managing Director of McGuire Marketing https://wmmcguire.com , a strategic marketing consultancy serving the independent wealth management and financial services community. With over 12 years of experience, Bill has led digital and content marketing initiatives for firms including Advisor360°, Hightower Advisors, Morningstar, Orion Advisor Solutions, Private Advisor Group, RIA Match, and Visory to name a few.