Summarize the following:
A website is a "must have." People surfing the Internet can find you. Also, if someone hears about you by word of mouth, they can go online and learn more about your firm. You should spend considerable time planning your website. Look at the website of your competitors. What information is included? For example, do they list pricing information? Identify what content they provide on the site. For example, they probably provide bios of each employee. But does the website include a blog that explains accounting concepts? This is a good way to showcase your expertise to the public. Hire a professional. Though you can create your own using templates, you'll benefit from having a stylish and neat website. If you provide basic tax preparation services, then you can distribute flyers around your neighborhood. This is an inexpensive way to get your name out. Post flyers at libraries, grocery stores, gyms, and community centers. Make sure to get permission from management before posting your flyers. Your flyer should have multiple ways to contact you: phone, email, and physical address. As an accountant, your services are in demand from other professionals. Accordingly, you should raise your profile at the local Chamber of Commerce and with networking groups such as Business Network International. You can also join various accounting societies. You can also do direct mail to businesses in your area. Identify your target businesses, such as small businesses with revenues below $5 million. Then buy a list from Dun & Bradstreet or Info USA. You can then reach out to them by sending a professional flyer. You'll draw clients if you reach them through public presentations and articles. Remember to identify your target audience, since this will influence where you give presentations. For example, if you want to reach ordinary workers, then you can give presentations at a local community center and publish short articles in your local newspaper. However, if you want to reach businesses, you can present at your local Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, or Elks Club. You should also publish articles in business journals and provide a link on your website. You can create Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages cheaply. They are a good way to interact with your clients. In fact, you can encourage clients to leave reviews at your Facebook or Twitter feed. Of course, maintaining social media accounts can be time consuming, and you need to balance the benefits with the costs. As you get more established, you can hire someone to manage your social media presence, including your website.
Create a website. Distribute flyers for basic services. Network with other professionals. Showcase your expertise. Remember social media.