One of the challenges when starting your own business is continually growing your client base. As an accountant, it’s important to develop relationships with your existing customers, while still finding the time to get new clients through the door. Now’s the time to leverage your online presence and use social media to win clients, increase referrals and develop your reputation in the industry.
1 Create an online presence
The first thing you need to do – if you haven’t already – is create on an online presence. You should have a well-designed website, that outlines who you are, the services you offer and your contact details. It should also have links to all your social media accounts.
You should already have all your social media accounts set up under your business name – or as close as possible if it’s already taken. For an accounting firm, you might want to focus on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. Instagram could also be a possibility, however since it’s a visual platform, you’ll need to have a plan on how you will be able to facilitate new content regularly.
2 Publish quality content that’s valuable to your audience
There’s no point in having social media accounts if you don’t use them. While they can be an incredibly valuable asset to your business, there’s no denying that it will take time and commitment to grow your social media following. Design a content calendar and create a publishing schedule so you know exactly what to publish and when.
Linkedin is a great place to talk about any business updates, recent hires and industry news. You can promote recent blog articles, tax news or tips and tricks for your clients on Facebook and Twitter. Instagram is perfect for inspirational or behind-the-scenes content aimed at small business owners and entrepreneurs.
3 Encourage existing clients to interact with you online
Online reviews are worth their weight in gold. Leverage your existing client base and ask your most loyal customers to leave a review for your business online. Facebook is a great place to foster community, with options for clients, or potential clients, to ask questions, leave comments and post reviews.
Social media is meant to be social, so be sure to reply to any customers who contact you online. If people share or comment on your articles, make sure you respond quickly. If you don’t feel you have the capacity to keep up with your social media obligations, you could look at hiring a social media manager part-time or a virtual assistant.
4 Showcase your expertise
At the end of the day, you want to use your social media channels to show off your expertise. Why should people come to your firm? What makes you the best in your field? If you have a particular niche or speciality, showcase your expertise through thoughtful articles and carefully crafted content.
If you have the capacity to create video, you might want to design a mini video series. You know how your clients think and operate and the questions that you always get asked. Use this information to answer your audience, before they’ve even asked, via social media.