Social media is defined as website and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. It is the future of communication. This form of media makes the transfer of text, video, photos and information increasingly fluid among internet users.
As an accounting business you tend to be restricted when it comes to marketing funds and resources for getting your name out there and attracting new clients. You can’t completely rely on word of mouth these days, and this is where social media marketing can work, being fairly low cost and giving you a direct line to current and prospective clients.
Marketing, even social media has been slow to be adopted by some Accountants. For many years Accountants didn’t believe there was a need to market as they would rely on referrals and word of mouth for their growth. These days if you’re not doing things like social media you will be left behind.
According to Brandwatch the internet has 3.17 billion users, people aged 55-64 are more than twice as likely to engage with branded content on social media than those 28 or younger, Facebook has 40 million active small business pages. Why wouldn’t you want to get out there where your clients and prospects are, and for a low cost…
Related: 5 Benefits of Social Media for an Accounting Business
We always hear about nurturing our clients. What about thinking outside the box and using social media as a way to nurture your existing clients and provide information and education to prospects. Set up a facebook group and add your A class clients, using this forum as a ‘digital’ round table discussion. Or hold frequent Q & A sessions via your social media accounts. Clients are not always going to contact you when they have questions, so stop being reactive waiting for your clients and start being proactive by providing them with value.
We don’t all have time to get out there and promote our services or knowledge, speaking at events and doing promotions. Have you thought about joining groups online in your target market and participating in discussions? This will convey that you are an influencer or expert in your field. You need to start by choosing one or two platforms and incorporate these into your daily routines. Whether it be 15 minutes first thing in the morning to go through LinkedIn groups or half an hour at the end of the day to source some valuable content for Q & A sessions, having a plan makes it much more achievable.
With social media you’re in for the long haul – it’s not a sprint to see results. It’s about engaging with your audience, building relationships and creating brand awareness.
Rhiannon McDonald
Founder at whoSOCIAL
Rhiannon McDonald: Is the founder of whoSOCIAL, social media for Accountants and Bookkeepers. Rhiannon has over 10 years experience in the accounting industry including co-founding her own accounting business. She has a Diploma in Business Management with interests in marketing. Connect with her on LinkedIn. If you would like to know more about her services visit whoSOCIAL or follow her on Facebook. [email protected]