

TOPIC 10
Marketing Your New CPA Firm

There are several aspects to marketing your services that you’ll want to consider during business planning:
- Defining your service and determining what sets you and your business apart
- Reaching prospective clients through a variety of channels
Once you've determined your services, you’ll need to cultivate prospects. A combination of face-to-face networking, plus online and traditional tactics should serve you well. Of course, in today’s customer-centric environment, you’ll also want to have a robust social media presence in order to attract and engage prospective clients. Consider the following ideas as you launch your business:
In-Person Networking
: - Make meet-and-greets a priority
- Join your local SBA or Chamber of Commerce
- Become active in a civic group or professional organization in your community
- Volunteer at an organization of your choosing; this may help you make some valuable business contacts, or even offer some services on a pro bono basis
- Spread the word to family, friends, and business associates and ask that they tell others
Be prepared to clearly and concisely describe your services to promising contacts, as well as your expertise and what sets your business apart. Having a list of references will be helpful so potential customers can easily check your background and credentials. You’ll also want to establish relationships with complementary businesses where you can refer each other for professional services. One example would be a law firm specializing in business law where you could provide CPA services to their clients, while referring your clients to the law firm for legal services.
Online/Social Media Channels:
- Microsite/website
- LinkedIn – Promote yourself, your credentials and background
- Facebook Page and Twitter – promote your practice/firm
- Email campaign
- Blog
Traditional Items:
- Business cards
- Announcement ad in your local newspaper (online version)
- Direct mailing to a compiled prospect list
- A pricing schedule; your price must be competitive with other CPAs, and low enough to attract new clients, yet not too low as to undercut your revenue requirements
Additional Information
- AICPA Member Benefits and Service Discounts on Equipment and Services
- AICPA Publications – Managing the Accounting Practice. This handbook is available for purchase through the AICPA
- The AICPA offers a Self-Study Course on Starting Your Own CPA Firm.
Additional Information
- AICPA Member Benefits and Service Discounts on Equipment and Services
- AICPA Publications – Managing the Accounting Practice. This handbook is available for purchase through the AICPA
- The AICPA offers a Self-Study Course on Starting Your Own CPA Firm.
“If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.”
-- Will Rogers