ETax847 Posted May 17, 2017 Report Share Posted May 17, 2017 Now that tax season may be over for some, does anyone have any good marketing moves to make to attract new clients for the upcoming season? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yardley CPA Posted May 17, 2017 Report Share Posted May 17, 2017 A few thoughts: - Send out a mass mailer postcard. I think you can target zip codes that you are looking to attract from. While obviously there is a cost involved in that, it is very direct...assuming the recipient glances at it. - Post information about your services on Social Media sites. - Join local chamber of commerce or community groups. - Offer $xx new client discount. I offer a $25 new client discount and I also credit my current clients $25 when they refer new clients. - Sponsor a local sports team. In my area the name of the sponsor is placed prominently on the uniforms. These are just thoughts I threw out there. In some cases you will be spending some money for these ideas. Depends on what you're looking to do and how much you are willing to spend. Good luck! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BHoffman Posted May 18, 2017 Report Share Posted May 18, 2017 I ask my existing clients for referrals. Works out well because they will prequalify people and you don't get the bums and crooks 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaB Posted May 18, 2017 Report Share Posted May 18, 2017 I have a sign in front of the building, and try to keep a friendly or funny message up. I currently have "Walk-Ins Welcome - Surprise Me" on it. I really feel like that sign was responsible for 15 new clients this year. People are not afraid to come in. I have heard, "Surprise!" about 100 times since January. (That's gettin old and tired, not gonna lie.) Below is a picture of what I had on there previously. My kids' friends got a kick out of it, but it caused some confusion, especially with one fella who was worried about me and my family issues. You win some, you learn some. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gail in Virginia Posted May 18, 2017 Report Share Posted May 18, 2017 If I am ever driving through Tennessee and see your sign, I am going to definitely stop in. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaB Posted May 18, 2017 Report Share Posted May 18, 2017 Just now, Gail in Virginia said: If I am ever driving through Tennessee and see your sign, I am going to definitely stop in. I would love that so much, Gail! All of you are welcome, even if we're fried good and proper. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack from Ohio Posted May 18, 2017 Report Share Posted May 18, 2017 1 minute ago, Gail in Virginia said: If I am ever driving through Tennessee and see your sign, I am going to definitely stop in. I have been by her office. I know EXACTLY where it is. Maybe we could arrange a group surprise... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimTaxes Posted May 18, 2017 Report Share Posted May 18, 2017 i have gotten a large number of new clients from thumbtack.. my profile: https://www.thumbtack.com/oh/medina/accounting/small-business-accounting-taxes 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lion EA Posted May 19, 2017 Report Share Posted May 19, 2017 I agree with BHoffman. Write a personal note to your favorite clients telling them you have time to take on a few new clients just like them. Give compliments. Get specific, such as family members, other investors, other truck drivers, if you're looking for a specific type. Offer them a discount on their fees for each new, paid client. Include several business cards. Also, if you're not buried under extensions, offer to speak at places that would attract your preferred clients. Retirement homes. Realtors, if you're looking for homeowners. Any of those networking groups, such as BNI as was mentioned, if you're looking for small business owners. Stop in at small businesses, if that's your target, that you think are slower in the summer; wait until after Labor Day for those busiest during the summer -- introduce yourself and leave a brochure re your services offered. Some around me in Fairfield County, CT, greet people at the train stations during the morning and evening commute to let people know they handle NY commuter/multi-state returns. PTA meeting to talk about kids and their part-time jobs and tax obligations and filing out Forms W-4. Decide your target, and then look for where to find them. Let everyone you know, know exactly what you do. Answer questions for people. Church, banker, lawyer, broker, parents at your kids' sports events. My broker has sent me multiple clients. Church has been a great source. Network at your local chapters of NATP, NAEA, etc. I've received biz clients from other preparers who do only 1040s. I know others who get the 1040 overflow from mid-sized CPA firms who handle mostly entity returns. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLACK BART Posted May 20, 2017 Report Share Posted May 20, 2017 On 5/18/2017 at 3:12 PM, RitaB said: I have a sign in front of the building, and try to keep a friendly or funny message up. I currently have "Walk-Ins Welcome - Surprise Me" on it. I really feel like that sign was responsible for 15 new clients this year. People are not afraid to come in. I have heard, "Surprise!" about 100 times since January. (That's gettin old and tired, not gonna lie.) Below is a picture of what I had on there previously. My kids' friends got a kick out of it, but it caused some confusion, especially with one fella who was worried about me and my family issues. You win some, you learn some. S Saw a good one the other day out in front of a church: "Fire Insurance Available Here" 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richcpaman Posted May 22, 2017 Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 On 05/18/2017 at 4:12 PM, RitaB said: I have a sign in front of the building, and try to keep a friendly or funny message up. I currently have "Walk-Ins Welcome - Surprise Me" on it. I really feel like that sign was responsible for 15 new clients this year. People are not afraid to come in. I have heard, "Surprise!" about 100 times since January. (That's gettin old and tired, not gonna lie.) Below is a picture of what I had on there previously. My kids' friends got a kick out of it, but it caused some confusion, especially with one fella who was worried about me and my family issues. You win some, you learn some. I have to ask... what was in your office before you moved into it? That sign reminds me of someplace else... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaB Posted May 22, 2017 Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 43 minutes ago, Richcpaman said: I have to ask... what was in your office before you moved into it? That sign reminds me of someplace else... I bought the building in 2004. It was a day spa then. Before that, a hot tub business. No, you can't make this up. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richcpaman Posted May 22, 2017 Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 43 minutes ago, RitaB said: I bought the building in 2004. It was a day spa then. Before that, a hot tub business. No, you can't make this up. Ok... it sort of reminded me of one in front of a funeral home... You know, if they don't get hugged... Great sign, however. I should show you the one in front of my office... can't get the landlord to replace it. Rich 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted May 22, 2017 Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 4 minutes ago, Richcpaman said: I should show you the one in front of my office... OK now Rich - you need to post a picture of *your* sign. Inquiring minds want to know! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roberts Posted May 22, 2017 Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 On 5/17/2017 at 0:16 PM, Yardley CPA said: A few thoughts: - Send out a mass mailer postcard. I think you can target zip codes that you are looking to attract from. While obviously there is a cost involved in that, it is very direct...assuming the recipient glances at it. I would make one adjustment - don't just mail out a mass mailer to everyone, mail it out to new homeowners near your office. Pretty good chance they moved far enough that they are in the market for someone closer to home. Sales opportunities occur by hitting people up during life changing events. New kids, new home, new spouse or new ex-spouse, death of a family member etc. During those events, people are open to new ideas or have new needs. I think it was Michael Dell who used this to make over $18k per year in high school selling newspaper subscriptions by solely targeting new homeowners versus every mailing address. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richcpaman Posted May 22, 2017 Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 3 hours ago, Catherine said: OK now Rich - you need to post a picture of *your* sign. Inquiring minds want to know! I will, I have to go take a picture... This is my other office. Maybe Abby can snap a picture, I wont be there till Tuesday. This is my sign for my main office. Rich 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richcpaman Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 (edited) As promised... here is the Easton Office Sign, it is leaning even more than the picture indicates. I am trying to attach it, seems it is too big to post. Trying the mods to see if they can move it here. Rich Edited May 25, 2017 by jklcpa added photo per request Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 OK, Rich! Thank you. The poor sign; it could use a cane, or some crutches. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richcpaman Posted May 26, 2017 Report Share Posted May 26, 2017 When you look at it from the side... it is leaning backwards about 4 or 5 degrees as well. Rich 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abby Normal Posted May 30, 2017 Report Share Posted May 30, 2017 I saw it Friday. Man, oh man. Maybe you could anonymously report it as an eyesore/hazard to the town. Hey Rich, I know you like your logo and font but they are not very readable for a sign. You might consider a block font or a nice serif font for your sign on one line that just says RICHARD C. GRAVES CPA so people can read it from the road. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richcpaman Posted May 30, 2017 Report Share Posted May 30, 2017 AB: If I could get the landlord on board... my portion of the sign was a "stop-gap" until the entire sign was replaced. The 'black" sign I posted is outside my door in my Centreville office. I am going with a much bolder font... Rich 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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