2008 Review of Website Building Tools for Tax & Accounting Pros

From the Dec. 2008 Issue

Do you have a website? What’s your web address? I’ll just visit your website. How frequently do you hear one of those questions or statements? Fairly often, I would guess. I would also guess that if you don’t have a website, you may frequently find yourself cringing whenever the subject of a website is brought up.

Aside from the obvious marketing advantage that a website brings, having a web presence is just about a necessity for any business that wants to compete in a 21st century electronic business world. A website sells your services to potential clients and offers benefits to current clients, as well. Websites are also the electronic equivalent of printed flyers and brochures. A website tells people who you are, what you can offer them, and most importantly, why you should be the one to provide those services to them.

While advantageous in just about any venue, a tax and accounting firm’s website can contain additional information that can prove to be of particular value to those looking for unbiased investment advice, general tax information, and educational tools that will make your clients better informed about their financial position today and 10 years from now.

It’s a tough economy out there today, and while relief may be in sight, it’s still a little too far away for many to relax. As a result, more people than ever will be looking for ways to maximize their income while saving securely for the future. A wise tax an accounting professional can easily provide financial tools, calculators and more, helping to ease the worry that has monopolized people’s lives lately, while also building and strengthening client relationships.

Numerous services are available to help you build a website, maintain it and allow interactive client participation such as financial planning tools, retirement tools and even online tax filing. While the tools vary widely from product to product, it’s certainly safe to say that even a small website of a few pages will bring a far greater return to the accountant than no website at all. And while word-of-mouth advertising is still important, it’s fair to say that more people than ever before are searching the Internet looking for information and service providers.

You can only make a first impression once. Your website reflects a very important part of your business, and frequently, it is the first thing people “meet.” An amateur website or no website at all is not the impression you want to make when meeting a potential client for the first time. Do it right the first time. These website builders designed especially for tax and accounting professionals make it easier and more affordable than ever before. While you may glance at your operating budget to determine if you can afford a website, the real question should be this: “Can you afford not to have a website?”

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