Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/42507
MARKETING IN PRACTICE Marketing from Square One M For fi rms new to marketing, it's best to take it one day (and project) at a time Marketing is starting to get its due attention in the profession. Firm leaders understand the importance of consistent, frequent communications with prospects and clients in order to grow a successful, profi table business. However, while many are stoked about starting a marketing program, initial enthusiasm can quickly turn to frustra- tion if more is bit en off than can be chewed comfortably. T at would be referred to as marketing lockjaw. And no one likes that. T e general rule for marketing is to start from square one and build from there. T at can mean planning a single campaign and seeing it through to launch … then planning the next initia- tive … then perhaps multiple cam- paigns at once. Marketing is a great deal of trial and error. And there's a lot for you to fi gure out along the way, like identifying what campaigns are most eff ective, evaluating cost (digital versus print), and recognizing your capacity for managing marketing projects. But rest assured that with each new cam- paign, be it a simple email or a client newslet er, you will get more comfort- able in your role as "marketer." For now, scratch the notion that you have to write a comprehensive annual marketing plan. All you need is that fi rst campaign and the courage to hit the "Send" button. To help you get going on an initial project, you have to ask yourself (and know the answers to) a few simple questions: What is the purpose? What is the intended outcome? This can be anything from breaking into a new client niche to providing valuable information to existing clients. In other words, you need to know "why" you are sending the campaign. Who is my audience, and am I sending the campaign to prospects or existing clients? If prospects, am I sending to all prospects in my database or do I want to identify a specific industry (e.g., veterinarian clinics)? What's my mechanism for delivery? Print campaign, email blast, hand-delivered welcome kit? Once you've answered these ques- Kristy Short, Ed.D Kristy is a partner in RootWorks Communications (RootWorks.com) and president of SAS Communications 360 (SAScommunications360. com) — fi rms dedicated to providing practice management education, branding, marketing, and public relations services to the accounting profession. She is also a professor of English and marketing at University of Phoenix and Cleary University. You can reach her at kristy.short@ CPAPracticeAdvisor.com. tions, you can start to develop your campaign and GET IT ON THE CALENDAR. Set ing a deadline for launching the campaign makes you more accountable for seeing it through. Aſt er the fi rst campaign is out the door, start to identify and add other initia- tives to the calendar. Before you know it, you have a good start to your broad marketing plan. Question by Question To help fi rms along the marketing path, here is a bit more information on each question and what needs to be done to ensure a successful, on-target mar- keting initiative. What is the purpose? You must determine a purpose for each cam- paign. In other words, once your audience reads your campaign, ideally what do you want them to do? What is the intended outcome? Do you want them to visit your website to sign up for an event? Are you simply generating awareness or introducing your fi rm? Are you trying to transition prospects to clients? Defi ning the outcome for each campaign will help you craſt an appropriate message. For example, if your intended out- come is to have the audience visit your website for more information on your services, be sure your web address is prominently placed and that you clearly ask the reader to visit your site. If you want them to email you directly or call, be sure the email address and phone number are easily found. T e biggest mistake you can make is asking your reader to do nothing, because that is exactly what they will do. Who is my audience?T ink of your marketing audience as a client. You would never enter a client meeting without reviewing the client's fi le and having an up-to-date understanding of their needs. Each audience you market to deserves the same consideration. Approach your next marketing cam- paign by fi rst determining who you want to reach. Start with the basics. Are you communicating with current cli- ents or prospects? Current clients already know you so there's no need re-introduce your fi rm. Prospects don't know a lot (if anything) about you so you need to invest ample time to explain who you are and the value your fi rm can provide. Next, dig a bit deeper. Are you trying to reach a unique niche? For example, if you are trying to enter a new niche, such as medical practices, you want to make sure that you communicate your niche expertise within your campaign. Your message should emphasize your industry knowledge in such areas as billing routine and compensation rates. It's SO important to know your audi- ence. What's my mechanism for delivery? What is the best mechanism to get your campaign or marketing piece in the hands of your intended audience? Will you send an electronic communication or a print campaign? Be sure to take cost and timing into consideration. Print campaigns can be expensive and require extended production time for printing and mailing. In the end, you need to decide what delivery method will be most eff ective. T ere's no shame in starting from square one when it comes to mar- keting. In fact, you are more likely to build a successful marketing program by starting simple and taking the time to learn what is takes to be a successful marketer. 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