I was reading a cautionary tale against relying on Social Media exclusively to market you company. I admit that I do not work with a company that is doing such a thing. I am having difficulty getting some of them to embrace Social Media as a marketing tool to begin with.
But the tale did have suggestions for alternatives to a Social Media marketing campaign. I found these to be very amusing since my company was utilizing most and had tried all of the examples that were offered.
- Company Website – obviously, granted in recent years some have suggested the obsolescence of a website in the Facebook age. I plan on having one for years to come.
- Digital Advertising – such as Google Ad words or banner ads. We tried Google Ad words years ago with no effect. But at least the costs were also minimal.
- Email Marketing Program – we utilize newsletters and case studies, but I am bombarded by other CPA firms weekly. I think monthly is acceptable, the accounting world does not change so often that a weekly message is needed or wanted.
- Thought Leadership Content Production – here is where I believe our blogs and case studies fit in. Good, bad or indifferent we are responsible for our content.
- Word-of-Mouth Referrals – we love these and have picked up several new clients last years and even so far this year from referrals.
- Listings on Industry Sites – I think this is the weak link in the options. We are listed on the IRS website, Illinois CPA Society, Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, CSEP listing website, and then were I am associated as a BOD member. But that is a person listing emphasizing my roles and experiences.
But we also embrace Social Media, we have a Facebook page, Twitter account, Google + and LinkedIn pages. But For the digital landscape the website gets us on page one of Google searches. Check out CPA in Elk Grove Village to see.