Spread the Word: Launching Your New Small Business

You’re ready to take your part-time business full-time. But how do you spread the word so that more clients come your way? Here are five marketing tips that will help you spread the word about your small business without opening your wallet.

1. Issue a press release.

Writing a press release that’s published in your local paper is a great way to get free publicity. Fairly easy to write and straight forward, a press release will expose local business owners to your name and the valuable services you offer. But do a little research before you write — you want your press release to multitask; it should be newsworthy and generate good PR.

2. Write an article for the local newspaper.

Again, your local paper is a good place to look for some publicity. Weekly circulars are always looking for pieces to fill their paper at a low cost. Volunteer to write an article that gives tax advice. In exchange you’ll get a byline and bio that will drive readers to your business. You may be surprised; if you do a good job, they may ask you to write a reoccurring column. The more often readers see your name, the more likely they’ll be to come to you as soon as they need tax services.

3. Tour the small business circuit.

Create a flyer that details your services and take a tour of the small business circuit, generating both the flyer and multiple copies of your business card. Be informative, not pushy and see what their needs are. Regardless of whether or not they need your services, ask if you could leave your flyer and business card in case they change their minds. And for those small businesses that do use your services, consider asking to leave a business card dispenser at their desk or cashier counter. This is a great way to get more exposure for your small business at no cost.

4. Offer current client incentive for referring family and friends your way.

Jim Rohn said, “One customer, well taken care of, could be more valuable than $10,000 worth of advertising.” If your current clients can refer more clients your way, imagine all that you’re saving in advertising costs. These valuable referrals are worth far more than the discount or complimentary services you can offer these loyal clients. Consider providing a free service or giving them a significant discount on future services. This not only provides incentive to refer friends and family your way, but it gives these clients just another good reason to stay with you.

5. Start a blog.

Everyone seems to be blogging these days. You can start a simple blog for free and include the URL on your business card. Be sure you update it regularly with helpful advice. The nice thing about blogging is that readers expect posts to be short and to the point, so you’re not obligated to create long-winded articles that take up a considerable amount of your time. Search the internet for tax blogs so you can see how other financial professionals are using this marketing tool.

Universal Accounting Center (UAC) Can Help Your Small Business Achieve Success

UAC is in the business of helping financial professionals like you build successful businesses. If you’d like more information on the Art and Science of Getting Clients, or if you’re interested in expanding your services, we have a DVD 4-pack designed to give you valuable information on doing just those things. This power pack includes:

Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program
Learn how becoming a Professional Bookkeeper will improve your accounting skills, enabling you to expand your business and become a full-service financial provider.

Introduction to the Professional Tax Preparer Certification
Learn how becoming a Professional Tax Preparer will improve your tax skills and help you earn a professional designation that will evidence your expertise.

Start Today and Have Your Own Bookkeeping Service
Learn how to make over $80,000 per year working from home while getting more clients than you can handle. Know how to charge your client so you can afford to take that next vacation while they get such a great deal they will be telling all their friends about you.

The Art and Science of Getting Clients
Learn how to get more clients by using our proven methods.

Purchase the DVD 4-pack and add to your reference library while learning how you could enhance your business and achieve true success.

Order now!