Summer is here, and while many see this as a time for vacations and relaxation, we at TSG ProAdvisor see it as a golden opportunity to grow your client base and set the stage for an incredibly successful year. The off-season is the perfect time to innovate and implement strategies that will not only attract new clients but also strengthen your relationships with existing ones. Let’s dive into some proven, powerful tactics to make your summer sizzle with new business opportunities!
1. Host Summer Workshops and Seminars
Have you ever felt the summer slump, where client appointments drop and the office feels a little too quiet? A great strategy that we have shown members to turn this around by hosting engaging workshops on tax planning and small business accounting. These free workshops were a hit with local business owners, leading to new client sign-ups and an energized business environment.
Strategy: Organize educational workshops and seminars on hot topics like tax planning, business finance, and personal wealth management. Use your expertise to provide valuable insights that can help local businesses thrive.
Detailed Steps:
- Identify trending topics that resonate with your target audience.
- Choose a convenient venue or leverage online platforms for broader reach.
- Craft compelling presentations that offer real value.
- Collaborate with local business groups or chambers of commerce to co-host events.
- Promote your workshops through social media, email newsletters, and local newspapers.
Example: Diana, a member of TSG ProAdvisor, worked on this strategy with her Business Mentor and co-hosted a seminar with a local financial planner. This collaboration not only expanded their audience but also provided comprehensive value to attendees. The event’s success led to multiple new client contracts, proving the power of partnership and shared expertise.
2. Offer Special Summer Discounts
Be innovative! Beat the summer heat by offering a free tax return reviews for new clients. Even tap into your existing book of business and offer free reviews for prior year returns not prepared by you. By promoting this offer through your website, email newsletter, and social media, you can attract an influx of new clients prospects who will later become full-time clients.
Strategy: Create enticing summer discounts or special packages to draw in new clients. Make sure these offers highlight the value and expertise you bring to the table.
Detailed Steps:
- Define the scope and duration of your discount or special offer.
- Communicate the offer clearly across all marketing channels.
- Emphasize the limited-time nature to create urgency.
- Track the campaign’s success and gather feedback for future improvements.
Example: Susan launched a “Summer Financial Health Checkup” package at a discounted rate. This comprehensive package included a review of financial statements, tax planning advice, and a personalized strategy session, making it irresistible to potential clients.
3. Leverage Social Media Marketing
Harnessed the power of social media to share tax tips. You can even run a summer-themed contest where participants could win a free tax consultation. The increased engagement from your followers will leed to more inquiries and new client appointments.
Strategy: Use social media platforms to connect with potential clients by sharing valuable content, running promotions, and engaging actively with your audience.
Detailed Steps:
- Develop a content calendar with regular posts, including tips, testimonials, and educational videos.
- Utilize targeted ads to reach potential clients in your area.
- Engage with followers by responding promptly to comments and messages.
- Run interactive campaigns like Q&A sessions, live webinars, or contests to boost engagement.
Example: A tax prep firm ran a “Summer Tax Tips” series on Instagram, sharing daily advice for individuals and businesses. The use of relevant hashtags and active engagement with users helped grow their follower base and attract new clients.
4. Collaborate with Local Businesses
Form partnerships with a local coworking space to offer discounted tax services to its members. This collaboration provided a steady stream of new clients and increased his visibility in the local business community.
Strategy: Form mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses to cross-promote services. Offer exclusive deals to their customers or employees, and ask for promotion in return.
Detailed Steps:
- Identify businesses that share your target clientele but are not direct competitors.
- Propose partnership ideas such as co-hosting events, joint promotions, or offering discounts.
- Formalize the partnership with clear terms and responsibilities.
- Promote the partnership through social media, newsletters, and in-store flyers.
Example: Partner with a local coffee shop to offer a “Tax Tuesday” discount. Patrons visiting the coffee shop on Tuesdays received a coupon for discounted tax services, benefiting both the coffee shop and the accounting firm.
5. Enhance Your Online Presence
Revamp your website with fresh content, client testimonials, and an easy-to-use booking system. Invested in SEO to boost your website’s search engine visibility. The result? A significant increase in website traffic and new client inquiries.
Strategy: Ensure your website is user-friendly, informative, and optimized for search engines. Regular updates and client-friendly features can make a huge difference.
Detailed Steps:
- Conduct a thorough website audit to identify areas for improvement.
- Update your website design to be modern and user-friendly.
- Add new content regularly to keep the site fresh and informative.
- Optimize for SEO by using relevant keywords, improving site speed, and ensuring mobile compatibility.
- Implement an online booking system for easy appointment scheduling.
Example: A tax firm created a “Resources” section on their website, offering free downloadable guides on tax planning and financial management. This valuable content attracted more visitors, many of whom converted into clients.
6. Attend Networking Events
Make the most of summer by attending several networking events and business expos. These events provided opportunities to connect with local business owners and entrepreneurs, leading to new client relationships.
Strategy: Participate in local networking events, trade shows, and business expos. These events are excellent platforms to meet potential clients and build valuable relationships.
Detailed Steps:
- Research relevant events in your area and register in advance.
- Prepare marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, and promotional items.
- Develop a pitch that clearly communicates your value proposition.
- Follow up with contacts made at events to nurture relationships and convert leads.
Example: Offer free on-the-spot consultations at a local small business expo. This hands-on approach not only demonstrated his expertise but also helped collect contact information for future follow-ups. Keep the consultation as general as possible and schedule a later in depth 1 on 1 with the new prospect. Encourage them to bring all related documents and copies of prior year tax returns!
7. Implement Email Marketing Campaigns
Launch a summer email campaign offering tips on tax savings and financial planning. She included a call-to-action for a free initial consultation, leading to a significant number of new client appointments.
Strategy: Use email marketing to stay in touch with your client base and reach out to potential clients. Share valuable content, special offers, and updates about your services to keep your audience engaged.
Detailed Steps:
- Build a segmented email list to target specific groups of clients.
- Develop a content calendar for your email campaigns.
- Craft engaging subject lines to increase open rates.
- Include valuable content and clear calls to action in each email.
- Monitor the performance of your campaigns and adjust based on analytics.
Example: Create a monthly newsletter featuring articles on financial planning, client success stories, and upcoming events. Including a “Client of the Month” spotlight fostered a sense of community and encouraged referrals, keeping clients engaged and bringing in new ones.
Conclusion
At TSG ProAdvisor, we believe summer is not a time to slow down but to heat up your marketing efforts and grow your client base. By implementing these powerful tactics, you can attract new clients, build lasting relationships, and set the stage for a successful year. Remember, consistency and creativity in your marketing efforts will yield the best results. So, get out there, innovate, and make this summer your most productive season yet!
