Advertising Tips?

Advertising Tips?

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Hi,

I know Ive mentioned this in a few posts - I'm literally on the verge of setting up my own small practice, my practicing certificate is being processed.

I have created a website etc which is waiting for me to press the "Publish" button once everything is finalised.

Ive just had a thought.

Is there anything I can or cant say legally on my website when promoting my services (apart from the obvious like "come to me 'cos your current accountant is rubbish!!")

My target clients are initially the tiny to small clients and I am intending to exploit this by keeping my fees as low as possible (without making a loss!) but making this a point of my advertising.

Is it safe to say something like; "Do you feel like your current accountants are charging you too much?"  or "Would you know if your accountant is charging you too much??"  etc etc

Any comments??

Thaks

Replies (9)

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By James Green
09th Feb 2016 15:20

Pricing
don't go down the competing on pricing road.

If they just move to you because you're cheap, they'll move on just as quick when the next fella comes along.

You're racing to the bottom.

(Been there, done that as they say)

Thanks (1)
By cheekychappy
09th Feb 2016 16:48

Get a VW Transport van.

Get a VW Transporter van.

Get it sign written by a professional.

Have on each side a 6 foot [***]. Underneath it should read “HMRC’s member can feel this big, let Joe Bloggs Accountancy take away the pain”.

Thanks (3)
avatar
By marky74
09th Feb 2016 15:30

Lol @ cheekychappy

I might try that one!  :-)

Thanks (0)
paddle steamer
By DJKL
09th Feb 2016 15:34

Try to avoid claiming by royal appointment as she tends to get a little tetchy if you do. 

More seriously I also would not plunge to the bottom, I would also maybe place a bit of emphasis on your niche areas.

For what it is worth, and I am no expert re  reading the runes, imho the bottom end is going to keep getting more and more competitive re price so I would pick a few areas where you have depth of knowledge/experience rather than plug the broad brush everyone is welcome approach.

I have most of my private client work in property related or retail related business entities, which is not surprising as I  was previously employed by a retail fashion company as financial controller/director and I have had a similar role in property since 1999.

However you know your market but  if you are looking for say 20-25 years at this it would not be my approach.

 

Thanks (1)
Glenn Martin
By Glenn Martin
09th Feb 2016 15:38

@cheeky
It's a good job the moderators are off big wigging at Xerocon.

To the OP don't set out to be the cheapest guy in town you will get work but be busy without making money and it's difficult to get fees up once you have committed to them.

I signed up to much low value work when I started and it I ran into trouble through it.

When your advertising your own personality need to shine through, as people buy from people.

Do you any areas of particular interest or specialism if so focus on that.

If not revert to Cheekys plan as that will certainly make you stand out in the crowd.

Thanks (1)
Replying to Lisa R:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
09th Feb 2016 16:03

Targeted advertising

Glennzy wrote:
When your advertising your own personality need to shine through, as people buy from people. Do you any areas of particular interest or specialism if so focus on that. If not revert to Cheekys plan as that will certainly make you stand out in the crowd.

Cheeky's advertising approach could well result in a niche practice serving a particular part of the entertainment sector.

Thanks (0)
Tamsin Mustafa
By Tasnim Mustafa
09th Feb 2016 19:02

Low pricing

If you are going down the low pricing route, what efficiencies can you make to ensure that you can charge a low price and still make a decent profit, i.e. what are you doing different to others? I also wouldn't advocate this strategy, you'll end up doing lots of work for not much pay. The clients who want to pay the least are often the type that don't understand the value that a good accountant/advisor can bring, and even when you do add value they won't want to pay for it. You'll struggle to increase your prices once you start at the bottom.

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By MissAccounting
10th Feb 2016 08:34

Get one of those banners pulled along by a plane - We're cheap and probably crap, but its the price that counts right?

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By Maslins
10th Feb 2016 11:06

I don't think there's anything wrong (legally or morally) with your example phrasing to go on your website.

I would however agree with others, that trying to beat the competition by being cheaper is a road to unhappiness.  Busy fool, with lots of unreasonable clients that barely pay you enough to put food on the table...and when you try to raise your fees a few quid they'll go elsewhere.

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