1. Create Award Winning Websites! A Look at the AAM Website Award Winners Presenter: Gail Perry, CPA Publisher/Editor-in-Chief AccountingWEB Sponsored by:

2. About the Presenter CPA Financial journalist Editor-in-Chief/Publisher of Former tax accountant at Author of 30 books, including

3. Your Website What purpose does it serve today?

4. Your Website – Questions to Ask What purpose could it serve? What do you need your website to do? What’s not getting done that you would like to change?

5. Website – Basics Basic information about you and your company – Company name – Address/Map – Names of contacts – Phone number(s) – Email contact info – Hours (if appropriate)

6. Website – Basics Basic information about the services you provide – List and description of services – Testimonials – Descriptions of the problems you solve

7. Website – Navigation User-friendly navigation – Menu on every page – Contact info on every page

8. Website – Search feature Where to get search program Same place on every page Monitor searches – Direct connection with new business? – Try search yourself to validate results

9. Call to Action Every page should have a call to action Same place on every page Monitor searches – Direct connection with new business? – Try search yourself to validate results

10. Innovative Design Using a template – Replace canned images Use graphics Original art Pantone colors – trends/meaning of colors

11. Blend Design with Niche Family service? Use drawings from staff or client children Real estate? Show local neighborhood streets or businesses Artists? Show gallery items of picture of symphony The key is to connect potential clients with your passion

12. Sharing Images Pictures of office Pictures of staff – Look friendly!

13. Real Life Page dedicated to community service – Pictures – Description of service – Call to action – how visitors can get involved Awards, accomplishments, accolades, etc. – Doesn’t have to be accounting-related

14. Consider Live Interaction Pop-up or Call center Busy season tax Q&A Avatar Chat window

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16. Company Involvement in Social Media Where can you be found? – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn – Other

17. Consider the Reaction of a New Client Step outside and look at the site as if you were a stranger Solicit outside opinions

18. Consider the Usefulness of Site to Staff Employee satisfaction with beautifully branded site – Sense of pride – Improved employee loyalty and attitude – Translates into improved business and revenue Intranet feature

19. Remain Up-to-Date Responsive Design Flash/Java – Make sure your design works on mobile and tablet devices

20. Client Usage Document sharing Communication – secure messaging channel Secure login: “Most important thing on my accountant’s site is the Client button”

21. Measuring ROI Google Analytics Chartbeat (fee) User survey: How did you find our website? Client survey about website Commentary from firm members about client reactions, usage of site Specific link or phone # tied to site

22. Cost Factors Development URL Registration *** Plan up front so you know what you want to accomplish Portal software Secure document exchange Work with marketing professional

23. Keeping Your Website Up-to-Date Dedicated in-house person (even if the site is maintained remotely) Write/deliver content Make sure all content is current Update frequently

24. Celebrate Your Success! Announcements Launch Party Share your knowledge with clients

25. Final Comments Website is one piece of the marketing package The site isn’t going to do your marketing for you Accountants need to remember that sales is part of their job!

26. Thank you for Attending!!! Questions gperry@accountingweb.com Sponsored by: