Website Builders for Accountants — 2007

The
good news — make that the great news — is that getting a website
up and running (and editing it now and then) doesn’t have to take an extreme
amount of effort or much investment. And you really don’t have to know
anything about how websites work, because there are many website building tools
that are made specifically for accounting and tax-focused professional firms.
Some of the systems are from vendors who also make tax and accounting software,
while others are professional web development companies that have specialized
their offerings to meet the needs of tax and accounting professionals. A few
of the companies even offer inexpensive full-service options that let professionals
keep their hands off of the tasks, but still provide a fully customized website
with content for their clients and other online visitors.

Most of the do-it-yourself systems are template-based and provide a simple
online tool for selecting key components like the general overall design scheme;
naming the sections of your website (like About Us, Services, Links, etc.);
adding pictures, logos or other images; and then adding your own copy and company
information. They usually include pre-written descriptions of common services
(like tax preparation and write-up) that can be easily customized or tailored
to match the services of the practice. Some make customization and editing of
text very, very easy with Microsoft Word-like tools for formatting, selecting
font size, adding pictures or other tasks.

But in addition to telling your clients and other visitors a little about
your firm and the services it offers, many advanced systems also provide various
financial calculators, tax calendars, tips, tax and retirement planning information,
and even periodically updated articles on tax and business issues. Some of the
website tools also make it easy for clients to check the status of their tax
refunds or have secure client portals that allow the professional and the client
to send other documents or other files. These collaboration tools enhance services
by speeding up data transfer, especially for client financial files from their
bookkeeping system.

A few of these website building systems from vendors who also make online
accounting programs also allow the system to act as the login point for clients
to access their daily, in-house accounting program, and for the professional
accountant or tax preparer to access their programs and document management
functions. Countless other options are available, too, from client newsletters
that can be sent to recipients using an included e-mail marketing tool, online
data backup and storage, refund tracking functions, specialized client support
materials, and password protected, client-only access areas.

Your website is an extension of your professional practice, so it’s
essential that it provides information and service that your clients expect
and need, and also those of the clients you wish you had more of. Providing
this content keeps your clients thinking about their financial situation and
can prompt them to seek your guidance on additional services, like financial
planning, retirement and college savings, or establishing trusts.

Investing in an interactive website with genuinely useful client content is
not only a good idea, it can be a profitable one, too. A few hundred dollars
a year can easily lead to thousands in additional revenue and strengthened client
relationships. Visit www.websitesforaccountants.net for a free guide to picking a website vendor/consultant and other useful tips. The site also provides a failry comprehensive list of development companies.

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