One of the most significant changes in 2020 has been the number of people who have spent more time at home, either from being furloughed or because they can now work from home. Whatever the reason, being home-based has given you a great reason to reconnect with your local community.
From going for a walk around your local area to buying groceries from local independent stores, through to more people listening to local radio, one way or another we have made positive steps reconnecting with what’s on our doorstep.
And accountancy firms should be embracing this.
The business benefits
Your local newspapers, parish magazines, local radio stations still need local businesses to support them and the benefit cuts both ways. By placing adverts, you are generating income for these businesses allowing them to continue providing their local/regional service. You are also giving their audience something else to read about which isn’t always coronavirus related.
But on the flip side, you are also keeping your firm name prominent in the local area and reminding people how you can help them.
Many local businesses have been struggling this year, so consider writing articles and press releases that the editors would be happy to publish which would help local businesses. For example, write articles on how to:
- access the different Covid-19 support packages;
- improve cash flow;
- maximise business opportunities that present themselves;
- get your personal financial and tax affairs in order to reduce future tax liabilities.
The same articles can then be used in your own newsletters, loaded onto your website and social media platforms, so that you achieve maximum exposure from it.
The community benefits
This year, more than most, is a great opportunity for accountancy firms to support their local communities, be that businesses, individuals, charities or community groups. Consider ways in which you can get involved and help people, particularly as we approach Christmas. For example, you could:
- invite local business owners to free webinars to give them advice on how to prepare their businesses for trading after Brexit, or how to gear up for trading in 2021 with Covid-19 restrictions still in place;
- put together a virtual fundraising event to help support a local charity or community group;
- offer free tax clinics to individuals who are concerned about their personal tax liabilities. See our marketing case study for a similar event we ran for one of our clients.
Whatever you decide to do, get your local newspapers, magazines, radio and possibly TV stations involved. It will be great publicity for you, but also a great way for you to reconnect with your local community.
