Not too long ago, the notion that anyone could have their own website was foreign to most people. When the Internet was in its infancy, websites were typically reserved for only the largest of companies; having one was almost a status symbol in many ways. The speed at which the Internet has matured is no doubt impressive, and it's changed everything in regards to how we do business today.
Today, there's simply nothing more important for those in the professional world (especially in finance) than to have a high-quality website. The days in which you could get away with saying you didn't need a site in order to thrive are over. There are a variety of reasons why having a website is important, some of which often go overlooked by those who are in denial. Rest assured, however, that not having a site will hurt your business far more than the costs associated with setting one up.
Websites Improve Reputation
The finance industry can be rather cut-throat at times, and getting ahead of the pack isn't always easy. One thing that should never be overlooked is the importance of keeping a strong reputation in your community. People expect accountants and other finance professionals to not only be fast and responsive with email, but also to have a quality website that they can visit in case they're in need of information. An accountant without a website simply looks disorganized, which is the exact trait that you don't want to portray.
Websites Help to Build New Business
The competition in finance has made it all the more difficult for those who are trying to build new business, and it can seem at times as if there's nothing you can do to change this. With a quality website on your side, however, you'll have a leg up on the competition. The first thing that most people do when they're in need of a finance professional today is perform a search on Google or other search engines; if you don't have an online presence, there's no way you're going to be in the running. Building a website is an essential part of marketing for accountants, and if you're too busy to handle it yourself, it may be worth hiring a professional company to do it for you.
Websites Help to Educate Potential Clients
Whether you're dealing with clients that you've had for years or are focusing on leads that you might have in hand, you've got to provide an educational resource that will help them better understand what they are looking for in terms of services. Many people approach finance professionals without having a clue what actually needs to be done to fix their situation, which can lead to wasted time and money. If you can provide a host of materials on your site that explain what it is that you do and when your services might be applicable, you'll be doing your part to ensure that your clients are on the same page as you.
It's foolish for finance professionals – professionals of all kinds, for that matter – to not have a website in this day and age. If you've been holding out, now's the time to get the wheels moving!