Why The Best Small Business Accountants Use An App To Help Clients

INTRODUCTION:

Melanie Haselmayr from Forbes Magazine was very clear almost 18 months ago stating in an article that there were a number of reasons why businesses should consider having their own app or be left behind. However, to think that small business accountants might be able to find such a piece of technology so useful was, and still is to many, hard to believe.

When I first saw the opportunity for Scolari Comerford , to have its own app, I thought "Is this just a gimic or is it a tool that both our clients and our team will take us to the next level in the digital age?"

Well, here is the view from a small business accountant why the technology is an absolute must as we aggressivley grow our business in the 21st Century in the never ending quest for the ultimate client service standards.

Figure 1: The benefits of our free app are many for our clients, team members & even non-clients. Whether you are small business accountants Sydney and Dubbo or another type of business, an app provides easier communication channels with clients.

1. Stand out from the crowd

No matter what business you're in, being one of the first to test the boundaries will generally show a thirst to try different things and take a risk. Finding different and better ways to communicate with your clients and customers should always be a priority.

It wasn't that long ago when accountants didn't even have a website. Some of the website functionality is not as good as through an app (using calculators for example) as most people are using Smartphones and tablets more to access the web.

Having an app takes time and money but shows that you aren't frightened of technology. Many of my blogs have talked about having a point of difference and at the moment having an app will certainly help most businesses achieve this goal. Not only will it help you stand out from the crowd but also build your business valuation.

Figure 2: "A small business accountant with an app? Now you've got my attention!" Reaction GIFS

2. an alternative marketing channel - digital & push notifications

First it was a letter, then a telephone, a telegram, the fax, a mobile phone and then email was considered an amazing way to communicate with clients & a target market.

The digital age is here and can provide information more quickly, to more people, more accurately. Most emails are now getting caught by spam and are also getting lost in their hundreds each day in people's inboxes.

The app allows messages to be broadcast like a text message and those that have downloaded it will see that they have an update with a number on it.

Statistics show that apps receiving push notifications have a 90% open rate. This is much higher than email!

3. providing more value to clients

Providing useful tools to your clients via an app such as common easy to use tax calculators, GPS logbooks for themselves and staff, simple time saving ways to records receipts, easy to find articles about small business growth and many other features will give them much more value once they start using it. As time goes on, the app gets continually updated with more features that will improve user knowledge and keep them users better informed whilst allowing them to stay ahead of their competition.

Figure 3: QR Readers can be used to download the app or click on the Apple Store or Google play icons below.

4. Staying visible to clients

Statistics show that people using Smartphones spend on average 2 hours a day on these devices. Having a nicely designed app icon that they can see when scrolling through the various options they have on their phone will keep your business top of mind. This may seem of small consequence but anything that keeps your business at the forefront all helps with any marketing plan and is low cost.

5. brand & recognition

The mobile app is like a blank billboard. Have it designed with a nicely designed logo and your brand will become more recognisable particularly as it get used and downloaded more often. It needs to have great features that clients and customers will use but make sure it looks modern and upbeat.

In terms of recognition, the more customers use the app, the reality is the more they will want to interact and use services that will get their business to where they want it. Getting customers to use your services more should be great for the customer and great for your business.

CONCLUSION:

We simply cannot wait to get our free app further out into the market place for clients and non-clients alike who we believe will find it incredibly beneficial and change the way we do business with them. If you have a small business that could use an app that will help set you apart from your competition, now more than ever I suggest you have a look at the possibility of getting one that is specific to your own industry.

Making it easier for people to do business with you should be priority.

Failure to embrace this concept whether it be through this channel or otherwise, in today's digital world will mean almost certain death.