The Ohio Society of CPAs teaches members how to build, implement a marketing strategy

Proud 2B a CPA Campaign Promotes Value of Working with a CPA

10.22.2009 – (COLUMBUS)--As CPAs help their clients plan for economic recovery, it’s important they have a proactive strategy of their own to promote their public image and services.

To help CPAs promote the value of their CPA license and distinguish themselves from other non-certified accounting professionals, The Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA), launched a new grassroots image campaign called Proud 2B a CPA. The program teaches CPAs how to effectively market their own practices. It covers the fundamentals, from building a marketing plan to using tactics such as advertising, direct mail, social media and community outreach to promote a CPA’s image as an expert financial advisor.

Key components of the program include a video, Who is your trusted business advisor?, aimed at promoting the value of working with a CPA. It is featured on OSCPA’s Financial Fitness Ohio Web site and CPAs may download it for presentations or to post on their own sites. OSCPA has also developed the Proud 2B a CPA toolkit, a comprehensive guide to marketing a CPA practice, complete with templates and other resources.

A series of three ads are built around the value message, “Trust the integrity of a CPA.” Two versions promote CPAs as expert financial advisors for businesses or individuals, while a humorous ad for tax services encourages consumers to stop using unqualified relatives and instead hire a CPA for tax advice and preparation. Each includes a place for CPAs to add contact information and a logo.

Additional templates include letters, press releases and PowerPoint presentations on a variety of financial topics. These help CPAs develop relationships with local media and promote themselves as a speaker for civic and business groups.
OSCPA unveiled the Proud 2B a CPA campaign at its Cleveland Accounting Show last month, and will introduce it to central Ohio CPAs at the Columbus Accounting Show on Oct. 28 – 29.

“In today’s competitive environment, it’s important to educate the public on the value of working with a CPA,” said Kim Scher, VP, communications for OSCPA. “The Proud 2B a CPA image campaign helps sole practitioners or small CPA firms market their services in a targeted way.”

OSCPA members may download the Proud 2B a CPA marketing guide and templates from the membership page of The Ohio Society’s Web site, www.ohioscpa.com.
Additional tools and strategies for the program will be added in 2010.

The Ohio Society of CPAs, established in 1908, represents more than 23,000 CPAs in business, education, government and public accounting. OSCPA members not only meet statutory and regulatory requirements as CPAs, but also embrace the highest standards of professional and ethical performance. This is achieved through ongoing professional education, comprehensive quality review and compliance with a strict Code of Professional Conduct.

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News Facts

In today's competitive economy, CPAs need to be as diligent about their own practices as they are about helping clients to prosper.
A new Proud 2B a CPA campaign from The Ohio Society of CPAs is teaching CPAs how to teach the public the true value of working with a CPA.
Sole practitioners and small firms benefit by targeting their efforts to the needs of their communities.

Resource Links: Financial Fitness Ohio; Proud 2B a CPA Image Campaign; The Ohio Society of CPAs

Tags: The Ohio Society of CPAs, OSCPA, CPAs, accounting, marketing, economy

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Ohio CPAs are showing the public why working with a CPA is a sound financial strategy for individuals and businesses.

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