How To Create A Website For Your Accounting Business
Creating a website for your accounting business is essential in establishing an online presence and attracting clients. The good news is that you don’t need an expensive web designer or developer to do it as all the tools you need are within your grasp.
In this article, our friends at xneelo provide a four-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Choose a domain name
The first step you have to take when creating a website for your accounting business is to select a domain name that suits your business. Choose a name that relates directly to your business name and field. Like ClarkesAccounting.com, for example. You want potential clients to find you easily.
Your domain name is followed by an extension. The .com extension is the go-to choice of most businesses, but if you operate mostly in South Africa, consider using co.za or a city domain like .capetown or .joburg instead – the chances of your favourite domain name being available are better and these domain extensions could work out better on the budget.
Search for your domain name here.
Step 2: Select a Hosting provider
Choose a reliable web hosting provider to host your website on the Internet. A web host “rents” out space on their servers, and provides necessities like email accounts, disk space, and a traffic allowance for your website. A good hosting provider will also provide essential security features like an SSL certificate and DDoS protection and have round-the-clock support available should you need assistance.
If you prefer a more all-in-one solution, Managed WordPress Hosting provides hosting services and WordPress in one, as well as a range of Starter Sites that have been beautifully designed with demo pages and content to assist you with customisation. Another advantage is the WP101 training material and privacy mode that allows you to test and play before taking your final website live.
The end goal is to have a well-run website that you can count on, without worrying about security and technical issues.
Select a web hosting package here.
Step 3: Select a website platform
A website platform is the foundation on which your website is built.
There are several website-building platforms to choose from, each with its own set of features. Shopify and WordPress both have features that would suit an e-commerce store, for example.
WordPress is ideal for a professional accounting business as it is flexible and easy to use. The WordPress website contains a library of customisable themes which act as “plug and play” templates that can be adapted easily without any previous website-building experience necessary.
Step 4: Design your website
For an accounting firm, your design should be professional, clean, and user-friendly and include all the necessary information customers need in easy reach.
Ideally, your accounting website should include the following pages:
A Home Page: A brief introduction to your business.
An About Us Page: Information about your team and expertise.
Services: A detailed list of the accounting services you offer.
Testimonials: Positive feedback from satisfied clients.
Blog: Featuring articles related to accounting and finance to showcase your expertise.
Contact Information: This makes it easy for potential clients to reach you.
If you’re using themes or a Starter Site, you can simply customise existing demo pages to your own needs.
Bonus step: Nifty add-ons for your website
WordPress features a range of plugins that provide additional functionality to your website and improve your client experience.
Here are some we think will benefit an accounting business:
Anti-spam: No one likes to see spam comments. A plugin like Akismet Anti-Spam filters out spam comments, so they don’t appear under your posts.
Scheduling: Calendly is a great app for automating meeting scheduling and appointments with potential clients.
A cost calculator: Use a plugin like Cost Calculator Builder to create price estimation forms for website visitors.
A chatbot: Use a chatbot to capture contact information for potential sales leads or clients who want to be contacted personally. Popular chatbot providers include Intercom and Drift.
You now have the basics for a professional accounting website. But remember – building a website is an ongoing process. Regularly updating and optimising your website will help attract and retain clients for your accounting business.
This advice was compiled by our friends at web hosting provider xneelo.