Social media for tax professionals

Social media is changing how we communicate. Want some hints and tips on how you can use social networks to enhance your business and your professional development? Read on.

What is social media?

Social media is an umbrella term that encompasses any media, generally online, that facilitates social networking – the interaction and sharing of content and user experiences.

You’ve probably heard of things like blogs, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And chances are you’re like 62% of Australians1 and are using these networks, probably on a daily basis. But did you know that social media can be used to enhance your career and even your professional practice?

How can it benefit my career?

By building an online presence using social media, you can raise your professional profile. Social media, like other forms of networking, is a valuable way to build your connections and reputation within your industry. By expanding your network, you will open yourself up to new career and business opportunities.

Join the conversation, engage with others, build your following and come to be considered an authority in your industry.

How can it benefit my practice?

Giving your practice a presence on social media is becoming more and more important. According to recent Sensis data, 27% of small and 34% of medium businesses have a social media presence and, of these, 71% of businesses indicated that their investment in social media contributes to increased sales.

With the use of websites like LinkedIn and Twitter having doubled in the last 12 months, it’s clear that social media is growing in importance as a marketing and professional development device.

Actively participating in social media on behalf of your business can help you to:

  • build your business’ profile and increase the exposure of your services
  • increase the traffic to your website
  • demonstrate expertise
  • generate leads
  • better understand the needs of your clients and potential clients
  • manage and enhance client relationships and business partnerships.

How will people know where to find me?

The fastest and most effective way to publicise your business’ social media accounts is to first and foremost connect with other professionals and businesses in the tax profession. Join the conversation and followers will come.

Additionally, you can link to your accounts from your website, email signature and include the web addresses on your business cards.

How do I get started?

Signing up to Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn is the easy part. What happens once you’ve got your profile set up? Do you need a social media strategy? How do you use each network and how do you make sure you’re using the right network for your business or industry?

In the coming months, we’ll feature articles on getting started with each of these social networks and give you tips on how they can be used to enhance the way you do business.

New to social media?

Connect with The Tax Institute and join the conversation.

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Join us on LinkedIn



Next month: Getting started on Twitter.

Reference 1 Sensis, Yellow Social Media Report, June 2012.

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