So, you’re an app developer who created an awesome app for QuickBooks that solves a major pain point for users. Now, how do you get the word out about your app? Advertising directly to your consumer base, such as through QuickBooks Apps.com, is one way to make it happen. Another key marketing path is to tap into Intuit’s vast, global network of accountants.
Accountants are trusted advisors to their clients. Their expertise in small business solutions, especially those that integrate with QuickBooks or QuickBooks Online, means their clients look to them for advice on the best apps to solve their pain points.
It also means they’re an invaluable connection for app developers such as yourself, and we’ve got four suggestions on how to get you in front of the accountant audience.
4 ways to connect with accounting professionals
1. Attend live accountant events
What better way to mingle with accounting professionals than by going where they congregate?
Scaling New Heights is an annual U.S. conference put on by Woodard for bookkeepers, accounting technologists, tax preparers, CPAs, and other small business advisors. For app developers focused on the U.S. market, this is an event offering optimal networking opportunities with more than 1,000 ProAdvisors, hundreds of Intuit leaders, and more.
QuickBooks Connect, which happens in four global locations, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, is a conference that equips attendees with the knowledge and insights they need to grow their business. It incorporates the entire QuickBooks ecosystem, and puts you in touch with accountants and business owners from every industry.
Conferences such as Accountex USA and Accountex UK exhibit and educate attendees on the latest in accounting and emerging technology. You would be hard pressed to find a more accountant-rich environment.
2. Read the top publications
Stay on top of industry news and understand what drives accounting professionals by checking out top accounting publications. Having an understanding of what is going on in the accounting world will help you speak knowledgeably and relevantly to the accounting community. Here are some sites to bookmark:
- The Firm of the Future blog: Geared to QuickBooks accountants.
- Insightful accountant: Independent news source focused on accounting technology and add-on products for small businesses.
- Accounting Today: Information resource for accounting professionals on industry concerns, technology, and expert advice.
- CPA Practice Advisor: Business-building content for tax and accounting professionals in public practice and includes an Apps We Love section that app developers should know about and strive to be on.
3. Train them on your product
It may go without saying but ensuring that accountants know your product inside and out, thus allowing them to clearly understand its benefits, can help get your app in the hands of more clients. Training can come in various forms, including:
- Hosting webinars through your website.
- Submitting for sessions at the live accountant events (such as those noted in our first suggestion above) or buy a sponsorship level that includes it.
- Using CPA Academy.org, the largest provider of free CPE webinars, to promote your app.
4. Engage with them via social media
Advice on connecting in this digital age isn’t complete without including the importance of social media. Getting your app in front of thousands of accounting professionals via a free platform is about as good as it gets.
The Intuit accounting ecosystem is active on popular social sites, including a weekly QBO chat on Twitter at @QBOcha. You can also follow Intuit Accountants on Twitter at @IntuitAccts, as well as like, comment, and engage on the Intuit Accountants Facebook page, which has 82,000+ accountants and a very engaged audience.
Tap into the power of accounting professionals
With the goal to aid businesses in being more efficient and profitable, you will want to consider putting your solution in front of accountants. Accountant approval can lead to their recommending your app to their clients, which can then lead to exponential growth. Needless to say, accountants are a powerful marketing force for app developers.
For more app development advice, you may want to check out a recent series on app success, including Your app integration is a living product: Measure it! and Measuring the success of your app integration.
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