New resource for AICPA members: marketing tool kit.

The AICPA and the New Jersey Society of CPAs have teamed together to provide small firms and sole practitioners with a comprehensive new marketing resource. The CPA Marketing Tool Kit is now available free to all AICPA members through www.aicpa.org/cpamarketing/. Here you will find a host of resources to help you promote your firm's practice and services and increase your visibility. To view and use the materials included in the Tool Kit, all you need is the user name (cpamarketing) and password (toolkit1!).

Specifically, the Tool Kit includes five print advertisements for CPA firms to run in their local publications. Three of the ads focus on professional services including tax, personal financial planning and business consulting. The other two ads spotlight the wide spectrum of CPA services available to individuals and businesses. The ads are provided both in four-color and black and white, as well as in half- and full-page sizes, with usage and printing instructions included.

Three new PDF brochures to distribute to clients and potential clients can also be accessed through the Tool Kit. One brochure covers financial recordkeeping for individuals, another outlines financial planning tips and the third focuses on ways to protect your business. Each brochure has an accompanying speech, which can be found in the speech section. Also in the speech section is a tax planning speech and PowerPoint presentation. New brochures and speeches are in store, including a tax planning brochure which will be added in the coming weeks.

Through the Marketing Tool Kit, members can now obtain the CPA logo with the new tagline "America Counts on CPAs." Questions and answers on using the CPA logo, as well as usage guidelines and printing instructions, also are included in the logo section. Other components include information on becoming a media resource in your community and six sample press releases to publicize the addition of a new partner, new office location or service area, an upcoming seminar or community service activity, and the achievement of an honor or award.

General marketing guidance and online marketing tips can also be found in the Tool Kit, including a sample e-newsletter (to maintain contact with clients). The Tool Kit also includes sections on customer service and successful selling and contains valuable advice on conducting client satisfaction surveys, providing a sample survey and cover letter for member use.

Members of the New Jersey Society of CPAs also can access the Tool Kit from the NJSCPA Web site at www.njscpa.org/business/marketing.cfm. All components of the Tool Kit include usage guidelines and directions; however, specific questions can be directed to [e-mail].