B Y F R E D Z . P O R I T S K Y

S E C U R I T Y

C R E D I B I L I T YM O B I L I T Y

how to build a killer

cpa firmwebsite

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CASE STUDYCPA Firms today need to update their website for several important reasons:

1. Credibility2. Mobility3. Security

This case study of Barbacane Thornton & Company LLP addresses all of those reasons. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to ensure that your website will attract visitors, in addition to a killer web design, is to add security in the form of an SSL Certificate.

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts information sent to the server using SSL technology. Encryption is the process of scrambling data into an undecipherable format that can only be returned to a readable format with the proper decryption key.

A certificate serves as an electronic “passport” that establishes an online entity’s credentials when doing business on the Web. When an Internet user attempts to send confidential information to a Web server, the user’s browser accesses the server’s digital certificate and establishes a secure connection.

An SSL certificate contains the following information:

• The certificate holder’s name

• The certificate’s serial number and expiration date

• A copy of the certificate holder’s public key

• The digital signature of the certificate-issuing authority

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Barbacane Thornton & Company LLP is a regional certified public accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, specializing in accounting, consulting, auditing and tax services for governmental agencies, nonprofits, employee benefit plans, and schools.

They provide services to clients throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, and help their clients achieve their goals by delivering timely, accurate and innovative professional services. For more than forty years, the firm has met and exceeded the expectations of their clients and their communities with integrity and enthusiasm.

The firm is a founding member of CPAsNet, a national consortium of independent accounting firms. CPAsNet members collectively provide services to over 500 not-for-profit and governmental organizations. Member firms represent more than 100 partners, 300 professional associates and 500 employees located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States. This collaborative association provides the firm with additional resources to bring cutting-edge insight to the management of their clients.

CERTIFIED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING AND

CONSULTING FIRM

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CHALLENGEThe firm had an outdated website that did not represent their status as a well-regarded regional CPA firm. In addition, the website was not ranking on search engines and was not mobile friendly. The partners were also interested in expanding their social media presence.

SOLUTIONWe met and reviewed what the partners envisioned for the firm’s website, branding and overall digital marketing strategy. We freshened up the existing logo and created a design for the new website to reflect the firm’s stature. The new design is modern, mobile/responsive, and the social media and email newsletters reflect the new branding.

In addition, we made the website secure by adding an SSL Certificate.

THE NEW DESIGN IS MODERN

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CLIENT’S RESPONSE

When we first met with Fred, it was clear that

he had done his homework and knew how to

get our attention. We knew that our existing

website was dated and did not really tell the

story of our business.

With a few short examples, Fred was able to

show us that we had virtually no search engine

optimization – potential clients, associates,

and staff were not finding us! As we navigated

through the development of a new website,

Fred remained responsive, encouraging, and

patient as we reviewed, changed, pondered,

revised, and rethought before launching.

Fred clearly demonstrates that he is more

than a website designer – he is a business

partner. FZP Digital has been a pleasure to

work with, and we look to continue a rewarding

experience.

- Pamela W. Baker CPA, CGFM - Managing Partner

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To learn more about how FZP Digital can create a Credible, Mobile and Secure website for your firm,

Please contact us at fred@fzpdigital.com