Feeling stagnant at your accounting practice with limited client growth? Finding new clients can be a challenging endeavour, with many practice managers uncertain about ways to attract them or even where to find them. If you are thinking about how to get clients for your accounting practice, we’ve got you covered. This blog will explore ten dynamic strategies to keep your practice growing and secure ideal clients in this rapidly changing business environment.
Best practices for how to get clients for your accountancy practice
Identifying new clients becomes a lot easier when you truly grasp the nuances of their business. Following these surefire tips you can attract ideal clients for your accountancy practice.
1. Determine your target niche
Not every business is the same; the same goes for your ideal client. Before you start expanding your client base, take a moment to define what makes you unique. What do you bring to the table, and how do you stand out from the crowd?
By pinpointing your strengths, you’ll discover a niche that aligns with your expertise. This niche could stem from your firm’s expertise, geographical area, professional specialities, industry focus, or target demographic. Your niche will determine why your target customers would prefer your services over competitors.
2. Create a professional website
Your website is your digital shopfront and a gateway for your target audience. A professional website with clear and concise information about your specialities, services, expertise and unique selling points is essential to find clients for your accountancy practice.
Try to build credibility with your website. Showcase your clients what values you are providing to them. Whether you are targeting new audiences or trying to retain your existing ones, you need to create your website in a way that makes your client’s time and money worthy of investment. Ensure you provide lots of ‘trust’ messaging like customer testimonials, official rating results such as TrustPilot, your qualifications, accreditations and blogs to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise.
3. Market your practice online
As an accountancy practice owner, your job doesn’t get done simply by creating a professional website. You need to incorporate digital marketing practices to promote your website online. Consider implementing SEO strategies to boost your website’s ranking in search results for relevant keywords like “accountants for small businesses” to attract more relevant traffic to your website.
Also, consider leveraging social media platforms to create awareness of your business and content marketing strategies to offer valuable information to your clients. Try publishing blogs, articles, and guides addressing common accounting challenges your target clients face. It will position you as a thought leader in the industry.
4. Introduce referral schemes
The lifetime customer value of a client referred by someone is 25% more than other customers. Word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing is considered one of the most effective marketing strategies for attracting new clients for any business. Create referral programs for your existing clients to incentivise them to refer your company to their network. You can offer them rewards such as gift cards, discounts, and free one-month service for each referral who converts into a customer.
5. Expand your reach with social media
Leveraging social media platforms is an excellent opportunity to increase your brand outreach and awareness. Choose your customer’s preferred social media channels, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X, and share valuable insights about accounting and taxes.
Research says that consumers with a genuine experience with a brand on social media are more likely to refer to that brand within their networks. Engage your followers with informative posts and respond to their comments to deliver an excellent customer experience. It will help you connect with your target clients, boosting your accountancy practice’s brand image.
6. Attend networking events
Establishing connections within your local business community is essential to find new clients. Participate in industry events, workshops, and meetings of business associations. Approach these opportunities authentically and foster relationships with professionals who might refer clients to you and potential clients.
Eventbrite features a variety of networking events aimed at small businesses that are conducted online. Additionally, regional initiatives like Newcastle Startup Week have established their own virtual communities, providing opportunities to connect with potential clients. Trade shows like Accountex in London take place each May, while the Accountex Summit Manchester is planned for September, and the AccountingWEB Live Expo will be held in Birmingham in November.
7. Register in Google Business Profile
It is essential to have your accounting practice registered and verified on the Google Business Profile. It will enhance your visibility in Google search results and facilitate customer engagement in different ways.
The Google Business Profile enables potential clients to locate your practice’s address, obtain contact details, and access reviews from pleased clients. Enhancing your listing with pertinent keywords significantly improves your likelihood of being featured in local search results, simplifying prospective clients’ process to find your services.
8. Ask for reviews, testimonials, feedback
9. Upsell services to your existing clients
Upselling and cross-selling are excellent ways to grow your business. Selling your services to your existing clients is much easier as they have already taken your accounting services and, therefore, know and trust you. As your clients’ businesses grow, their accounting needs might change. Proactively reach out with information on additional services that could benefit them. This could include tax planning, payroll processing, financial support, or even business expansion.
10. Add your practice to accountant directories
Many online directories list accountants based on location and speciality. Register your practice in relevant directories to improve visibility and attract potential clients searching for accountants with your expertise.
For example, the QuickBooks directory features more than 3,500 advisors located in the UK, making it easy for people and businesses to find an accountant or bookkeeper. Xero and Dext offer comparable services, allowing searches by town, city, or postcode to locate the perfect service near to them.
Follow these tips to find clients for your accountancy practice
Finding new clients is the cornerstone for the growth and success of your accounting practice in today’s competitive business landscape. Remember, consistency and a client-centric approach are essential. Focus on delivering exceptional service, building trust, and establishing yourself as a reliable and valuable accounting partner.
