If you’re an accountant, you probably already know this: finding new clients isn’t always easy. The accounting world is competitive, and standing out can feel like an uphill battle. But getting more customers isn’t about throwing money at ads or hoping your phone rings off the hook. It’s about smart strategies, building trust, and showing people why you’re the best person to handle their finances.
Know Exactly Who You’re Serving
Before you start trying to get more customers, you need to be crystal clear on who you want to work with. Are you targeting small local businesses? Freelancers? Bigger companies with complex needs? Or maybe you want to specialize in a particular industry, like real estate or healthcare.
When you understand your ideal client, you can tailor your marketing and services to speak directly to them. For example, a freelancer’s accounting needs look very different from a retail shop’s. When your message fits perfectly with their pain points, like struggling to keep up with quarterly taxes or needing help with payroll, you’ll get noticed much faster.
Get Your Online Presence Right
These days, most people start looking for accountants online. If your website looks outdated or hard to use, you’re losing potential clients before you even get a chance to talk to them.
Make sure your website is clean, simple, and mobile-friendly. Put your services front and center, explain clearly how you can help, and have an obvious way for people to contact you or book a free consultation. And don’t forget local SEO. If you’re working in Dallas, for example, your website should mention “accountant in Dallas” or “Dallas tax services” to make sure Google shows your site to people searching nearby.
Also, keep active on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Share helpful tips, industry news, or quick advice. This builds trust and reminds potential clients that you know your stuff.
Share Useful Content People Actually Want to Read
You might think content marketing sounds fancy, but it’s really just about sharing your knowledge in a way that helps people solve problems. When you write blog posts or guides answering common questions, you become the go-to expert.
Try writing posts like “How to Prepare for Tax Season Without Stress” or “Simple Steps to Organize Your Business Finances.” Use keywords people type into Google when searching for accountants, but don’t overdo it, just write naturally.
You can also create downloadable resources, like checklists or eBooks, and offer them on your website in exchange for an email address. This builds your mailing list so you can stay in touch and remind them you’re there when they’re ready to hire an accountant.
Get Out There and Network
Even with all the digital marketing tools, personal connections matter a lot in this business. Attend local business meetups, join your chamber of commerce, or go to industry events where your ideal clients hang out.
When you meet other professionals, like lawyers, financial advisors, or business consultants, build relationships. They can often refer clients to you. Likewise, don’t be shy about asking your current clients to spread the word. Referrals remain one of the strongest ways to grow your practice.
If you want to boost your visibility, consider offering to speak at local events or hosting webinars. Sharing your expertise in front of an audience not only positions you as an expert but also creates trust before you even have a one-on-one conversation.
Stand Out by Offering Something Different
Lots of accountants offer the same services, bookkeeping, tax prep, audits. But what if you became known for a specialty?
Think about what you enjoy or what’s in demand. Maybe you get a kick out of helping freelancers with tax deductions, or you want to become the go-to expert for nonprofit organizations. Or you could offer more than just crunching numbers: financial planning advice, budgeting help, or forensic accounting.
When you provide real, proactive advice that helps your clients save money or grow their businesses, they won’t just see you as a number cruncher, they’ll see you as a valuable partner.
Use Happy Clients as Your Best Marketing Tool
If you’ve done great work for someone, don’t be shy about asking for a testimonial or a review. Potential clients want proof you deliver results.
Put those testimonials on your website, social media, or even include them in your email newsletters. You can also set up a simple referral program to reward clients who bring you new business. It doesn’t have to be complicated, maybe a small discount or a free service.
Invest Wisely in Paid Ads
If you want to get new clients quickly, paid advertising can help. Google Ads lets you show your business at the top of search results when people look for accountants nearby.
You can also use social media ads on LinkedIn or Facebook to target business owners in specific locations or industries. Make sure your ads have a clear message and a strong call-to-action, like booking a free consultation.
If someone visits your website but leaves without contacting you, retargeting ads can remind them you’re there. These ads follow them around the internet and keep your name fresh in their minds.
Make the Client Experience Easy and Enjoyable
Winning a new client is just the first step. The way you onboard and communicate can turn one-time customers into loyal, repeat clients.
Make the signup process straightforward. Use digital forms and explain your pricing clearly upfront. Keep in touch regularly with helpful updates, tax reminders, or newsletters. When clients feel cared for and supported, they’re more likely to stay and even refer you to others.
Use Technology to Work Smarter
Modern accounting software doesn’t just make your life easier, it makes your clients’ lives easier too. Cloud accounting platforms allow you and your clients to collaborate in real time, which builds trust and transparency.
Automate routine tasks like invoicing and reminders so you can spend more time focusing on building relationships and providing strategic advice. Clients will appreciate the efficiency and professionalism.
Keep Track of What Works and Adjust
Finally, always measure how your marketing efforts perform. Use website analytics to see which pages get the most visits or which blog posts drive leads.
Ask clients how they found you and why they chose your services. This feedback helps you focus on the strategies that work best.
Be ready to tweak your approach based on results. Growth is a continuous process, and staying flexible will help you keep getting more clients over time.
Getting more customers as an accountant might seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your clients, building a strong online presence, sharing useful content, networking genuinely, and delivering exceptional service, you’ll build a practice that not only attracts new clients but keeps them coming back.
