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In today’s highly competitive accounting world, winning new clients isn’t just about finding leads, it’s about building long-lasting, meaningful relationships that match your firm’s values and future goals.

While tried-and-tested methods like referrals and search engine optimisation (SEO) are still useful, combining them with newer strategies can help you reach even more potential clients. These include joining industry events, using digital content to market your services, and forming smart partnerships. Firms that clearly explain, package, and promote what they offer are more likely to attract the right clients and stand out in a crowded market. [1]

With the economy constantly changing, the ACCA recommends using a mix of flexible strategies to bring in new business. Relying on just one method can hold you back, especially when times are tough (ACCA Practice Management). [2] Also, using technology isn’t a nice-to-have anymore, it’s a must.

Tools like CRM systems and automation can increase lead conversions by up to 300%, by helping you send personalised messages at scale. [3] Adding that clients today expect real-time insights and services tailored to their needs. [4] If your client acquisition methods reflect these expectations and stay true to your firm’s core values, you’ll not only grow, but grow in a way that lasts.

Key Takeaways

  • Use Traditional and Digital Tactics: Combine referrals, SEO, and networking with modern strategies like content marketing, paid ads, and automation for a well-rounded client acquisition approach.
  • Know Your Ideal Client: Define and regularly update your Ideal Client Profile (ICP) to focus your marketing on high-value, long-term prospects.
  • Make Use of Technology: Use CRM systems, marketing automation, and data analytics to personalise outreach, increase efficiency, and boost conversion rates.
  • Position Yourself as a Trusted Advisor: Build authority through webinars, blogs, and industry insights – clients want more than just compliance; they want strategic guidance.
  • Follow Up and Nurture Leads: 80% of sales require multiple touchpoints. Use consistent, value-driven follow-ups to move prospects through your sales funnel.
  • Create a Seamless Onboarding Experience: Start strong with a clear, tech-friendly onboarding process that builds trust and sets the tone for long-term client relationships.

The Evolving Landscape of Client Acquisition

Moving to Online and Data-Based Methods

The digital shift has changed how accounting firms connect with and attract new clients. While referrals and word-of-mouth still matter, they’re no longer enough on their own. These days, 85% of buyers look up professional services online before reaching out, which means having a strong digital presence is essential. [5]

Top firms are now blending SEO, content marketing, social media, and paid ads into well-rounded digital strategies. Targeted content like webinars, helpful guides, and online tools can guide potential clients through each step of their decision-making journey. In the same way, QuickBooks points out that firms using regular content marketing can get up to three times more leads, at 62% less cost, compared to old-school outbound marketing. [6]

There is a growing focus on “insight-driven” marketing, where firms use data to tailor their messaging and reach the right people. [7] Using data doesn’t just improve marketing, it helps keep clients happy and encourages them to use more of your services by predicting what they’ll need next.

To keep up, firms should treat their online presence like a valuable asset. That means keeping content fresh, investing in lead-generation tools, and using data to sharpen how they reach and speak to potential clients.

Why Being Flexible and Creative Matters

Today’s clients are more informed and digitally savvy, they expect personalised, tech-friendly experiences from their accountants. In response, smart and flexible firms are setting themselves apart by trying new things like using gamification, forming smart partnerships, or offering interactive, engaging content. Industry insights show that firms who take a fresh approach to client engagement are 45% more likely to grow each year compared to those who stick with the old ways [8].

Using interactive tools like financial health check quizzes or ROI calculators doesn’t just make things more engaging, it also helps attract better-quality leads. Gamification such as point systems or rewards for reaching milestones during onboarding has been shown to boost client involvement and satisfaction.

Running focused, valuable webinars for specific industries or financial needs is another great way to build trust and show that your firm is a go-to expert. As advisory work becomes more about strong relationships, being flexible and forward-thinking isn’t just nice to have, it’s quickly becoming essential.

Using Data to Reach Clients in a Personal Way

Using data analytics gives accounting firms the edge to go beyond one-size-fits-all marketing. It helps them reach the right people with messages that truly connect. By keeping track of client behaviour, preferences, and past interactions, firms can group their audience and send out messages that match their specific needs like proactive tax help for sole traders or cash flow tips for growing small businesses.

Research shows that personalising your marketing can boost conversion rates by up to 202%, especially when used alongside marketing automation tools [9]. CRM systems that pull together data from different places like website visits, downloads, and emails make it easier to send the right message at the right time. This builds trust and speeds up the journey from interest to action.

On top of that, firms using a data-led marketing approach aren’t just more efficient—they’re also more profitable, with up to 30% higher income per client [10].

Increasing Need for Expert Insights

In today’s competitive market, clients want more than just someone to do their accounts, they’re looking for trusted advisors. Accounting firms that share their knowledge regularly through blogs, webinars, and industry insights build trust and attract clients who care more about expertise than low prices.

Writing useful content on topics like Making Tax Digital, ESG reporting, or dealing with economic challenges shows that your firm understands what’s happening in the industry. In fact, 68% of clients say they’re more likely to choose a firm that shares helpful content and gives proactive advice online [11].

What’s more, firms that focus on thought leadership are three times more likely to be seen as trustworthy by the people they want to work with. This plays a big role in winning new business and keeping existing clients loyal.

Why Word-of-Mouth and Reputation Matter More

Even in today’s digital world, client recommendations and a good reputation still carry a lot of weight. Small business owners say reviews and testimonials are a big part of how they choose an accountant or bookkeeper. Asking happy clients to share their experiences whether through Google reviews, LinkedIn recommendations, or even video testimonials can really boost trust and credibility.

But a strong reputation isn’t just about doing a good job. It’s also about staying visible. Firms with high client satisfaction and a solid online reputation get 2.5 times more inbound leads compared to those that don’t actively collect reviews [12]. Sharing real stories from clients like testimonials and case studies adds a genuine touch and can greatly increase your chances of turning prospects into clients.

How to Understand and Improve Your Lead Conversion Funnel

Understanding the Lead Conversion Funnel

From “Who are you?” to “Where do I sign?”

Think of your sales funnel as the path someone takes from first hearing about your firm to eventually becoming a client. It usually follows four key stages:

Awareness → Interest → Consideration → Conversion

Knowing how each of these stages works and how to improve them can make a big difference in growing your business.

Helping People Take the Next Step (With Smart CTAs)

A call to action (CTA) is simply a nudge. It tells people what to do next, whether they’re on your website, reading an email, or scrolling through social media.

You should always include a clear, helpful next step. But don’t use the same CTA everywhere, match it to where the client is in their journey.

The Marketing Funnel
The Marketing Funnel

It’s also worth testing different versions to see what works best, where you place the CTA, the wording, even the colours. Tweaking these small things can improve your results in a big way.

And don’t forget the basics – make sure your pages load quickly, look good on mobile, and don’t ask people to jump through hoops. 

Building Trust and Showing Your Value

Offer Free Discovery Calls

Giving people a chance to speak to you without any pressure goes a long way in building trust. Offer free consultations so you can understand their needs and show that you’re here to help, not just to sell.

Share Personalised Proposals

Instead of sending a generic list of services, tailor your pitch to the person in front of you. When you talk directly to someone’s specific pain points, they’re more likely to choose you.

Let Your Work Speak for Itself

Got happy clients? Share their stories. Real-life case studies and testimonials help people see what you’re capable of. Showing how you’ve helped others can be far more convincing than just saying you’re good at what you do.

Following Up the Right Way

Get Back Quickly

When someone reaches out, don’t leave them hanging. A quick and professional reply keeps potential clients interested and shows you’re on the ball.

Share Useful Tips

Even if they’re not ready to commit yet, stay in touch by sending useful content like tax tips, deadline reminders or budgeting guides. Adding value before someone even signs up helps keep you top of mind.

Use Tech to Stay Organised

Following up regularly can be tough when you’ve got a million other things going on. That’s where CRM systems come in. Automation tools helps to keep things running smoothly without letting anyone slip through the cracks.

Handling Common Objections

“It’s Too Expensive”

If someone’s unsure about the price, talk about the long-term savings. Encourage them to focus on the return they’ll get, like fewer fines, better tax planning, and more time to focus on growing their business.

“I’m Looking at Other Firms”

Explain what makes you different. Maybe it’s your expertise in a certain industry, your use of top tech, or your hands-on support. This is your chance to highlight what you offer that others don’t.

“It’s Not Urgent”

Help them see the risks of waiting. Point out the costs of delay, missed deadlines, penalties, or lost opportunities. Sometimes people just need a gentle push to act now instead of later.

Closing the Deal

Be Clear About Pricing and Timelines

People like to know what they’re getting and how much it’ll cost, no surprises. Be upfront about your fees and how long things will take. It builds trust and avoids awkward misunderstandings later on.

Make Signing Up Easy

Nobody wants to wade through paperwork. Use digital signatures and keep things simple. Streamline this part so it doesn’t become a barrier to getting started.

Reassure Them

Show that you’re the real deal. Confirm your qualifications, explain how you keep their data safe, and outline how you’ll stay in touch. This kind of reassurance helps people feel confident that they’re making the right choice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Acquiring New Clients

Define Your Ideal Client Profile (ICP)

Having a clear picture of your Ideal Client Profile (ICP) helps accounting firms focus their marketing efforts on attracting quality leads who are more likely to become long-term clients. A well-defined ICP means your messages reach the right people, making your marketing more effective and improving client loyalty.

Actionable Steps:

Build a Strong Online Presence

In today’s digital world, having a strong online presence is a must for accounting firms that want to be seen, build trust, and attract new clients. A clear and well-planned digital strategy makes sure people can find your firm online and see it as reliable.

Actionable Steps:

Engage in Industry Conventions and Trade Shows

Taking part in industry events gives accounting firms a great chance to show what they know, stay on top of the latest trends, and connect with potential clients. These events are ideal for learning, networking, and getting your firm noticed within the accounting world.

Actionable Steps:

Networking and Referral Programs

Having a structured referral programme and building strong networks can help accounting firms grow their client base without spending too much. Referrals are still one of the top ways new clients find an accountant with 56% of SMEs choosing theirs through a referral. This shows just how important it is to build and maintain a strong referral network. [16]

Actionable Steps:

Working with Non-Accounting Businesses

Partnering with businesses outside of accounting but that work with similar types of clients can open new doors for referrals and help you offer more complete services. These kinds of partnerships not only help you reach more people but also build stronger, longer-lasting client relationships by meeting more of their needs.

Actionable Steps:

Use Content Marketing to Attract New Clients

Content marketing is now a must-have for accounting firms that want to bring in new leads and show their expertise. In fact, research shows it can generate three times more leads than traditional marketing and cost 62% less. Sharing helpful, educational content builds trust and positions your firm as a knowledgeable and reliable choice. [20]

Actionable Steps:

Use Paid Advertising (PPC & Social Media Ads)

Paid advertising, such as Pay-Per-Click (PPC) and social media ads, allows accounting firms to reach a specific audience quickly and cost-effectively. These ads can be tailored to target particular groups, and with performance tracking, you can improve your strategies for the best return on investment (ROI).

Actionable Steps:

Follow Up and Support Leads

Not all leads turn into clients straight away. Regular follow-ups help build relationships and guide potential clients through the decision-making process. Research shows that 80% of sales need five follow-up calls after the first meeting, yet 44% of salespeople stop after just one. This shows that persistence and strategic nurturing are key to turning leads into clients. [22]

Actionable Steps:

Use Client Feedback and Stories in Creative Ways

Sharing success stories from clients in creative formats helps build trust and show the value your firm brings. In fact, 84% of people say that watching a brand’s video convinced them to buy a product or service.[23]

Actionable Steps:

Additional Tips:

Host Educational and Client-Focused Events

Running events helps position your firm as a trusted expert and provides value to potential clients. Accountants say client expectations have grown to include business and finance consultancy. Hosting educational events also allows firms to showcase their knowledge, build relationships, and generate leads.

Actionable Steps:

Additional Tips:

Utilize Direct Mail for Targeted Outreach

Personalised direct mail can be an effective way to capture the attention of potential clients, especially in a world full of digital noise. Studies show that direct mail has an open rate of 80–90%, compared to just 20–30% for email. Additionally, the response rates for direct mail are 5 to 9 times higher than other advertising channels. [25] [26]

Actionable Steps:

Additional Tips:

Use Games to Attract and Convert Leads

Adding game-like features to your marketing strategy can make attracting and converting clients more fun and effective. Gamification taps into people’s natural desire for competition and achievement, helping to boost engagement and conversion. For example, PwC and Kaplan UK used gamified learning methods and achieved a 91% pass rate in students’ accounting exams –  a 9% improvement from the year before. [30]

Actionable Steps:

Additional Tips:

Grow Your Reach with Online Services

By offering virtual consultations and services, your firm can attract clients from beyond your local area. With more people relying on digital tools, accounting firms have the chance to support clients from anywhere in the world breaking location limits and growing their customer base.

Actionable Steps:

Onboarding New Clients

Set Up a Clear and Friendly Onboarding Process

Welcome Pack

Start things off on the right foot by sending a warm welcome email or folder with your firm’s branding. Include key contact details, what happens next, and answers to common questions. This helps set clear expectations from day one and gives your client confidence in your process.

Kick-off Meeting

Arrange a relaxed but focused meeting to introduce your team, talk about goals, and fill in any missing details. This meeting is a chance to make sure everyone’s on the same page and knows what to expect moving forward.

Collect the Right Information from the Start

Intake Forms

Gather all the important details like business structure and financial info using simple, secure online forms. Doing this digitally saves time and helps cut down on errors.

Setting Up the Tech

Help your clients get connected with the tools you’ll be using together such as cloud accounting software or a secure client portal. Getting this sorted early on makes things easier for both sides and helps everything run smoothly. 

Assign a Dedicated Contact Person

One Main Point of Contact

Give each client their own account manager. Having one person to turn to makes things clearer and more personal, and it helps build a strong working relationship.

Internal Handover

Make sure your service team knows all the key info from the sales process. This makes the handover smooth and avoids clients having to repeat themselves.

Agree on How You’ll Stay in Touch

Communication Preferences

Talk with your client about how they’d like to keep in touch, whether it’s by email, phone calls, or using a client portal. Set clear expectations around response times too, so there are no surprises.

Regular Updates

Let clients know how often they can expect reports or check-ins. Keeping them informed helps build trust and makes them feel valued.

Have a Clear 90-Day Plan

Short-term deliverables

Set a few early goals like sorting overdue accounts or cleaning up old records. Showing progress early on helps your client feel they’ve made the right choice in working with you.

Review Meetings

Plan a catch-up within the first month or two to check how things are going. It’s a great opportunity to gather feedback, tweak your approach if needed, and show you’re invested in their success.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-moving and competitive environment, gaining new clients is more than just relying on traditional methods like referrals. It’s about adapting to the changing digital world and using fresh strategies to build strong, long-term relationships. By combining targeted marketing, digital tools, and a client-focused approach, accounting firms can successfully attract and keep high-quality clients.

As the industry continues to change, flexibility and innovation will be crucial. By consistently adapting to market trends and client needs, accounting firms can not only remain competitive but also become leaders in their field.

By applying these strategies, your firm can create a strong, scalable client acquisition plan that does more than just generate leads, it builds lasting relationships and ensures long-term success.

Download the Workbook

Winning new clients is only the beginning. Converting interest into commitment (and ensuring a seamless onboarding experience) is what drives long-term growth for your firm. How you manage this stage directly impacts client satisfaction, retention, and referrals.

To help you implement what you’ve learned, download the Client Acquisition Workbook. It includes practical exercises to refine your conversion funnel, personalise your onboarding journey, and build a system that consistently turns prospects into long-term clients.

Acquiring New Clients

Download the Acquiring New Clients Workbook

Bibliography

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  3. https://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/growing-a-business/cost-per-customer-acquisition/
  4. https://www.xero.com/accountant-bookkeeper-guides/marketing/
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  6. https://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/10172/inbound-leads-cost-62-less-than-outbound-new-data.aspx 
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  24. https://smartmail.io/resources/why-video-in-emails-drives-engagement-guide-marketers/
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  26. https://www.postcardmania.com/blog/direct-mail-statistics/
  27. https://www.lob.com/blog/understanding-the-cost-effectiveness-of-direct-mail-marketing
  28. https://focus-digital.co/direct-mail-response-rates-by-industry/
  29. https://focus-digital.co/direct-mail-response-rates-by-industry/
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  31. https://www.icas.com/become-a-chartered-accountant/why-you-should-become-a-chartered-accountant-ca/choose-your-path

About the Author

Neha Jain Author

Neha Jain

Neha Jain is a skilled content writer with a rich background in business and financial knowledge. With a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology, Neha has honed her writing skills, furthering her expertise with the Content Writing Master Course (CWMC) at IIM SKILLS and a Content Marketing Certification from HubSpot Academy.

Working alongside our business development experts, Neha specialises in helping accountants, dentists and other healthcare professionals start, scale and sell their businesses.

Reviewed By:

Arun Mehra

Arun Mehra
Samera CEO

Arun, CEO of Samera, is an experienced accountant and dental practice owner. He specialises in accountancy, financial directorship, squat practices and practice management.

Chris O’Shea
Head of Marketing

Chris is Head of Marketing at Samera. With his wealth of knowledge in SEO, PPC, user experience and lead generation, he is an expert at helping private dental practices and accountants increase their brand awareness and grow their patient list.

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