Tax season is officially in the rearview mirror, and chances are, you're doing the victory lap. But now that the dust has settled, there’s a sneaky thought creeping into your mind, and it sounds a little like this: “I survived, but did I thrive?”
Surviving tax season isn’t enough anymore. If you really want your firm to grow (without giving yourself a permanent stress-induced eye twitch) you’ve got to make some changes. And trust me, those changes don’t have to be as hard as convincing your clients that you’re still open for business after April 15th.
The truth is, growing your firm the right way means doing it smart, sustainable, and dare I say it, systematic. Without the chaos. That’s why I created a 7-step blueprint to help you nurture leads, automate follow-ups, and actually grow your firm in a sustainable manner that won’t leave you burnt out and overwhelmed.
Marketing within the accounting industry has evolved, and here’s a little secret: your messaging is EVERYTHING. If your website is still saying “we do taxes and stuff,” we need to talk. What does that even mean? Taxes are just the starting point for the incredible work you’re doing! The messaging on your website is what helps potential clients find you and decide whether they trust you to manage their business's finances. It’s also what convinces them that you’re the only firm that truly “gets” their struggles.
Get clear on your ideal client - who they are, what keeps them up at night, and how your services solve their problems. And here’s a pro tip: Write like you’re explaining it to a 5th grader. Buzzwords are so last season. Keep it simple, relatable, and human. Remember, when you make your client the hero of the story, you become the trusted guide who helps them win.
I’m not asking you to become the next Instagram influencer - just the next person your ideal client can find online. That starts with a clear and professional website, an up-to-date Google Business Profile, and making sure you’re showing up on the social media channels where your target audience hangs out. (You know, Facebook, LinkedIn, or even your local Chamber of Commerce page).
And please, for the love of tax season sanity, get reviews. Google reviews are your new referrals. It's basically like getting a personal recommendation from a friend, but with more credibility. If you're not actively collecting reviews, you're missing out on that imperative "social proof" your future clients are looking for.
How many times have you played the dreaded "email tag" game to book a meeting? You send an email asking for a time, they reply with a time that doesn’t work, then you send another email with an alternative time... and so on, until you’re so frustrated that you almost book a meeting just to get any meeting scheduled. Here’s the solution: set up a scheduling tool. It’s the equivalent of saying, “Hey, I’m available at these times. Pick one. Or pick a few. Let’s go!”
Bonus points for automating appointment confirmations. You’re not going to forget, and neither are your clients. And here's a spicy little stat - 60% of prospects hang up if their call isn’t answered. So, when they call, answer, or better yet, let automation send them a quick text to let them know you’ll get back to them shortly. That’s a lot better than them wondering if they reached the right firm, or worse, they hang up and call your competitor.
Here’s a scenario I know you’ve experienced: you missed a call. Suddenly, you spiral into a guilt trip that’s way worse than missing your 9 a.m. coffee. But hold up - don’t go writing that apology email just yet. The beauty of automation is that you can follow up without the guilt.
Let’s talk about AI and automation for a minute. Your AI receptionist and a simple auto-text response will save you time and effort while ensuring that even missed calls turn into opportunities. And get this, 95% of text messages are read within 5 minutes. That’s way better than email open rates, and it’s an awesome way to stay top of mind.
Want to grow with the right clients? They need to know you exist. Simple as that. Get out there and show up - whether it’s sharing nuggets of wisdom in industry Facebook groups, getting interviewed on a podcast, or simply telling your story on social media.
You don’t have to do everything, but you do need to be somewhere. Future clients are lurking, waiting for you to give them a reason to follow. So, do a little bit of everything, but make sure it feels authentic to you and your brand.
If your website is more “online brochure” than “digital salesperson,” we need to talk. Your site should be working hard for you - even when you’re not. That means clear calls to action (no vague “Learn More” buttons) and giving visitors something they can’t resist. Maybe a free guide or checklist.
And don’t be afraid to send physical mail every now and then. In a world full of inbox overload, showing up with a handwritten note or a postcard is like a breath of fresh air. Trust me, your prospects will remember it.
The real game-changer here? Automation. Setting up automated workflows for every part of your sales process, from lead capture to client onboarding, lets you scale without cloning yourself. Imagine having an AI copywriter that writes your emails, your CRM handling follow-ups, and workflows keeping everything humming along. Meanwhile, you get to kick back, relax. Or better yet, pouring that additional time into what you do best - helping your clients.
Tax season is over, and the hangover is real. But now is the perfect time to reset, refine your approach, and implement a smarter, more effective way to grow your firm. If you’re ready to stop winging it, Cajabra is here to help. Our CRM system is built specifically for accountants and bookkeepers, and it’s got everything you need to automate your sales journey and nurture your leads effortlessly. So, let’s kick those growing pains to the curb and make scaling your firm feel more like a smooth ride and less like a rollercoaster!
