Proven Ways to Use Social Media for Faster Client Acquisition

Meet James, a local accountant who has been running his small firm for years. His client base was steady, but he often found himself wondering how he could grow faster. He knew there were plenty of small businesses and individuals in his area who needed help with their finances, but they weren’t knocking on his door. Bigger firms with big marketing budgets seemed to dominate, leaving him struggling to stand out.

That’s when James discovered how social media could help him quickly and affordably reach more potential clients.

Here’s how James used social media to bring in new clients, and how your local service-based business can do the same.

1. Sharing Your Expertise in a Simple, Relatable Way

James realised that his potential clients weren’t accountants—they were everyday people and small business owners who found accounting confusing and, frankly, a bit dull. To stand out, he needed to make accounting less intimidating and more relatable. So, he started creating simple, helpful content that anyone could understand.

James posted quick tax tips on Facebook, such as “Three common tax deductions small businesses overlook” or “How to prepare for your year-end accounts in 5 easy steps.” He used videos to explain basic accounting principles, breaking them down in plain English, avoiding jargon.

One post that particularly resonated was about how small business owners could save time by organising their receipts digitally—a simple, practical tip that got shared widely. James wasn’t selling his services directly, but by offering value and making accounting feel more approachable, he built trust with his audience.

If you’re an accountant, sharing your knowledge on social media is a great way to show potential clients that you can help them. Break down common accounting problems into easy-to-understand tips, and focus on helping, not selling. People want to work with someone they feel comfortable asking questions to, and social media is your chance to show that you’re approachable and knowledgeable.

2. Engaging with Potential Clients on Social Media

Rather than just posting content and hoping for the best, James actively engaged with his audience. When someone commented on his post, asking about tax deadlines or record-keeping, he replied with personalised advice. He also joined local Facebook groups where small business owners gathered and shared advice on financial matters when questions came up.

By being present and helpful, James positioned himself as a local expert that people could turn to with their accounting questions. He didn’t push his services; he simply offered guidance, knowing that when people needed help with their taxes or bookkeeping, they’d remember him.

Engaging with potential clients on social media doesn’t take much time, but it can pay off in big ways. Answering questions and providing advice in online communities allows you to build relationships with potential clients, who will appreciate your willingness to help without a hard sell.

3. Running Time-Sensitive Offers to Create Urgency

To bring in clients quickly, James decided to offer a special deal. He posted on his social media accounts that anyone who booked a consultation in the next 48 hours would receive a 20% discount on their first tax return. He set up a countdown timer on Instagram and Facebook to add a sense of urgency.

The result? Several new clients contacted him, eager to take advantage of the deal before it expired. And because he had already built trust with his audience through his helpful posts and advice, they felt confident choosing him over other accountants.

If you’re looking to bring in clients quickly, consider running a time-sensitive offer on social media. It doesn’t have to be a large discount—just enough to incentivise people to act now rather than later. Using countdowns and reminders helps create urgency, encouraging people to get in touch before the deal is gone.

4. Using Testimonials and Success Stories

James knew that word of mouth was powerful, so he started asking his satisfied clients to share their experiences on social media. He posted short testimonials from business owners he had helped, focusing on the specific benefits they had gained from working with him, such as saving money on taxes or streamlining their bookkeeping.

One client, a local café owner, shared how James helped her organise her finances so she could focus more on running her business. This real-world story resonated with other small business owners in the community, leading to more inquiries.

As an accountant, your best sales tool is often the success stories of your clients. Sharing testimonials and case studies on social media allows potential clients to see the real impact your services can have. These stories build credibility and show the value of your expertise in a way that feels genuine.

James’s story shows that even as a local accountant, social media can be a powerful tool for client acquisition. By sharing your expertise, engaging with your community, offering timely deals, and showcasing your clients’ success, you can attract new clients without spending a fortune on marketing.

If James’s journey resonates with you and you’re ready to use social media to grow your accounting business, now is the time to reach out to Mark A Preston, THE Customer Growth Coach & Speaker. Mark specialises in helping small businesses like yours develop simple, effective strategies that bring in clients quickly and cost-effectively. With the right guidance, you can take your firm from quiet to thriving. Connect with Mark today—sometimes the right advice is all you need to unlock the full potential of your business.