According to Propero Partners’ The State of Digital Marketing in Professional Services report, 13% of accounting firms do not have a website. On the other hand, 44.7% of accounting firms with basic, digital brochure-like websites generate no leads. While accounting firms see the value of having a modern website, some are still quite hesitant to invest in it to generate more revenue.

Is it possible for an accounting firm to succeed without a website? While it is technically possible to have a successful accounting firm without a website, doing so can present significant challenges and may limit your growth potential.

In this article, we will discuss how much is not having a website losing you money.

Why is a Website Essential for Accounting Firms?

Word of mouth is the best way to get clients. This is true for many professional services, including accounting firms. However, this doesn’t stop clients—referred to or not—from checking your firm out before getting in contact.

Unfortunately, YellowPages is a thing of the past. People today check businesses and firms through their websites. To most clients, businesses without websites usually come across as fly-by-night operations. They are becoming more careful about who they are doing business with. This is why having a website is essential for accounting firms.

“So now I have a website. Why does it still not generate more clients as I expected?”

One reason why some professional service websites don't generate leads is that most websites, especially accounting firm websites, look the same. You often see a basic website design and a list of their services. Basically, they are just a digital brochure that focuses on the firm rather than the value clients can get working with them. 

The difference between an e-commerce website and an accounting firm website is that accounting firms do not directly sell their services. Instead, they sell their expertise. In e-commerce, people buy products right away, especially in retail. However, in professional services, the sales process takes longer. Before deciding to buy a service, accounting firms and clients conduct interviews to see if the firm's expertise fits the client's needs.

Another way to demonstrate a firm’s expertise on their website is through content. your accounting firm website can publish informative articles and case studies, and provide free help sheets and checklists. 

After building trust and credibility by sharing valuable content, you can then shift the tone to a more marketing-oriented strategy. Tell your clients about the benefits of working with you and help them understand your value proposition. Successful marketing efforts result in getting more clients.

Eventually, with a professional website that establishes your credibility and expertise that clients pay for increases the perceived value of your service. Therefore, you can leverage this to up your rates.

How Much is Not Having a Website Costing Your Accounting Firm Per Year?

Let’s try to estimate the revenue an accounting firm might miss out on without a website. Please note that we are trying to keep estimates conservative, assuming that the firm’s clientele is primarily small business owners with compiled financial statements and a corporate tax return.

Basic accounting firm website

A basic accounting firm website typically includes:

• Homepage: Features a navigation menu that links to other key pages.

• Services Page: Lists all the services offered by the firm.

• Contact Page: Provides contact information and a form for inquiries.

Assuming that the basic accounting firm website generates

• Number of Clients per Year: 1 client

• Average Value per Client: $2,000

• Profit Margin: 30%

In a year, this website could bring in $2,000 in annual revenue, of which $600 is profit. 

Standard accounting firm website

A standard accounting firm website typically includes:

• Homepage: Features a navigation menu that links to other key pages.

• Services Page: Lists all the services offered by the firm with detailed descriptions and pricing information.

• Contact Page: Provides contact information and a form for inquiries.

• Blog Page: Contains all informative and timely blog posts, newsletters, and case studies.

• Standard SEO Optimization: Proper meta tags, keywords, and descriptions for better search engine visibility.

Assuming that the standard accounting firm website generates

• Number of Clients per Quarter: 1 client

• Average Value per Client: $2,000

• Profit Margin: 30%

In a year, this website could bring in $8,000 in annual revenue, of which $2,400 is profit. 

Modern accounting firm website

A modern accounting firm website typically includes:

• Homepage: Features a navigation menu that links to other key pages.

• Services Page: Lists all the services offered by the firm with detailed descriptions and pricing information.

• Contact Page: Provides contact information and a form for inquiries.

• Blog Page: Contains all informative and timely blog posts, newsletters, and case studies.

• Advanced SEO Optimization: Proper meta tags, keywords, and descriptions for better search engine visibility.

• Responsive and Adaptive Design: Ensures the website looks and performs well on all devices, with adaptive features for different screen sizes.

• Live Chat Option: Integration with live chat services for instant communication.

• Enhanced Security: SSL certificates, firewalls, and other security features to protect user data.

• Performance Optimization: Techniques for fast loading times, such as lazy loading, optimized images, and content delivery networks (CDNs).

• Accessibility Features: Ensuring the website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Assuming that the modern accounting firm website generates

• Number of Clients per Month: 1 client

• Average Value per Client: $2,000

• Profit Margin: 30%

In a year, this website could bring in $24,000 in annual revenue, of which $7,200 is profit. 

Where Do You Start if You Don’t Have a Website?

Hiring Professionals

The easiest way to start building your accounting firm's website is by hiring a web design and development company. They will take care of technical tasks like domain registration, web hosting, and setting up databases, servers, and email accounts.

They can also design a website that looks good and matches your brand, making sure all pages have a consistent style.

Initial costs can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the project's complexity and size. Ongoing maintenance and support may add to the cost but will keep your website in great shape.

Do-It-Yourself

Some small accounting firms prefer to build their websites from scratch for several reasons. Doing it themselves can save the money that would otherwise be spent on hiring a web design and development company. 

This approach allows for greater customization to meet their specific needs and preferences without relying on a third party. It also means they can make changes or updates immediately without waiting for a developer. However, it’s important to remember that this method requires time, effort, and some technical know-how. 

Additionally, the website may not perform as well or look as polished as one created by professional developers and designers. As a result, it might not convert as many leads as a professionally designed website.

We have prepared a checklist for those who want to start planning out their own accounting firm website or updating the one they already have.

Websites for Accounting Firms are Worth Investing in

Investing in a modern website is very beneficial for an accounting firm. It creates a strong first impression, making the firm appear more credible and trustworthy. A well-designed website also improves online visibility, making it easier for potential clients to find the firm through search engines. 

We hope you find this article useful. If you’d like The Digital Firm to help you develop your accounting firm’s website or optimize your current one to generate more clients, book a call with us.