Capitalize on downtime with simple, high-impact strategies.
Summer might mean vacation mode for many clients—but for accounting firms, it’s the perfect opportunity to get proactive about marketing. As time frees up, you can strengthen your brand, build trust, and prep for a strong finish to the year.
7 Marketing Moves
Here are seven marketing moves that require little effort but deliver long-term value. Download the checklist to help you tackle tasks.
1. Refresh Your Website (Starting with the Homepage)
Your website is often your first impression—make sure it’s current.
During busier seasons, updating your website tends to fall to the bottom of the list. Use the summer slowdown to review your homepage messaging, check for broken links, and improve your key service pages. Update outdated team bios, upload new images, and add fresh testimonials. This small investment in time can increase credibility and boost SEO rankings.
Read “Why Archive / Delete Old Website Content?”
2. Send a Mid-Year Email Check-In
Stay top of mind by offering something helpful—before clients ask.
Your clients may not be thinking about taxes right now, but a well-timed mid-year email shows you’re proactive. Include a few quick tips, an invitation to review financial goals, and a call to action like, “Schedule your mid-year review today.”
Email campaigns tend to perform well in summer when inboxes are less cluttered.
Ideas to include:
- Tax prep reminders
- Financial planning tips
- A short checklist for business owners
- A call to schedule a check-in
Bonus: Link to a blog post or checklist for added value and engagement. Read “Mid-Year Marketing Checklist for Accounting Firms,” on CPA Practice Advisor.
3. Plan and Schedule Your Fall Content
Fall will be busy—get ahead now so you’re not rushing later.
Use this quieter time to outline and schedule your content for Q3 and Q4. This includes newsletters, blogs, social media posts, and client emails. Focus on key seasonal topics like year-end tax planning, estimated payments, and retirement planning
Tip: Batch content creation now so you’re not scrambling when things get busy. Read “5 Content Curation Tips to Fill Your Social Media Calendar.”
4. Launch a Referral Incentive
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools you have.
Encourage happy clients to refer colleagues or friends by offering a small incentive—such as a gift card, donation in their name, or a service credit. Make the process simple: mention the program in your email signature, add a banner to your website, or send a brief announcement via email. Even a one-month promotion can generate new leads.
Read and download the templates from Fit Small Business, “7 Referral Email Templates for More Word-of-Mouth Referrals.”
5. Get Active on LinkedIn
Your future clients are already scrolling—meet them where they are.
Posting consistently on LinkedIn helps build trust, especially among business owners and decision-makers. Use summer to share educational posts, client success stories, industry insights, seasonal tax tips, or behind-the-scenes posts about your team.
You don’t have to be on every platform—just show up regularly where your ideal clients spend time. A weekly post and a few comments on others’ content can go a long way. Read “5 Ways to Stand Out on LinkedIn.”
6. Update Your Google Business Profile
Local search visibility starts with a well-maintained profile.
This summer, take five minutes to review your hours, services, photos, and description. Add a seasonal post (yes, Google lets you post updates!) and request new client reviews. A fresh, accurate profile can improve your visibility in local search and help prospects find and trust you.
Bonus tip: Request reviews from happy clients.
7. Host a Short Summer Webinar or Q&A
Position your firm as the go-to expert with a bite-sized virtual event.
You don’t need a big production. A 20- to 30-minute webinar or five- to ten-minute live Q&A on Zoom or LinkedIn Live can answer common client questions and attract new prospects. Keep the topic specific and practical, like “3 Ways to Prep for Year-End Taxes Now” or “How to Avoid Bookkeeping Mistakes That Cost You.” Record it, repurpose it, and share it again later.
A 20-minute “Ask Me Anything” session can also help position you as a trusted advisor and generate leads. Topics could include:
- Bookkeeping tips for busy business owners,
- Year-end tax prep strategies, or
- How to choose the right entity structure.
Ready to heat up your marketing this summer?
You don’t need a full marketing department or big budget to make an impact this summer. With a few intentional actions, you can build stronger relationships, improve your visibility, and set your firm up for a productive fall
Start with one strategy above—or better yet, schedule a strategy session with me to create a custom plan that fits your firm’s goals.