sevenkeys cpa research: accounting firms step up marketing efforts in new battle for clients

responses are pouring in for the latest sevenkeys cpa study of marketing trends. (if you haven’t already received an invitation, you can join the survey here. participants get a special report of the the top-line results.) the preliminary results are eye-opening.

the findings will be revealed in the first session, sept. 20, of the four-part turbocharge series of webinars by the seven keys to successful cpa firm management.

accounting firms are rapidly escalating their business-building efforts:

  • 66% of accountants say their firms have been increasing their marketing and business development activities in the last 12 months.
  • 85% say they will be continuing to step up marketing in the coming 12 months
  • 55% are accelerating their own personal biz-dev efforts

adding new clients is now, clearly, the foremost concern, with 83% listing it as an objective, followed by:

  • client retention, 72%,
  • lead generation, 62%, and
  • niche or specialty services, 49%.

in the next 12 months, firms will be stepping up:

1. networking with prospects and referral sources, 67%,

2. upgrading the firm’s website, 57%,

3. e-newsletters, 52%,

4. social media (linkedin, facebook, twitter, youtube, etc.), 48%, and

5. thought leadership (blogging, publishing articles, speaking engagements, white papers), 45%.