You’ve got the skill. The credentials. The LLC.

Now all you need is… paying clients.

When you’re just starting your firm, getting those first 5 clients can feel like trying to start a campfire with damp matches.
You don’t want to cold call strangers.
You don’t have a $5K ad budget.
And your “network” mostly knows you as someone else's employee.

So how do you actually get clients?

Here’s what real new firm owners are doing in 2025, no selling your soul required.

These aren’t just theories. These are proven, real-world tactics from soloists who were in your shoes 90 days ago. You don’t need volume. You need momentum. That shift starts with visibility, clarity, and a few smart moves.

1. Flip the script: Don’t ask for clients. Ask for referrals.

Let’s start with the people you know: former coworkers, friends, ex-clients (ethics permitting), industry peers, even your barista who owns a side hustle.

This is your lowest-friction, highest-trust channel. Plus, you don’t need a sales pitch to snare them.

Instead of asking, “Know anyone who needs a CPA?”, say:

“Hey! I just launched my firm. If you come across anyone looking for help with tax planning or accounting, I’d be honored if you’d send them my way.”

You’re not begging. You’re opening a door.

People love to help, especially when it makes them look good for recommending someone sharp. Make it easy for them: have a great website, a clear niche (if possible), and a simple way to contact you.

2. Make your LinkedIn glow (and announce your leap)

Your LinkedIn profile is your new business card.

Checklist to look the part:

• Update your headline: “Founder at [Your Firm Name] | Helping [niche] with tax + accounting clarity”
  
• Add a fresh photo (friendly, pro, not your old employee badge)
  
• Write a short About section focused on who you help and how
• Add your website (and yes, that site should have a CTA)
  

Then, post a simple announcement:

“Big news: I’ve launched my own tax + accounting firm. I’m excited to serve small business owners who want clear, proactive support. Thank you to everyone who’s helped me on this journey!”

This single post often drives your first few inbound leads.

3. Share real insight on social (no viral dances required)

You don’t need a huge following to be seen as credible.

What you do need? Usefulness. Consistency beats virality every time, especially in professional services.

Post once a week. Talk like a human. Share:

• “3 things to prep before filing this year”
• “Why freelancers get burned on quarterly taxes”
• “What I wish every new LLC knew”

These micro-teachings build trust. They position you as approachable, smart, and client-ready without sounding like a sales pitch. Then, when someone’s friend says “I need a new accountant,” you’re the name that gets dropped in the group chat.

4. Offer a low-lift free session (but don’t call it a free consultation)

Want to build momentum fast? Offer a limited number of 15–20 minute “Ask Me Anything” sessions. These give potential clients a low-stakes way to experience your expertise.

Name it something friendly and specific:

• “Freelancer Tax Jam Session”
• “Ask Me Anything: LLC Taxes 101”
• “Bookkeeping Sanity Check”

Keep it casual. Offer value. Don’t pitch. They’ll ask, “How do I hire you?” — you won’t have to ask them.

(And with our AI-powered starter kit, your intake, scheduling, and follow-up can be totally automated.)

5. Partner with people who already serve your future clients

Ask yourself: Who do my ideal clients already trust?

• Bookkeepers
• Insurance agents
• Real estate pros
• Web designers for solopreneurs
• Business coaches

Reach out with a simple note:

“Hey, I just launched a firm helping [target audience] with tax + accounting. If your clients ever need a second set of eyes or a referral, I’d be happy to return the favor.”

This is how new firms quietly explode with referrals — without ever launching an ad.

Final Thought: You don’t need 50 clients. You need five good fits.

Your goal right now isn’t to scale. It’s to gain traction. Don’t worry about funnels, ads, or fancy tech yet. Focus on getting real people in the door.

Five clients = testimonials, confidence, and recurring revenue. That’s your foundation. And from there, you’re off to the races. The hardest part of growth is starting. That part? You just did it.

‍Want help looking like a pro from day one?

Grab our AI-powered starter kit — complete with custom website, proposal templates, onboarding automations, and done-for-you blog content.