Launch. Grow. Automate. Repeat.
A step-by-step guide for tax and accounting pros going from W-2 to CEO.

Welcome to Your Next Chapter

You’re not just starting a firm.
You’re building an asset.
And this kit is your shortcut to launching with confidence, credibility, and clients, powered by automation, not exhaustion.

It includes everything you need to look legit on day one—from your website to your intake process to your first blog post—without spending $10K or working weekends.

We’ve built this for first-time founders who want to get it right the first time. No coding. No cold calls. No burnout.

Section 1: Quick Start Checklist

The foundational steps, so you can get official, look better than all of the competition, and be ready for clients in under a week.

Legal + Admin

• Choose your firm name and check availability
• Register LLC or S-Corp in your state
• Apply for your EIN (IRS.gov)
• Open your business bank account
• Get E&O insurance and any required licenses

Digital Presence

• Buy your domain name (Namecheap, Google Domains)
• Set up branded email (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365)
• Launch your CountingWorks PRO website + ClientHub

This setup isn’t about perfection. It’s about momentum. You’re building a real business, and with these essentials in place, you’ll look like you’ve been doing it for years.

Section 2: Tool Stack Setup Guide

Everything you need and nothing you don’t.

When you’re starting out, tech overwhelm is real. But the right setup can give you leverage from day one. This isn’t about cramming your workflow with software you’ll never use. It’s about building a lean, automated foundation that makes you look credible, operate efficiently, and grow sustainably.

Website + Client Hub

• Branded to your niche and voice
• Built-in AI chatbot trained on tax/accounting knowledge
• Secure file sharing + messaging built in

Proposals, Engagement Letters, and Invoices

• Custom templates for each service type
• Automated e-sign and payment collection
• Trigger next steps (intake forms, onboarding tasks)

CRM + Client Workflows

• Smart tracking of leads and clients
• Automated reminders and task creation
• Visibility into where every client stands

Blog + Email Newsletter Automation

• AI-generated blog posts based on your niche
• Monthly newsletters that pull from your blog feed
• Auto-publish to Google Business Profile, LinkedIn, and Facebook

With this tech stack, you’re not just “open for business”—you’re positioned like a pro from day one. Everything runs through one system, every touchpoint is polished, and you never have to wonder what fell through the cracks.

Section 3: First 5 Clients Playbook

The proven approach to getting traction without cold calls or ads.

Referral Scripts (Email/DM/Text)

“Hey [Name], I’ve just launched my own firm helping [type of client] with tax and accounting. If you know anyone who might need a fresh perspective or help this year, I’d love an intro.”

LinkedIn Launch Post (Copy + Paste)

Big news: I’ve launched my own tax + accounting firm, focused on helping [niche] with [benefit]. I’m incredibly grateful to the mentors and clients who got me here. If you or someone you know needs support, I’m here.
(Let’s connect — my calendar’s open!)

Free AMA Offer (Optional Tactic)

• Offer 3–5 free “Ask Me Anything” sessions
• Use Calendly + CountingWorks intake form
• Share in local or niche business communities

These casual sessions build trust fast, and often convert into clients without ever feeling like a pitch.

The key is visibility with value. These aren’t ads. They’re genuine conversations that create momentum, referrals, and word-of-mouth. This is exactly what your early-stage firm needs.

Section 4: Prewritten Launch Assets

Website Copy Starter:

• Homepage hero: “Proactive tax + accounting for [target audience].”
• About section: Your story + who you help + why you started
• CTA: “Book a call” or “Request a proposal”

Tip: Keep it clear, not clever. Say exactly who you help and how—e.g., “Proactive tax planning for real estate agents” or “Bookkeeping for six-figure creatives.”

Proposal & Engagement Letter Templates:

• Starter templates for:
  
  • Monthly bookkeeping
  • Year-end tax prep
  • Advisory + planning
• Editable in your ClientHub library

Each template is written in plain English and structured to minimize scope creep. You can easily customize pricing, scope, and terms to match your firm’s style.

Intake Form Starter Questions:

• Name / entity type / structure
• Prior-year tax info / financials
• Goals + pain points

Keep it short and conversational. You can always collect more info later—but this first form should get the conversation started without overwhelming your new lead.

Section 5: 90-Day Visibility Plan

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Section 6: First-Year Financial Planning Sheet

Let’s talk numbers.

Setting prices—and forecasting revenue—isn’t just about picking a number that “feels fair.” It’s about understanding your value, staying profitable, and planning for sustainable growth.

This section gives you a realistic range of what new firms charge, plus a starter revenue and budget planner to help you set targets and get traction without underpricing yourself.

Spoiler: You don’t need 100 clients. You just need the right ones.

Pricing Benchmarks:

• Monthly bookkeeping: $300–$1,000/month
• Tax prep: $600–$1,200+
• Advisory packages: $2,500+/quarter

Revenue Target Planner (Example)

Target: $8K/month by Month 9 = ~$100K/year

Budget Planner:

Section 7: Niche Test Kit

You don’t need a niche to start. But you’ll need one to scale.

The firms that grow fastest—and attract the best-fit clients—usually narrow their focus over time. A niche gives your marketing clarity, your pricing power, and your content a clear audience. This section helps you know when the time is right, how to audit your current book, and which niches are most ripe for growth in 2025.

Thanks to the flexibility of CountingWorks PRO, testing a niche doesn’t mean locking yourself in.

When to Pick a Niche:

• You see a pattern in your best clients
• You enjoy the work
• You can find them easily
• You get referrals from inside that industry

Quick Audit Prompt:

• Who did I love working with before?
• Who pays well and rarely pushes back on fees?
• Who needs recurring help, not just a one-time tax return?

Optional Niches to Explore:

• Real estate investors
• Creatives + freelancers
• Law firms and solo legal pros
• Ecommerce or digital service providers
• Medical practices

Pro Tip:
With the CountingWorks platform, you can change niche messaging in seconds — test without rebuilding your brand from scratch.

You’re Launching A Firm. You Don’t Have To Do It Alone.

This kit gives you the roadmap. CountingWorks PRO gives you the engine.

Together, you’ll build a modern, automated firm that:

• Attracts the right clients
• Runs without chaos
• Grows without guesswork

Ready to activate your Starter Kit?

Book a demo or get started at CountingWorksPro.com