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Accounting Firm Names: A Step-by-Step Guide for SEO Success  

Accounting Firm Names background

Did you know that accounting firm names can generate leads?

In 2024, successful firm names should be more than just a personal stamp. When done right, it becomes a strategic asset that can boost online visibility.

Many firms are starting to take a page or two from the marketer’s playbook. Although the accounting industry has traditionally depended on referrals, the digital age offers a vast new landscape for client acquisition.

Every element of a firm’s online presence—whether it’s email marketing, pay-per-click advertising, or social media—can serve as a lead generation tool.

Accounting firm names are said to be a resource you can leverage to improve your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) efforts. SEO is a strategy that aims to increase your firm’s awareness, as its main goal is to place your website on the front page of Google’s search results.

0 %
of online engagements start with a search engine.
0 %
of marketers get the highest quality leads from inbound SEO. 

Simply, when people search for “advisory” or “tax experts” on Google, you want your firm to be one of the first options they see.

SEO-Driven Accounting Firm Names

While a burst of creativity can often lead to ideal, SEO-friendly firm names, inspiration can sometimes be difficult to come by.

That’s why we’ve developed a structured approach to help you craft a firm name that not only captivates but also optimises your online presence:

1. Understand Naming Regulations

It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the specific naming guidelines before generating potential names. For instance, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has distinct regulations for trading names, accounting business names, and accounting company names.

The ASIC has also specified valid character sets. Understanding them will help ensure compliance and accuracy in your registration.

2. Create a Master List of Name Choices

Having covered the essential regulations, we can now start listing accounting firm names that come to mind. Here’s how you can categorise your ideas:
a. Use descriptive names (as much as possible) 

A descriptive name clearly communicates your firm’s core services. For instance, “The Outsourced Accountants” is effective for SEO, particularly in Australia, where “outsourced accountants” is a commonly searched term for those interested in outsourcing accounting services to a global team.

If you’re focusing on a particular niche, you can specify it, but make sure to strike a balance between being specific and remaining open to growth.

Descriptive Keywords
General Niche
Estate Expert Advisors
People and Pay Experts
Nonprofit Financial Advisors
Audit and Assurance Group
b. Ensure easy pronunciation and spelling 

A name that is easy to pronounce is more likely to be remembered. SEO experts suggest that short, easy to spell, phonetic names with two syllables are particularly effective.

c. Consider cultural implications

A firm’s name should be culturally sensitive, avoiding offensive language. Choosing a respectful name can significantly impact brand perception and consumer trust by 62%.

d. Incorporate personal branding (subtly)

Consider blending personal elements with descriptive terms. For example, Walmart effectively combines the founder’s name (Walton) with a descriptive element (market).

By following this approach, you can differentiate your firm while clearly conveying your services.

Example Why We Like It
Morris Mission Audits "Morris" adds a personal touch
"Mission" shortens "Nonprofit" while capturing its spirit
"Audits" clearly defines the firm's expertise.
Johnson & Ledgers Clever play on "Johnson & Johnson", adding a unique twist
"Ledgers" to clearly signal accounting services
Bookkeeping company names may use “ledgers” to leave room for expansion

3. Use SEO Keywords in Your Name

A potential client might search for terms like “tax preparer,” “small business accountant,” or “CPA near me.” These search terms are keywords—specific words or phrases that people use when searching for information online.

Here’s how you can integrate keywords in your brand name:

a. Sneak a keyword in your name
The ideal keyword is low in difficulty, but high in volume. This means that it’s not challenging for you to rank in Google’s search results and at the same time, there is a volume of people searching for that specific service.
Common Keywords in Accounting Names
Accounting services bookkeeping, small business accounting, CFO services, financial consulting, audit services
Tax-related keywords
tax preparation, corporate tax, tax planning, tax audit
b. Include business type on the tagline

If incorporating keywords into your firm name is difficult, consider using them in your tagline. This is also a proven tactic suggested by SEO experts on how firm owners can name accounting businesses:

c. Specify the location

To further refine your target audience, consider incorporating your location into your firm name. This can be done directly by including the city or region, or indirectly by using descriptive terms that evoke the area.

d. Check for competition

Avoid naming your firm after famous brands or media to prevent search engine confusion. Should you choose to name your firm, “The Rogue Trader”, then expect your clients to see a film with a 30% review rating on rotten tomatoes.

4. Check Existing Trademarks

International Property (IP) Australia’s trademark checker allows anyone to search for existing trademarks. While simple searches for exact matches are possible, conducting a comprehensive trademark search can be complex. To ensure thoroughness and accuracy, consider seeking professional assistance.

5. View Internet Domain Availability

A domain name is your website’s online address. It’s like your business’s street address, but for the internet. For example, Google’s domain is google.com.

To see if your dream domain (like shorelineaccounting.com) is available, use a domain registrar like Namecheap. If it’s taken, don’t worry! Here are some creative solutions:

What Else is in a Name?

Well-thought-out accounting firm names, optimised for search engines, can serve as a cornerstone for long-term business growth. For startups, this foundational element should not be overlooked.

Once you’ve perfected your firm’s name and branding, the real challenge begins—delivering the services you’ve promised. Building a high-performing onshore accounting team can be more complex than choosing a unique name.

To maximise efficiency and client satisfaction, consider a hybrid approach: harnessing the strengths of local talent for high-impact, client-facing tasks while leveraging offshore resources for routine functions.

Selecting the right offshore partner is crucial. Look for providers with a proven track record of delivering exceptional outsourced accounting staffing solutions to top firms worldwide.

By strategically combining onshore talent, outsourced accounting and a search engine optimised firm name, your company can enhance service delivery, boost profits, and strengthen its market presence.

About the Author
Content Writer
Andrea is a seasoned content writer with a strong journalism background, bringing storytelling expertise to TOA Global. She specialises in creating compelling content and showcasing the transformative power of global talent for the finance and real estate industries. Outside of content writing, Andrea finds balance in the quiet joy of reading nonfiction and the adrenaline rush of freediving.