If you’ve ever wondered how to escape the referral hamster wheel and actually build a predictable system for attracting clients — this episode is your roadmap. Marketing expert James Donovan, founder of Nine Two Media, joins Paden to break down how accounting firms can use paid ads and Google strategy to scale smarter — not harder. Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with James Donovan, the marketing mind behind Nine Two Media — the agency helping accountants, bookkeepers, and CFOs stop relying on word-of-mouth and start using data-driven marketing to drive consistent revenue. James shares how he went from selling ads on adult websites to building a thriving agency that’s now the go-to for accounting firms. Together, Paden and James unpack how paid ads, Google Business Profiles, and SEO optimization can transform a business’s lead flow. They break down real-world numbers — like how spending $100 on a qualified Google ad call can turn into a $36,000 lifetime client — and why every firm owner needs to treat marketing as an investment, not an expense. They also dig into AI’s impact on marketing, how to build a referral-independent system, and why your first step should be getting your Google Business Profile dialed in and full of five-star reviews. What You’ll Learn: Why paid ads aren’t an expense — they’re a predictable investment in your growth The biggest mistakes accounting firms make when running ads How to calculate your cost to acquire a client (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV) Simple SEO and Google review hacks that instantly boost visibility How AI and automation are changing marketing for accountants and service-based firms Why “you’re going to pay one way or another” — in time or money — so choose wisely Connect with James Donovan: Website: ninetwomedia.com LinkedIn: James Donovan Podcast: CFO Chronicles — available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts Connect with Paden: For more insights on building a financially smart, scalable business, follow Paden on: Instagram: @padensquires Website: padensquires.com 👉 Visit squirestaxplanning.com to take the free assessment and see how much you might be overpaying. You can also book a complimentary Tax Discovery Call with Paden’s team at Squires Tax Planning to uncover strategies your current CPA might be missing. keypoints: paid ads, digital marketing, Google ads for accountants, client acquisition, marketing strategy, SEO for accounting firms, business growth, tax planning, lead generation, marketing automation, small business marketing