How to Launch a Tech Advisory Service Line in 3 Practical Steps 

Accounting firms today are stepping well beyond compliance. Many now find themselves offering guidance not just on numbers, but on technology, process improvement, and digital tools. Tech advisory is quickly becoming one of the most commercially promising service lines available to modern firms. 

During a recent webinar, Bethanie Hawkins, Digital Transformation Consultant at Menzies, and Ryan Pearcy, Associate Partner at SB Digital, shared their hard-earned insights on how to build and deliver tech advisory services clients actually value. Here’s how they recommend getting started. 

Why Tech Advisory Now? 

Most accounting firms already answer tech-related questions from clients. Maybe you recommend apps, help set up bank feeds, or troubleshoot systems when they fail. That informal help can now be packaged, priced, and delivered as a structured, scalable service. 

As Bethanie explains, “A tech advisor should look for opportunities to do better within a business. That means making processes smoother by helping clients implement the right tools.” 

Ryan adds that tech advisory is not just a convenience for clients. It reduces risk. “If you’re only acting reactively, you’re creating risk. Proactive advisory helps clients avoid costly mistakes from the start.” 

This shift from reactive to proactive is at the heart of why firms are formalising tech advisory as a distinct offering. 

Step 1: Build Internal Buy-In First 

Before you market your services to clients, make sure your own team understands what tech advisory is and why it matters. 

Bethanie started by running a series of internal presentations at Menzies. She helped her colleagues identify red flags in client systems, and sparked discussions about how to handle tech-related challenges more strategically. Ryan agrees. He recommends positioning internal tech advisors as you would a tax specialist: someone your team knows to bring into client conversations at the right time. 

Tip: Create a regular internal education rhythm. Quarterly sessions work well to share updates, client success stories, and emerging trends. The more confident your team is, the more likely they are to refer the right clients to your advisory service. 

Step 2: Define and Price Your Services Clearly 

One of the most common mistakes firms make is launching tech advisory without defining what it includes, how it’s delivered, and what it costs. 

Both Bethanie and Ryan recommend breaking your service into fixed-fee modules. This gives clients a clear idea of what to expect, and gives your team a repeatable process. Bethanie includes line-item options in her proposals. For example, “Want to add your payroll process review? That’s another £500.” 

Ryan’s team offers a free discovery consultation, but limits how much they share in that first meeting. “Give just enough to show your expertise, but not enough that they can go do it on their own,” he says. 

Pro tip: Design your services as a menu. Start with core packages like tech audits or process mapping, and allow clients to add on modules as they go. This approach is flexible for smaller businesses and scalable for larger ones. 

Step 3: Bring Your Reports to Life 

How you present your findings matters. Long reports are often ignored or misunderstood. Ryan shared that his firm uses video to walk clients through cost-of-operations analyses. These include comparisons between the current process and a new one, along with savings estimates. 

Bethanie highlighted the value of process mapping, not just as a diagnostic tool, but as a standalone service. Mapping workflows visually helps clients see where things break down, where apps overlap, and where improvements can be made. 

Insight: Video walkthroughs and simple visuals can turn dense reports into tools for decision-making. They also demonstrate your value more clearly than static PDFs. 

Build for the Long Term 

Tech advisory doesn’t stop at implementation. Both Bethanie and Ryan agreed that the first few months post-project are where clients need the most support. Many firms assign a named support lead during this phase to provide continu ity and strengthen the relationship. 

Ryan also recommends building in time for your own team to learn. “If you don’t create space for research and development, you’ll fall behind,” he said. Tech moves quickly. Continuous learning isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential to maintaining a profitable advisory service. 

Strategy: Treat knowledge building as part of your business model. Set aside time each month to explore new apps, share findings, and refine your internal processes. 

Summary: Your 3-Step Launch Plan 

Starting a new service line can feel overwhelming, but it becomes much easier when you break it down. 

1. Educate internally
   Align your team. Make sure everyone knows what tech advisory is, when to bring it up, and how it fits into your overall client strategy. 

1. Structure your offer
   Package your services clearly. Use fixed-fee stages, offer modular options, and guide clients through a journey rather than a one-off engagement. 

1. Make it easy to understand
   Present findings in ways that help clients take action. Use video, visuals, and practical language that makes the value obvious. 

As Ryan put it, “Don’t fear getting it wrong. Use early experiences to refine and improve.” 

Tech advisory doesn’t have to be perfect on day one. What matters is starting, and evolving as you learn. With the right foundation, it can become one of the most impactful and profitable services your firm offers. 

Ready to take the next step? AppVentory helps you deliver tech audits and advisory services faster and with greater confidence. Sign up now and see how we support your advisory journey. 

The post How to Launch a Tech Advisory Service Line in 3 Practical Steps  appeared first on Accounting Insight News.