# Accounting and bookkeeping websites study 2026: scoring rules

Code only observable public website evidence. Unknown is never counted as no. Public claims are not independently certified.

- Mobile usable: viewport, no material horizontal overflow, readable text, and navigation at 390×844.
- Clear value proposition: the initial page segment names an in-scope service with meaningful context.
- Bookkeeping service clarity: concrete bookkeeping work beyond a generic accounting claim.
- Client-fit clarity: identifies suitable clients, industries, stages, or engagement characteristics.
- Consultation CTA: explicit consultation, scheduling, booking, or get-started action.
- Prospect form: public new-client inquiry form; portal logins do not count.
- Client portal: clearly labelled existing-client destination.
- Portal separated from intake: both paths exist and are visibly distinct.
- Team profiles: named person with a relevant role.
- Credential context: CPA, EA, or equivalent category is visible; not independently verified.
- Testimonials: public testimonial or review content on the inspected site.
- Privacy link: public privacy notice or policy link.
- Location/remote model: sampled city or explicit remote/virtual/nationwide model.
- Software context: supported accounting/workflow software named in meaningful text.
- Security claim: visible security/protection language; no truth or compliance judgment.
- Contact access: a contact action accessible from the homepage/header path.

Service-page and primary-navigation counts remain unknown because template-generated links could not be distinguished consistently enough for publication.