If you want to grow your full time bookkeeping business and find more clients for your accounting and bookkeeping services, you need to implement the right marketing strategies. This article covers timeless tactics to get prospective clients and build your client base through word of mouth, website and social media optimization, and by leveraging trust recommendations from small business owners and potential clients in your local area. 

Read on to learn proven ways you can use marketing tactics to find more clients for your bookkeeping services.

Define your ideal client for your bookkeeping business

To build up your client base, start by defining what your ideal client looks like. This gives you a framework to develop a cohesive marketing strategy that brings in loyal, long-term customers. As a bookkeeper, your ideal client is probably a small business owner who needs help keeping their financial records in order so they can focus on running their company. 

Focus on Local Businesses

Local small businesses are ideal prospective clients for several reasons:

  • You can meet with them in person to build trust and learn about their specific needs. 
  • They are more likely to value recommendations from people in their community.
  • Their close proximity makes them easier to serve

Think about the types of businesses in your area that typically need bookkeeping services, like retail shops, restaurants, consulting firms or tradespeople. Reach out to local businesses in your area and introduce yourself and your bookkeeping services. Offer to meet with them for a free initial consultation. 

Be prepared to explain how you can help them with tasks like accounts payable and receivable, payroll, financial reporting and tax preparation. Many small business owners struggle with these responsibilities, so your services will be greatly appreciated.

Use your website and social media channels for bookkeeping client outreach

Your website and social media profiles are valuable tools for finding new bookkeeping clients. You need to use them in smart ways that will attract and convert new customers. 

Optimize your website to appeal to new clients

Start by making sure your website is optimized for search engines like Google so prospective clients can easily find you. Use keywords like “bookkeeping” and “small business accounting” so you appear at the top of results for terms  Include details about your bookkeeping services, experience, credentials, and contact information.

Establish your social media presence 

Build your social media following on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Post regularly about bookkeeping and accounting topics, share industry news and tips, and promote your services. Engage with followers by liking and commenting on their posts as well. Join relevant LinkedIn groups to connect with other bookkeeping professionals and small business owners. Comment on discussions and start your own to build your credibility and get your name in front of potential clients.

Host an educational webinar

Hosting a free educational webinar is a great way to position yourself as an expert, provide value to prospective clients, and generate new leads. Choose a topic that would be helpful for your ideal clients like “The Top 5 Bookkeeping Mistakes Small Businesses Make.” Promote your webinar on your website and social media profiles, and offer to send the recording to anyone who registers but can’t attend live. This gives you their contact information so you can follow up with an offer for a free initial consultation.

Network and build relationships to find prospective bookkeeping clients

The key to finding new bookkeeping clients through networking is patience and persistence. Don’t expect to land a new client after one encounter. Nurture your relationships over time through follow-up calls, emails, and in-person meetings. As business owners get to know and trust you, they may decide to hire you when they’re ready to outsource their bookkeeping. 

Here are four tips to help you to grow your customer base. 

  • Leverage local business networks 

Join your local Chamber of Commerce and attend networking events to make personal connections with business owners and managers. Be ready to share information about your firm and the services you provide. Many small businesses prefer to trust recommendations from people they know, so networking can lead to new clients through word-of-mouth marketing.

  • Reach out to local businesses directly

Don’t underestimate the power of direct outreach. Compile a list of local small businesses that could benefit from your bookkeeping services. Call them or send a personalized email introducing yourself and your firm. Explain how you can help take their accounting and bookkeeping off their plate so they can focus on running their business. Offer a free initial consultation to discuss their needs.

  • Nurture client relationships 

Build genuine relationships with your prospective clients by showing interest in them and their businesses. Ask questions to determine if they’d be a good ideal client for your firm. Look for local businesses that could benefit from your accounting and bookkeeping expertise. As you get to know people, share details about your background, experience, and services. Let them know you handle bookkeeping full time and are available to take on new clients.

  • Encourage word-of-mouth advertising

Many business owners prefer to trust recommendations from people they know, so ask your current clients for referrals to help grow your client base through word-of-mouth marketing. Provide incentives like discounts or gift cards for anyone who refers a new client to your bookkeeping business.

Leverage referrals and word of mouth for new bookkeeping clients

While technology like search engine optimization and social media marketing have their place, nothing is more powerful than real-life relationships and connections within your local business community. Focus on building trust with your current clients so they feel comfortable recommending your services. 

Ask happy clients for reviews and referrals

Once you’ve established a good working relationship with your clients, don’t be afraid to ask them for reviews and referrals. People trust recommendations from people they know, so a personal referral from a satisfied client is ideal. Ask if they know any other local businesses looking for accounting and bookkeeping help. Make it easy for them by providing business cards with your contact information to pass along to others, and offer an incentive like a discount on services for any new clients they refer.

Build a referral network

Work on building relationships with professionals in complementary fields, like accountants, financial advisors, attorneys, and insurance agents. Explain the types of clients you work with and the bookkeeping services you offer. Give them your business cards, flyers or other marketing materials to share with their clients and prospective clients. Look for opportunities to cross-promote by exchanging links on your website and social media platforms.

Get involved in your local community

One of the best ways to find new clients is to become an active member in your local business community. Attend networking events, join your chamber of commerce, and look for opportunities to get involved with local nonprofit organizations. Donate your time and bookkeeping skills, and you’ll gain exposure for your business while building goodwill. Small business owners you meet at these events and organizations may become your ideal clients.

Provide excellent service to retain and grow your bookkeeping client base

Satisfied clients are your best source of new referrals through word-of-mouth marketing, so focus on providing top-notch service to your existing clients. When your current clients trust you and the work you do, they’ll recommend your bookkeeping services to other small business owners.

Build strong relationships

Strong relationships built on trust and understanding will encourage clients to stick with you for the long-term, so make the effort to get to know your clients and their businesses. Ask questions to determine their needs and priorities. They’ll come to rely on your knowledge and expertise to support their company’s financial success.

Exceed expectations

Aim to overdeliver for your clients by providing additional resources and advice. For example, offer quarterly reviews to evaluate their financials, suggest strategies for growth or cost-savings, and provide helpful tools and resources on your website and social media platforms. This added value will make you indispensable to your clients and motivate them to refer others to you.

The sky’s the limit for your bookkeeping business

With the right marketing strategies, you’ll build connections with potential new clients and grow your bookkeeping business through your website, social media, and personal outreach. Focus on providing value, building trust, and showing how you can help take one more thing off a small business owner’s plate. With consistency and dedication to finding new bookkeeping clients, you’ll be well on your way to growing a successful full time bookkeeping business.