How to Get Bookkeeping Clients

Let’s explore 20 predictable channels for securing new bookkeeping

clients and growing a successful practice.

1. Ask for Referrals

According to a Nielson study, 88% of consumers trust

recommendations from people they know over other forms of
advertising. This underlines the power a personal referral holds in
attracting new clients.
When starting your bookkeeping firm, reach out to your family, friends,
and acquaintances asking them to refer people who may require your
services.
But the true power of word-of-mouth marketing lies in satisfying your
current clients. Consistently delivering exceptional services earns their
trust and loyalty. This makes it easy to ask them for referrals. “A
satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all,” says Micheal
LeBeouf.
To make the referral process easy, provide a template people can use
to refer others to your firm. Also, consider offering incentives or
discounts to existing clients to further motivate them.

2. Networking

No one starts a business hoping customers will appear out of thin air.
To win clients, you must proactively put your bookkeeping firm on the
map. One effective way to achieve this is through networking. It’s a
powerful strategy for building relationships and generating quality
leads.
Networking endeavors such as attending conferences, joining
organizations, and participating in events allow you to connect with
potential clients, increase brand awareness, and position yourself as
an industry expert.
By making genuine connections and engaging in meaningful
conversations, you can build a solid network of individuals who may
become clients or refer others to your firm.
Here’s a list of top 20 accounting conferences you should attend in
2024.

3. Google Business Profile (Local SEO)

According to a Bright local survey, around 87% of consumers use

Google to research local businesses. This shows more people are
actively looking for companies in their area.
To capitalize on this trend, optimize your online presence for local SEO.
One way to do this is by creating a Google Business profile (GBP)
With Google Business, you add your firm’s information such as
website, address, phone number, and business hours. It also lets you
showcase your services, get online reviews, and appear in Google
Maps results.
From the screenshot above, people can easily get information about
these bookkeeping firms without visiting their websites.
To enhance your visibility in local search results and attract clients,
you have to optimize your Google Business profile. Here are a few tips
for doing this:

 Claim your GBP listing and ensure all information is accurate.

 Craft a compelling business description and use it to highlight
your expertise in specific industries like small business
 bookkeeping. Also, include a call to action like Get a free
consultation.
 Choose the right category to help searchers find your firm.
 Encourage client reviews and respond promptly, showcasing
professionalism and addressing concerns. Positive reviews will
boost your ranking.
 Share informative posts about bookkeeping tips or upcoming
workshops. Also, upload high-quality photos of your team and
office to put a face to your firm.

4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

A bookkeeping website will help to establish credibility, build trust, and

boost your online presence. But what good is having a website if no
one knows it exists?
Hence the importance of SEO. Considering 68% of online
experiences begin with a search, it makes sense to invest in SEO to
improve your website’s visibility and attract potential clients.
Here are some effective SEO tips:

 Identify and incorporate relevant bookkeeping keywords in your

header, meta title, meta description, and other relevant areas on
your website.
 Ensure your website design is clean and user-friendly for easy
navigation.
 Many users access websites on smartphones and tablets. So it’s
crucial that your site is responsive and provides a seamless
experience across various screen sizes.
 Ensure your website has SSL certification, especially if it involves
handling sensitive financial information. A secure website builds
trust with visitors and can positively impact your search engine
ranking.
 Regularly publish high-quality bookkeeping content to showcase
expertise and improve search engine rankings.
 Ensure your website’s loading speed is fast. Visitors are more
likely to leave if a website takes too long to load.
Use this our SEO Guide for Accountants for practical tips on
how to get started from start to finish.

5. Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and

Instagram are effective marketing tools for building awareness and
generating leads.
But one mistake we’ve seen most bookkeepers make with social media
is being overly promotional. This tactic will yield little or no results
because people go on these platforms to be educated, entertained and
informed.
So, a more effective strategy is to provide helpful content to your
audience. Doing this positions you as an expert and helps to boost
awareness for your firm.
Here are examples of content you can post on your social media
pages:

 Offer quick tips and tricks related to bookkeeping and financial

management.
 Create visuals such as images or infographics to explain complex
financial concepts.
 Create video content to share bookkeeping tips
 Create and share relevant bookkeeping resources like ebooks,
guides, and templates.
 Host live Q&A sessions where you can address common
bookkeeping questions.
 Share relevant industry news or updates.
 Offer special promotions or discounts to your social media
followers.
 Post testimonials or success stories from satisfied clients.
 Invite your audience to local events, workshops, or webinars.
 Run sponsored ads to reach a wider audience.
Remember, the key to finding clients on social media is to consistently
share helpful content and engage your audience.
Learn about social media marketing for accountants in detail with
creative content ideas.

6. Email Marketing

Email marketing offers numerous benefits that make it a valuable

channel for finding clients. Perhaps, the biggest benefit is its ability to
personalize communication with potential clients.
You can send tailored emails to your subscribers based on their
interests, preferences, and behaviors. This allows you to create a more
engaging experience for your leads, increasing the chances of
converting them into clients.
A successful email marketing strategy starts with building a solid email
list of people interested in your bookkeeping services. To do this, offer
free, valuable resources like an ebook, template, or checklist for their
email addresses.
Once they become subscribers, send relevant, helpful emails such as
industry insights, blog posts, how-to videos, and client testimonials.
Also include strong call-to-action buttons to encourage them to take
the desired action.
This helps to build relationships, establish credibility, and ensure you
remain top-of-mind until they are ready to become clients.

7. Use Local Directories

Online local directories are an easy and convenient way for potential
clients to find bookkeeping services in their area.
This makes listing your business on local directories like Yelp, Google
My Business, and Angie’s List a no-brainer.
Here are some tips for optimizing your listings on local directories:

 Claim your business on popular local directories and verify your

ownership to gain control over your listing.
 Provide accurate information about your company name,
address, phone number, website, business hours, and services
offered.
 Choose the most relevant business categories to accurately
represent your services. Also, include local keywords in your
business descriptions. This improves the chances of your
business appearing in local search results for bookkeeping-
related queries.
 Get positive reviews from your customers and respond to all
reviews, both positive and negative.

8. Participate in Community Events

Taking part in community events is a great way to connect with

potential clients. Also, being a sponsor is an avenue to increase brand
awareness, promote your services, and show your commitment to the
community.
These events attract entrepreneurs actively seeking solutions for their
businesses, making it an excellent opportunity to showcase your
bookkeeping services.

9. Exclusive Promotions for Local Businesses

Besides family and friends, local businesses will most likely be your
first set of clients. Offering them special promotions or discounts is an
effective way to attract new clients while building positive relationships
within your community.

10. Content Marketing

Gone are those days when clients relied on sales reps to make buying
decisions. Today’s customers are more inclined to do their research
before making a purchase.
This is where content marketing comes in. It starts with identifying
your ideal clients and their pain points. Then create valuable content
like blog posts, ebooks, and videos to address these challenges. This
strategy attracts potential clients, builds trust, and positions you as a
bookkeeping expert.
However, creating content alone isn’t enough to get clients. You also
have to distribute it across various channels like your website and
social media platforms to reach a wider audience and boost your
chances of landing clients.
The Profit Constructors is an excellent example of a firm that uses blog
posts to increase awareness and generate leads.

11. Use Testimonials and Case Studies

In the cut-throat bookkeeping industry, social proof can be a powerful

asset for bookkeeping firms seeking to get new clients. It’s a great way
to show (not tell) future clients you can handle their finances.
Testimonials from satisfied customers is one way to build social proof.
Potential clients are more likely to trust the experiences of others who
have benefited from your expertise.
Also, creating case studies of your previous clients and the positive
impact your firm has had on their businesses is another way to
establish credibility as a bookkeeping professional.
Reach out to satisfied clients and ask them to provide a testimonial or
participate in a case study. Ensure you highlight the results they got.
This will help potential clients understand what to expect from working
with you.
Feature these testimonials and case studies on your website, social
media profiles, and marketing materials to build trust and influence
your prospect’s decision-making.
For example, at Financial Cents, we have a page dedicated
to customer stories on our website.

12. Business Cards

Business cards may be an old marketing tactic, but they still work a
treat. So, it’s a good idea to have them in handy when you attend
events, conferences, and even during casual conversations with
potential clients.
A visually appealing business card leaves a positive and lasting
impression. Also, ensure your business card includes important
information such as:

 Name
 Website
 Address
 Contact information
 List of bookkeeping services.

Some modern business cards include a QR code that links to your

website or online portfolio.
Here’s something you should note: Distributing your business cards
randomly without building a relationship first is not advisable. It shows
you’re salesy and will ensure your card ends up in the trash.
A more strategic approach is to make a good first impression; Be
polite, offer value, and exchange contact after a meaningful
conversation. This way, the recipient is more likely to remember your
firm.

13. Freelancing Platforms

Freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer are great

places to find clients and build your customer base if you’re just
starting your bookkeeping firm.
However, these platforms are highly competitive. To stand out and get
noticed by potential clients, create a compelling profile highlighting
your skills and experience.

14. Free Workshops and Webinars

It’s no secret that people only buy from those they know, like, and
trust. As a new bookkeeping firm owner, how do you fall under this
category?
That’s where hosting free workshops and webinars come in. They allow
you to showcase your expertise in a live and interactive setting.
You position your firm as an authority by addressing common
challenges and sharing practical tips.
Also, potential clients can witness your expertise firsthand, fostering
trust and confidence in your ability to handle their bookkeeping needs.
In addition, workshops and webinars allow you to showcase your
accounting tech stack. Demonstrating your tech-savvy approach can
appeal to businesses looking for modern and efficient bookkeeping
firms.
Ensure attendees register for the free workshop or webinar. This way,
you can get their contact details and nurture them by sharing valuable
content or offering a free consultation. It will keep your firm top of
mind and increase the likelihood of converting them into clients.

15. Collaborations with Industry Influencers

Contrary to what you might have heard, influencer marketing isn’t

limited to the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries. Bookkeeping
firms can also use it to reach a wider audience and generate quality
leads.
Collaborating with bookkeeping or accounting influencers can take
various forms, such as sponsored posts or social media takeovers to
promote your services or firm.
However, when selecting influencers, look for those with large
followers, an engaged audience, and values that align with your firm.

16. Specialized Niche Marketing

If you’re starting a bookkeeping business, attracting clients across

various industries will help you gain industry experience.
But as your firm grows, niching down helps you stand out. It means
offering bookkeeping services to businesses in a specific industry like
software, real estate, or health.
Take the aforementioned The Profit Constructors, for example. They
work with only contractors in the construction industry. This positions
them as industry experts and ensures they are the preferred firm for
construction businesses.
Here are some practical tips for specializing in a bookkeeping
niche and finding clients.
  Identify a niche or industry you have expertise in or are
passionate about.
 Conduct market research to understand clients’ unique needs
and pain points within that niche.
 Tailor your marketing materials and messages to address the
specific concerns and benefits that your niche clients are looking
for.
 Create helpful content, such as blog posts or social media posts
 Engage with online communities and forums where your niche
clients are present, offering valuable advice.
 Network with other professionals in your specialized niche, such
as attorneys or consultants, who can refer clients to you.
 Attend industry-specific events and conferences to meet potential
clients and build relationships.
 Leverage case studies and testimonials from clients within your
niche to showcase your credibility.
 Continuously educate yourself on the latest trends and
developments within your niche industry to stay ahead of the
competition.

These strategies will help you establish yourself as a go-to expert in

your niche, attract clients, and differentiate your firm from generalist
firms.

17. Offering Free Consultations

Robert Cialdini, in his book Influence, highlighted reciprocity as one of

the six principles of influence. It means people are more likely to give
back when they receive something of value.
Offering free consultations is a powerful way to leverage this principle
in your bookkeeping business. You provide upfront value to potential
clients, boosting the likelihood of converting them into long-term
clients.
Also, potential clients experience how you can help them with their
bookkeeping burdens.
During the consultation, listen to your prospective client’s pain points,
understand their business, and offer actionable advice. This way, you
can establish trust, build relationships, and convert prospects to
clients.
Remember to announce free consultations on your website, social
media pages, and email newsletters to get more potential clients.

18. Professional Networking Sites

Professional networking sites like LinkedIn are great for finding

potential bookkeeping clients. They offer a direct and effective way to
connect with business owners, showcase your expertise, and generate
quality leads.
Ensure you create a strong professional profile highlighting your skills,
experience, and expertise in bookkeeping.
Also, engage in meaningful interactions to build relationships and
expand your reach in the professional community.

19. Attending Industry Events

Attending industry events is a great way to network with potential

clients and establish your presence in the bookkeeping industry. Look
for conferences, workshops, and seminars related to finance,
accounting, bookkeeping, and small business management.
These events provide an opportunity to meet decision-makers, offer
value, and generate leads.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for these events:

 Create business cards, brochures, and other marketing materials

to highlight your services.
  Be proactive. Approach attendees and engage in meaningful
conversations.
 Provide value and exchange contact information.

After the event, follow up with the connections you made. Send
personalized messages expressing your pleasure in meeting them and
suggesting a further discussion.

20. Partner with Businesses

Forge partnerships with other local businesses. Collaborations and

partnerships with related firms can create mutually beneficial
relationships and expand your client base.
Recommended Listen
S02 E03: How this firm owner made bookkeeping management easier
and more efficient through a creative approach

Manage Your Clients and Scale Your Firm

With Financial Cents

When starting your bookkeeping business, handling a few clients

shouldn’t prove too difficult. But as your firm expands, scalability
becomes crucial.
Hence, the need for accounting software to save time, improve
accuracy, and increase efficiency.
Financial Cents is an excellent example of a practice management
software that makes it easy to:

 Automate recurring tasks

 Manage clients
 Collaborate with staff
 Streamline bookkeeping processes