How to Get Bookkeeping Clients: 20 Predictable Channels

Imagine a thriving bookkeeping practice where clients flow in effortlessly, driving revenue and fueling business growth. This is the vision many aspiring bookkeepers hold dear before venturing into the practice. However, reality often sets in when it becomes a struggle to find customers.

Clients are undoubtedly the lifeblood of any business. Yet, in an industry where 319,181 bookkeeping firms are vying for their attention, acquiring clients can feel like an uphill battle, especially for new firm owners.

Though relying solely on referrals and your network may yield initial clients, it’s not sustainable in the long run. What you need is a steady source of quality leads, ensuring your sales pipeline never runs dry.

So whether you’re starting your bookkeeping firm or already running an established practice, this article is for you.

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.

For example, here’s a search result for the Bookkeeping firms in Seattle.

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.

For example, here are the top-ranked websites for the keyword bookkeeping firms in Hyannis.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

This way, you can take on more clients without worrying about missing deadlines or overwhelming yourself with manual work.

Want to take it for a spin?

Use Financial Cents to manage your accounting practice.