Marketing your bookkeeping business
You might deliver an awesome service at a great price, but what if no one knows? Let’s look at marketing your services.
Published Thursday 18 November 2021
Where to start?
You need a channel that can reach your prospects and a message that resonates with them. But there are dozens of each and you can’t afford to try them all.
To get the most bang for your buck, start by getting inside the head of your preferred clients. Find out what keeps them up at night, and find out where they go for information. Then craft messages that address their worries, and put them in the places they’ll get seen.
What to learn and how to use it
Their most pressing business concerns and questions (including the really basic ones)
Two ways to use the information:
- Write about these things. Include them in your advertising, blogs, how-to guides or ebooks
- Use the corresponding terms and phrases on your website so that search engines are more likely to find you
What they read (online and print)
Two ways to use the information:
- Get familiar with trade publications and forums
- Advertise in these places and contribute articles on topics that interest them
Where they hang out online
Two ways to use the information:
- Look for relevant group pages on social media
- Participate in the conversation. Don’t try to sell your services. Just give free advice and share relevant content
Where they hang out in person
Two ways to use the information:
- Attend trade shows and conferences
- Become a sponsor and see if you can get a speaking gig
Who they listen to
Two ways to use the information:
- Establish relationships with key opinion leaders for the industry
- And see if you can cross-promote each other
Don’t forget word of mouth
Word of mouth is our advertising. We worked really hard to deliver on promises, make deadlines, keep appointments and win trust. We are now known for client care and excellent work.
Brett Gonsalves, Rolling Hills Bookkeeping
Ads, articles, social posts and speaking gigs are great – but there’s nothing like getting a recommendation. An endorsement from one business owner to another carries a lot of weight. Plus clients tend to recommend other business owners like themselves, so you know what you’re going to get. Your work is one of your biggest and best advertisements.
How to get the word out
Check out these guides on promoting a bookkeeping or accounting practice.
- Perfect your elevator pitch
Disclaimer
Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.
Starting a bookkeeping business
Work through the big decisions around accreditation, services to offer, fees to charge, and how to find clients.
- How to become a bookkeeper
You’ll need some training and certification to become a professional bookkeeper. Find out where this is available.
- Bookkeeping from home
With a foundation of knowledge, skills and experience, take the next steps in setting up as a bookkeeper.
- What services will you offer?
You need to nail down what services you’ll offer, who to, and how. Don’t promise more than you’re able to deliver.
- Niche and virtual bookkeeping businesses
Designing your bookkeeping business around a specific type of client or your strengths can be a successful way to go.
- Creating your business plan
It’s time to get things down on paper. Your business plan is vital to reality checking all those ideas you have.
- Pricing and charging
How do you walk the line between profitable for you and affordable for your clients? And help clients budget?
- Marketing your bookkeeping business
You might deliver an awesome service at a great price, but what if no one knows? Let’s look at marketing your services.
Download the bookkeeping business guide
A guide to help you work through the big decisions around starting a bookkeeping business. Fill out the form to receive the guide as a PDF.
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