When you’re just starting out or struggling to find bookkeeping clients, it’s easy to feel like you aren’t making progress fast enough but the truth is that good marketing is all about building relationships and takes time and consistent effort. It doesn’t happen overnight.
While every marketing method won’t work for every business, here is a list of 35 ideas to get you started.
- Write a blog post about common questions you get asked or issues you see when reviewing clients’ books. These resources are great for sharing on social media (especially when answering questions in Facebook groups!). If you decide to start a blog, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Create a lead magnet to help encourage people to sign up for your email list where you can market to them regularly. Here are some ideas!
- Market in Facebook groups where your ideal clients are and try to be helpful (without being salesy). Here are 3 tips.
- Find a local networking event and make plans to attend.
- Join your local Chamber of Commerce or BNI chapter.
- Try working from a co-working space in your area to meet other entrepreneurs.
- Create a series of social media posts that answer some of the most common questions about your services and schedule them to post one per day. If you struggle with writing your own posts, you can save time with a DIY content membership. Here are 3 companies I know, like, and trust.
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- Pukkapith Content perfect for Facebook and LinkedIn
- Rise Media – Perfect for Instagram (Save 20% with referral code – CHATSONI20)
- Make graphics with quotes from some of your best testimonials and share them on social media. Canva is an easy-to-use tool with a free plan available.
- Call up a past client you haven’t talked to in a while and see how they are doing.
- Set up a referral program where you offer special gifts for people referring business to you. Here’s mine as an example
- Connect with other bookkeepers, accountants, and tax pros in your area. These relationships often lead to referrals.
- Outline your processes and publish them on your website so people know what to expect before reaching out to you.
- Look for opportunities to cross-promote with other related businesses. CPAs, financial advisors, and small business consultants are great options as you likely share similar clients but offer different services.
- Create a small digital product (something that can be done in a day) that helps clients like yours solve a very specific challenge. Here’s a white-label digital product you can brand and resell!
- Audit the forms on your website. Are you asking too much upfront that might be scaring people away? Try to pair it down to the least amount of info you need to make it easier for people to fill it in. You can always follow up with a more detailed intake questionnaire later.
- Look for opportunities to be a guest on a podcast or YouTube channel. Most podcasts and YouTube channels have an easy way to get in contact. Message the host with something interesting you could share with their audience.
- Create a case study of one of your most successful bookkeeping/clean-up projects and set up a schedule to share it regularly on social media. Let potential clients see what’s possible by partnering with you!
- Look for guest blogging opportunities to help get your name in front of other audiences.
- Hold a giveaway and collect email addresses.
- Sponsor a local charity event or local sports team.
- Create “posts” on your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business).
- Host a free webinar to teach others about a specific topic you know well.
- Hold a live Q&A on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube answering bookkeeping questions or sharing general tips.
- Post an article on LinkedIn to try and get new eyeballs on your content.
- Look through comment threads on forums or YouTube videos and answer questions people have.
- Create reviews for your favorite pieces of software or tech you use.
- Set up a live chat service on your website so you can interact with visitors in real-time.
- Send an email out to your past clients about any new services you offer.
- Add your business listing to directories you’re missing from — most of them are completely free!
- Keep an eye out for grand openings in your area. Introduce yourself and welcome new businesses to town.
- Run surveys on topics your niche/ideal clients would be interested in and put together reports of the results.
- Ensure there are clear calls to action on every page of your website.
- Attend a Bookkeeping meetup or conference like BKX.
- Make a list of common complaints about the bookkeeping industry and create content explaining what makes you different.
- Offer discounted or free QBO diagnostic reviews in exchange for testimonials.
