Every business needs to be able to maintain financial records and that’s where bookkeepers come in. If you’re looking to start your own business or would like to grow your bookkeeping business, read on for tips on how to find new bookkeeping clients.
Where Should You Look for Bookkeeping Clients?
There are a few different places to look for bookkeeping clients. One of the best places to start is within your own personal and professional network. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they or someone they know might need your services. You can also search in community newspapers for startup businesses, as a bookkeeper will be needed for any new business. Community groups, clubs and chambers of commerce are also excellent places to find new clients. Be sure to have your business cards handy to offer to interested potential clients.
Another great way to find bookkeeping clients is through online platforms like Upwork. Freelancer websites are a great resource for finding work as a bookkeeper. Simply create a profile, set up your hourly rate, and start bidding on projects. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and promote your services.
How to Turn Leads Into Paying Clients
Once you’ve found some potential bookkeeping clients, it’s time to start turning them into paying customers. The first step is to reach out and introduce yourself. Send an email or give them a call, and let them know that you’re a bookkeeper who specializes in small businesses (or in financial accounts, as you prefer). Be sure to include your contact information and website so they can easily get in touch with you.
Next, set up a meeting to discuss their needs and determine if you’re a good fit for the job. During the meeting, be sure to ask questions about their business and what they’re looking for in a bookkeeper. This will help determine if you’re able to meet their needs and if they’re a good fit for your services.
If everything goes well, the next step is to send a proposal outlining your services and how much you’ll charge for those services. Be sure to include a timeline of when you’ll be able to start working and what deliverables they can expect. Once they’ve accepted your proposal, you can officially start working as their bookkeeper!
What to Do When You Land a New Client
Now that you’ve landed a new client, it’s time to get started on the process. The first step is to gather all of the necessary information; including things like the business name, contact information, and any financial documents you’ll need to get started.
Once you have all of the necessary information, you can start working on their books. Be sure to stay organized and keep track of all of your work on an hourly basis. This will make it easier for invoicing your client when needed.
As you’re working, be sure to keep the client updated on your progress. Send regular reports and updates so a current picture of finances is regularly at your client’s fingertips. And, if anything comes up that could potentially impact your client, be sure to let them know right away.
The Importance of Customer Service for Bookkeepers and Accountants
Customer service is important for any business, but it’s especially important for bookkeepers and accountants. This is because your clients are entrusting you with their finances. They need to know that you’re competent and that you’ll be able to handle their books in a professional manner.
It’s also important to build relationships with your clients. They should feel like they can trust you and that you have their best interests at heart. Be sure to communicate regularly and always be available to answer any questions they may have.
By providing excellent customer service, you’ll be able to build strong relationships with your clients. These relationships will lead to repeat business and referrals, which is essential for any bookkeeper or accountant.
How to Maintain Relationships With Current Clients
Once you’ve landed a few clients, it’s important to maintain those relationships. The best way to do this is to provide excellent customer service and always be available when they need you. Be sure to communicate regularly and send them updates on your progress.
It’s also a good idea to stay in touch even when you’re not working on their books. Send them occasional emails or give them a call just to check in. This will help keep you top of mind and let them know that you’re still interested in working with them.
By maintaining strong relationships with your clients, you’ll be able to keep them for the long term. This is essential for any bookkeeper or accountant who wants to build a successful business.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for ways to find more clients as a bookkeeper, the tips above should help. Start by targeting your ideal clients and then put in the effort to reach out to them. Be sure to provide excellent customer service for your current clients and stay in touch even when you’re not working on their books. By doing this, you’ll be able to build strong relationships with your current and future clients.