attracting more bookkeeping clients

[monsta76]

as the title suggests. i would like to expand my client base. what do you think is the best way of getting more? would you care to share your tips in building up more clients?

any sort of tipe/advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

[AgentMail]

Hi Monsta,

There are numerous ways to increase your client base, and what works will depend on a number of factors.

There are the basics - networking events, social media (facebook/twitter/linkedin accounts), newspaper advertising, direct mail, the list goes on.

Depending on the 'type' of client you want to attract will vary which methods you use. You may also want to consider a niche - I did a mail out for an accounting firm recently that specialises in assisting franchised post offices with their accounts - and it allowed them to be very specific about the information they discussed.

[tonyk]

i would suggest checking out www.octoply.com.au, they did wonders for my business. now getting plenty of leads/conversions after months of struggling.

[MsLilyPonds]

For me, the biggest issue with a bookkeeper is the privacy, discretion and access to my info so I would brand myself as trustworthy and reliable somehow - be it testimonials or something that quantifies honesty - that would be a deciding factor for me in choosing a bookkeeper.

Probably not what you were looknig for but thought I'd throw that in

[gossipism]

amongst the other stuff that people will suggest.

ask your existing client base for referrals.

whats the correct wording?

"do you know of any other companies that could use my services?"

if yes

"would it be ok if I contacted them?"

i know its not 100% kosher for most people, but its an extremely effective way of building up your client base.

obviously timing is of the essence.

but DONT BE AFRAID TO ASK!

[nduncan]

The best customers you will get are the customers who seek you out and have already made their mind up that they want your services. If this is not an option then getting referrals is definitely a great way to go.

Have you thought about walking in to the local small business around your area and asking if they have any interest. It's not particularly easy to do however if they know you are a local business they will probably be reasonably receptive and they may also be able to refer you to other potential customers.

[James | Bay Beans coffee]

Originally Posted by gossipism

amongst the other stuff that people will suggest.

ask your existing client base for referrals.

+1 !!

To a new business, its sometimes not so obvious and its easy to invest in marketing that doesn't pay well. A customer that recommends you, or even just introduces you, gives you a massive head start.

Since a lot of your potential clients are going to be local to you, maybe hitting the pavement of a few small business parks is another potential gold mine.

[HBTRADE]

HAving just gone down the path of trying to find a bookkeeper that cold work with my (unorthodox) ways, I'd would say:

1) Getting back to the customer initially.
2) Contacting them when you say you will.
3) Not laughing on the phone at them because their ways or understandings are different to yours - if I understood it properly, I wouldn't need the help
4) Not freak out because MYOB isn't the program of choice

Last week I contacted 2 local firms advertised on FS.
1 hasn't bothered getting back to me at all, the other I'm still waiting for 'contact early in the week' - and they want to send the work off-shore to be done, so I'm relcutant to use them anyway.
Neither of those will get referrals from me.

Another I was put onto was going to call 'between 6 & 7 PM that night', as she is in Sydney I expected local time, not Perth time. Silly me.