What is the best way to market a freelance bookkeeping business?

Question

I have just started my own freelance bookkeeping business. In your opinion, what is the best way to market my company. I already have a website and I have begun contacting my local CPA's.

Answer 1

- I would start by checking in with your local Chamber of Commerce. They offer great opportunities to network with other businesses.

Offer to speak to the group on the benefits of keeping good records.

- Make sure you order some promotional products that are relavant to your business and potential customers would find useful. For instance, pens are low-cost promotional items that pertain directly to your business and customers would find useful.

- Next, take a business card, brochure, and a promotional product like a pen, calculator, etc. (imprinted with your business name and a benefit statement).

Visit potential customers and leave the information with them. Here's how I approach customers and I have found it to be one of the most effective methods for creating a "warm market."

- Good morning, may I speak with the manager/owner?

- Hello, (shake their hand) I'm Jeff and I'm visiting local businesses to share with them how promotional products can increase their customer satisfaction & overall business (say how your skills as a bookkeeper can benefit them).

I understand you're busy and I don't want to take up anymore of your time, but what I would like to do is leave my information with you and follow-up with you at a later time.

Would Tuesday or Wednesday at 10:00 am be better for you?

Always give them an option, but include a date and time that fits your schedule.

Never say, "Can I follow-up with you at a later time?" and leave it open-ended. Set the appointment.

Remember - the client needs to know the "Benefits" of what you can bring to the table. How can you help them? save money, increase income, better returns at tax time etc.

Press on and Never give up!

http://www.custom-business-promotional-products.com

Answer 2

out of curiousity.....why would CPAs send business to you...unless it was overflow business.....

Anyway, if I were you....I would first set up with Google and get advertising out using their adwords thing, but set it up to where you only get advertising in your local area....no point in getting people from 100000 miles away interested in what you have.
Then, I would start flyering places......apartment complexes, gas station pumps, etc.....the more people that hear about you, the better you are....
If you are only doing business books, then hit up Mom and Pop stores in Strip Centers....odds are, they do it themselves, so I would offer a free consultation first to show them how you can save them money or find them more tax deductions....once you prove yourself, they should want to hire you.
Last thing you want to do, is once you get some customers and they are happy with you, get a testimonial, in writing and some referrals. Visit the referrals using the name of the person you got it from.....word of mouth is always your strongest asset.

Dorath20

Answer 3

Referrals and "word of mouth" marketing is your best bet to get exclusive local clients.