I'm new to this site. I'm just starting an accountancy business, offering bookkeeping, end of year accounts, VAT etc . Just wondered is anybody who is already trading can offer tips and advice about how you got your first clients. Am looking for ideas. Already have a website for info and contact details, have placed business cards in local outlets and am currently doing a door to door drop of postcards - trying to target these to houses that appear to have businesses eg. white vans on the drive . Am also about to advertise in some local magazines that are delivered free to residences in the area. Just wondered if anyone had come up with other methods that had worked and could please share them. Many thanks in advance.
Many thanks for replying. Already had 4 enquiries from delivering some of the postcards around the area, so hopefully its good news. As expected though - they are from people wanting their end of year accounts and self assessment completeing by the end of the month. Think I may be getting the Red Bull out !!!
I signed up two new clients today, had another enquiry that i need to get back to tomorrow and got two prospective meetings tomorrow and one on Wednesday.
At this rate dont know when i am going to fit in the work I need to do to get my outstanding tax returns done before the end of the month.
2 came via Accountants, and one was an advert I have in a business magazine.
I started Networking with Accountants I know back in September so its taking a while. I do believe that Networking is important, I keep in touch with quite a few accountants I know on a regular basis.
Get yourself well ranked in Google in your local town for search terms such as 'xyz town bookkeeper' 'xyz town accountant'
I don't do much other advertising but I get most of my new business from local Google searches and Client referral (this can only come with time!).
Also consider Facebook pages, joining local facebook groups and using Twitter - some very useful and cost effictive methods of getting yourself out there.
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Phil Hendy, The Accountancy Mentor
Are you thinking of setting up your own practice or have you set up and need some help?
If so a mentor may be the way forward - feel free to get in touch and see how I can assist you.
Hi Phil, Thanks for that. Yes I agree, have to get on facebook. Have avoided it over the past few years, but think I'll have to get my daughter on to that one for me. Kids - they come in useful sometimes :)
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I've read NicK Pendrells book on Thai Real Estate and he does have a very readable style.
The book aimed at our market seems to cover all of the main bases, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google Adwords, setting up your website etc.
If someone does buy this don't forget to report back as to whether you feel that it's worth an investment of our time (it's not the cost of the book (£7.20), it's finding the time to read it that I have a problem with so I need to know it's worth reading before I buy it).
kind regards,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Yes, Facebook and Twitter can be good for getting you ranked highly on Google searches but I'm not sure how much actual business you'd get directly from the sites. Not much I'd have thought. Getting ranked highly for local search definitely makes sense.
As Amanda mentioned, having links with local accountants can also be a great way of gaining new clients. Phoning them directly is probably the best bet to look to kick off the relationship.
January is busy times! The rest of the year needs more marketing focus!
I'm in the same situation as yourself. I'm just starting up an Accountancy practice in Sheffield by the name of Millhouses Accountancy Ltd. The business will offer a full range of services from book-keeping to self assessment tax returns. Not sure of the best way to market the business myself, but will take on board some of the advice given in this post. How is it going so far ?
Hi Jason, Sheffield - days gone past. Lived there for 4 years during my student days. Place has changed drastically since then though. No Meadowhall at that time and no trams!!
Business is steadily growing. Had 3 new clients since January, with 3 more definates from April and 3 more probables, so fingers crossed.
Good luck with your venture, hope it works well for you.
. Am also about to advertise in some local magazines that are delivered free to residences in the area. Just wondered if anyone had come up with other methods that had worked and could please share them. Many thanks in advance.
