Invest in content marketing by sharing informative articles and guides. Regular email newsletters keep your services top of mind and engage your client base. Consult with a legal professional to determine the best structure for your bookkeeping business based on your goals and risk tolerance. Setting up a dedicated workspace and using secure online tools for client communication and data management makes it easy to manage your business remotely. As your bookkeeping business grows, scaling allows you to increase revenue, reach more clients, and enhance your service offerings.
Alternatively, you can use the ultimate checklist for starting a bookkeeping business. Of course, becoming a competent and proficient bookkeeper still takes time and money. And although certification is optional, it’s a good idea to get certified since it lends credibility to your business. Bookkeeping is one of the most lucrative businesses to start right now! In this article, you will learn everything you need to know to start your own bookkeeping business. The information provided on this website (the « Site ») is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
Attend industry events, join trade organizations like the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers, and connect with other professionals in your field. If you’re qualified, you can apply to join the QuickBooks Live Expert team and offer your expertise to small business owners and individuals who need bookkeeping assistance. Look at what other bookkeeping businesses in your area or industry are charging. Understand the market landscape and what clients are willing to pay. A business checking account is essential for handling day-to-day transactions, such as receiving client payments and paying business expenses.
- A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most affordable structure for bookkeepers starting out on their own.
- Bookkeeping certifications can also make it easier to get licensed and insured.
- You can find information about international and national associations, publications, blogs and more.
See details about Atomic, in their Form CRS, Form ADV Part 2A and Privacy Policy. See details about Atomic Brokerage in their Form CRS, General Disclosures, fee schedule, and FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Equipping your bookkeeping business with the right tools and resources is essential for efficiency and professionalism. Investing in reliable software and setting up a functional workspace will streamline your operations and help you deliver quality services. The next step in starting a bookkeeping business is to define your customers. This safeguards your business financially in case someone claims negligence, errors or omissions in your bookkeeping services.
Trusted 24/7 customer service you can rely on
A cloud-based solution that makes it easy for accounting firms to manage client work, collaborate with staff, and hit their deadlines. You can also build new connection by attending industry events and joining local business associations to network and build relationships. To retain clients, focus on delivering high-quality service, meeting deadlines, and staying proactive in addressing their financial needs. Happy clients are more likely to stay and refer your services to others. However, you want to ensure you’re doing everything correctly and above board, here are the steps required to do that.
- When brainstorming your brand, consider how you want your clients to perceive you.
- Whether you work from home or expand into a larger operation, bookkeeping allows you to build a profitable and sustainable career.
- There are a few business elements you’ll need to become fully functional.
- Building excitement leading up to the launch is essential; use teaser posts on social media, offer sneak peeks of your services, and share engaging content to generate buzz.
It was specifically built to help bookkeeping firms track the status of client work and important deadlines. Out of all the things you’ve done so far to get your bookkeeping business off the ground, the most important thing when it comes to marketing is your website. Make sure your website is helpful and streamlined, giving potential clients all the useful info they need to know without being over-cluttered. Virtual bookkeeping is becoming increasingly popular due to advances in technology.
Typical tasks include recording sales, managing invoices, maintaining ledgers, and preparing financial statements. Mastery of these skills is essential for providing valuable service to your clients. Participating in or sponsoring local business events can also help you network and promote your launch. Hosting a virtual or in-person launch event provides an excellent opportunity to introduce your services, connect with potential clients, and network with industry professionals.
Client Relationship Management (CRM) Software
To discover guest posting possibilities, go to your favorite industry blogs, and see whether they have information about guest-posting. Or, you can type in accounting + “guest posts” or “contribute” into Google — and see what opportunities come up. Send an email or text to any past employer or clients and ask them to leave a genuine review about your freelance bookkeeping work. As a contractor, you’ll be responsible for invoicing for your time and receiving payment according to your policy. This helps you keep clients files organized, protected, and backed up on a cloud you can access from anywhere.
Virtual bookkeeping involves providing a way to access data starting a bookkeeping business for important folks in your client’s organization. Missing deadlines, inefficiencies, and lack of accuracy can plague on-site bookkeepers — but not you. Thanks to new cloud-based technology, you have the opportunity to reach a broader audience. Receiving documents by fax, face-to-face client meetings, paper receipts — all of these are now a thing of the past.
However, these courses can help you build the knowledge and reputation necessary to be successful. You can get certified by a reputable organization, like AIPB or NACPB, or take courses through your local community college. If you already have a computer, it costs relatively little to purchase the necessary software, learn how to use it, and begin offering bookkeeping services from your own home. Jayanti Katariya is the founder & CEO of Moon Invoice, with over a decade of experience in developing SaaS products and the fintech industry.
The difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant
Author of Grow, Profit, Exit, mother of two and mentor Katrina Aarsman has been with Pure Bookkeeping since 2018. As spokesperson for Pure Bookkeeping Australia, Katrina uses her role to help bookkeeping businesses in a meaningful way. Along with leading development, implementing goals and upholding values, Katrina is dedicated to staying in touch, on top of trends and issues with the bookkeeping industry. Before Pure Bookkeeping, Katrina built a multi-staffed bookkeeping business that she sold in 2015.
Enhance your professional image by setting up a business email address and phone number to communicate with clients. It’s important to keep personal and business communications separate. A high-interest savings account is a good place to set aside money for taxes, emergency funds, or future funds to reinvest back in your business. It’s a best practice to regularly transfer a portion of your income into this account to prepare for unexpected expenses. Take a look at other bookkeepers in your area or industry to see what they’re offering and how they price their services.