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Advice desperately needed plz

  • Member PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 6 posts
  • # 53753

Hi,

I have started my bookkeeping practice and need some advice on the best advertising methods to use to attract clients, but on a very limited budget. Have sent info out to local accountants and currently looking to join the local chamber of commerce. What is the best method others have found?

  • 180 posts
  • # 53754

Hi Lisa.

In my experience the best advertising in the current climate is word of mouth. Having said that I have picked up the odd (as in numbers!!) client by posting on social sites such as netmums.co.uk.

Give it a try - it's free.

  • 698 posts
  • # 53755

Hi Lisa

One of the best ways I found for sourcinf new clients was via the local papers looking for people advertising for part time bookkeepers.

Also another good source is jobsite.co.uk

As well a tackling the local accountants also try your local IFA's.

Do you have experience in any particular sector if so do an e-mail shot or old fashioned snailmail shot highlighting your experience and how you could be of benefit to their business.

Also do not sell yourself short in terms of your billing rate

hope this is of some help

Best of luck and warm regards
Stuart

  • 7 posts
  • # 53761

Hi Lisa

Yes, networking and using social media too.  Twitter is great way to network with local businesses in your area.

It's on my must-use more list as I have found work through tweeting.

  • 21 posts
  • # 53781

Hi Lisa,

I am too in the same situation, I went to see a local accountant today who seemed very positive about getting me some clients.

My issue is when I do get a client I don't know how to charge them, my tutor recommended I charged by the hour but the accountant suggested I charged a fixed price per month/week, in which case I have no idea how much to suggest to them! aaarrrrrggghhhhh!!!

  • Companion Fellow PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 1137 posts
  • # 53786

Hi Lisa 

I started out in business over 10 years ago, word of mouth is great, but so is advertising , The ICB yellow pages as done me very well every year,  as things change I keep an eye on it, advertising in your local schools, sports clubs or parish magazines is also a good way to get work, when you are starting out.  

However you may be tempted I would stay away from completing books for friends and family.   I did not listen to this advice  when I started out , but in fact it was very good advice.  

My personal view is the more you advertise within your budget , the more you will be seen.  You could also try google maps and your local councils business directory.  I hope this helps 

Kind regards

Sarah  

  • Companion Fellow PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 1137 posts
  • # 53787

Hi Mandi 

If you agree to do a fixed price be very careful that you know exactly how much work is involved, sometimes you can end up feeling as if you are doing more hours then you should be.  The set up of a client can take up sometime so you could agree to a fixed price when you have more of an idea what is involved.  Are you could offer the accountant a couple of fixed prices to get in the door but leave the situation open.

I would also check that the invoice would be from yourself, otherwise I would find out what cut the accountant is taking as you may find the client getting annoyed at your charges.  I sometimes do work with two sets of accountants but they never ask me to fix the price and they always get a good price per hour for me.   Anyway best of luck 

Kind Regards
Sarah
 

Edited at 14 Jan 2011 09:45 PM GMT

  • 11 posts
  • # 53840

Try www.4networking.biz.  Its a friendly breakfast networking organisation that meet fortnightly at each venue.  When I first joined, I got several new customers in the first few months.

There is a joining fee, and a breakfast fee, but if you volunteer to help run a group there are perks to help with that.  I was Operations Assistant for a new group starting in my local town.  Because I was the first person that people met when they arrived, I got to meet everyone, and everyone got to know me.  Operations Assistants take the money, so a bookkeeper is an ideal choice, so the area leaders will certainly look favourably on an offer of help from you.

Good Luck!
 

  • 160 posts
  • # 53849

Hi Lisa,

i used to run my own business,  and I am thinking about this again. Did you know that you can get free website on Freeindex. just sign up with them and they will build you a website free of charge.

 

  • 160 posts
  • # 53850

Hi Lisa,

i used to run my own business,  and I am thinking about this again. Did you know that you can get free website on Freeindex. just sign up with them and they will build you a website free of charge.

 

  • Member PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 6 posts
  • # 53887

Hi All,

Many thanks for all the advice Laughing, you have provided me with a lot of things to think about.

Best wishes

Lx

  • Member
  • Practice Licence
  • 1 post
  • # 54161

Hi, 

When I started about 4 years ago, I went to loads of networking groups - e.g Women in Business etc. I also found that making contact with other bookkeepers in the area is a good idea, as they are often too busy to take on extra work.
Good Luck !
Sarah  

  • 160 posts
  • # 54164

Hi Lisa,

I have heard that you can advertise on Facebook, if you find out how to do that let us know as I am thinking about starting my own business again.

Kind regards

Paula Welsh 

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