Marketing Accounting Services

[on_the_verge]

Morning,

My wife and I are just setting up a small business offering accounting services - book keeping, self assesment etc.

We have had some flyers done and have took out to the local business but as of yet had no interest.

I suspect we may have more interest after the tax year end, however wondered if there were any quick advertising wins etc........

Thanks

 

[garyk]

You might want to buy lists of newly incorporated businesses and target those. Its startups that need accountants. Once a business is established and has an accountant there's little movement then.

 

[GreatSEO]

Try here http://www.michrome.com/messages/new for the data and it is FREE

Regards

Dave

 

[killerk55]

Hi I have sent you a PM
Let me know if you need any further assistance
and good luck

 

[julian_shaw]

I've been marketing accountancy services for quite some time. What you need to do is make your services stand out. That could be price or your personal touch, or innovative ways of doing things, like a more collaborative hand-holding approach.

All businesses will expect certain things from you; it's taken as read that you do end of year accounts, VAT, self assessment returns etc. My take is don't waste your time going over these. Of course mention them, but don't focus on them - work on what extra they can get, money savings, peace of mind etc.

You can try lists, but in my experience they are not brilliant for accountancy services. They can work, but not so much on their own.

I'd look at creating a network, online and offline. Build trust that way - you are selling yourself more than what you do. And if someone trusts you, they don't have to become a client for it to be worthwhile. Get involved with local business, host a business breakfast perhaps, or sponsor a local kids football team.

Use the web. Get a website up and running but make it a good one - it's a great way to boost your image. And use social media, but localise your efforts to get yourself known to local businesses.

Hope this gives you some food for thought. DM me if you want a chat about it.

Julian

 

[Homshaw]

Been in this position myself. There is a market out there but if someones told you its going to be easy, forget it

Leaflets are poor. There will be lots of accountants sending out leaflets. Leaflets followed by a phone call are much better.

If you're no good at cold calling get someone who is experienced in to do it

Even when you start getting meetings you will have paid money and spent time getting them. It's important to handle the interview well. Be prepared. Know the likely issues.

Some people are motivated by price, others want a good job, others look for people they can get on with, others want people who understand their industry. You can tell from what they say and how they react.

Once you get clients and do a good job word of mouth kicks in and things become easier.

When you're working hard to build your business and getting no cash remember your client bank is an asset and has a resale value

 

Networking is a great way of marketing for accountants. People like to work with people they know and trust so get to know lots of people and let them know what you do. There are lots of different networking groups out there. Some are quite formal and others are very informal. Go to a few and see which ones work for you. You local Chamber of Commerce may hold events or there are lots of other networking groups.

Also, tell everyone you know what you do - friends, family, neighbours etc and ask them to let their friends know. You never know who knows someone who may need your services.

If you aren't very good at getting yourself out there speak to people who are - can you offer to do free or discounted bookkeeping for the local sports team, charity etc and once they are happy with your work ask them to recommend you to the people they know.

I would also say that a website is essential. Most people, look on the web to find out more about your business, find a contact number or see what you offer. It doesn't have to be anything complicated but a web prescence will make you look more professional which is what most people want from an accountant.

Marketing doesn't have to be too complicated or expensive. Sometimes a card in the local shop or post office will bring in clients.

Good luck with the business.

Kind regards

Zöe

 

[on_the_verge]

Thanks to all your replies, it looks like a website is a must and also try to start networking and getting the business out there.

Think I will also get in touch with the local business links etc.

Thanks

Virge

 

[maxine]

Try here http://www.michrome.com/messages/new for the data and it is FREE

Regards

Dave

looks like a handy site Dave... thanks

 

[on_the_verge]

looks like a handy site Dave... thanks

Looks really good - 25 new business's in the area to contact

Thanks

 

[awaisnoori]

Hi All,
I am writing with this hope that I will get some good advise or lead for finding some accountancy work.
I am professional accountant and i am good in using excel,Sage Quick books, IRIS, CCH, SAP. I can do VAT, PAYE, Year end Accounts but only from my home.
My business model is that client scan me documents in PDF format and send me by email. I will process it and send it back. and then transfer the funds in my account.

I am unable to find the way how to attract customers who give me work like that.

 

[GreatSEO]

No problems

Share and share alike so they say

Regards

Dave

 

[Adrian Pearson]

Yes, a professional looking website is essential.

However, I would advise against paying high monthly fees for a site with lots of technical content - tax libraries, business self-help articles etc. Clients will never use them, and why should they - that's what you are there for.

You want clients calling you when they have a question, so you have a sales opportunity and a touch point for demonstrating great customer care.

In my opinion, the most important thing is to get a website with a blog facility that you can easily update yourself. Google will love it and so will prospective clients.

We produce ready-made websites for accountants. They are easy to edit, search engine friendly, all include blogs and there are no monthly costs. Let me know if you want more information, or see accountantswebsites[dot]com.

When I first started my practice, I used new business startup information (of the kind referred to above) and it worked quite well. A slightly better than average Yellow Pages ad, highlighting your website URL, will work ok too.

The key is getting in front of a business owner. Once you are looking them in the eye, if you are any good at selling yourself, it's almost a done deal.

Best of luck.

 

[julian_shaw]

Awais
You could do worse than look at these guys http://www.receiptangel.co.uk/

Tell them I sent you

Regards

Julian