Regardless of if you’re a new accounting practice or a well-established one, it’s always handy to find new clients that can use your services. But what is the best way to find those businesses in need of your services? Here are our top tips for finding more clients.
1.Marketing is Key
With more aspects of life moving online, accounting practices need to develop their online presence to stand out from the crowd. You can make sure that your website has new and fresh content, your social media channels are posting regularly, and that you have a Google Business account so that current customers can leave a review. It might seem like basic steps, but statistics show that over 75% of people are shopping online at least once a month. Don’t miss the opportunity to make your company more visible through marketing.
Posting on social media platforms is a great avenue to promote your work as it’s free and easy. Make sure to engage with your audience- you can use Q&As, and quizzes, and respond to their comments to build good relationships with current and new customers. There are many groups that you can join, post in, and find people in need of help that you can offer- specifically on Facebook and LinkedIn.
2.Put your Name out There
The reality is that a lot of people don’t yet know about your practice- your job is to make them. Attending networking events is a great way to do this. You can participate in these events in person, or online if you prefer. There are plenty of events to choose from by googling networking events near you, searching on LinkedIn for events, or visiting Eventbrite. This could be the perfect place to find some new clients and make those connections. There are a lot of free events that you can attend as well!
Why not consider creating an event if you feel as though there aren’t many that apply to you. Choose to do a focused event around your service, or a networking event targeted towards your ideal clients- invite people to your office space to get a feel for the company. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your current customers and ask for their help in referring people who could benefit from your services. You might even want to implement a reward system for referrals.
Trying local services and produce can also come in handy for spreading your name. Build relationships with locals who you could see as potential customers- chances are they will be more inclined to come to you should they need accounting services. Don’t forget to leave reviews for them online through your business name- people who search and read their reviews online will see yours, sparking an interest.
3.Promote your Speciality
If you have an area that you specialise in, promote it! Speak to those customers that you can help most by sharing useful tips with them and showing how you can help them. Own your niche and show your knowledge in the area that you specialise in.
It’s also important to identify who will benefit from your service most- create a list to recognise your ideal client. From this list, you will be able to understand what your clients want, how you can best help them, and most importantly- where you will find them. Ask yourself what the best way is to find your target audience. Online, in networking events, or through referrals.
Building a newsletter can be very helpful, entice potential clients to sign up and build that connection by sharing useful information that will apply to them.
Make sure you personalise your tips for those around you- you could even send out a questionnaire to your target audience, asking them what they want to hear about.
4.Give Something Away
Offering a giveaway that potential customers is the perfect way to grab their attention. This doesn’t have to be a free service- consider a webinar that will offer people a chance to speak with you and get to know more about your company- and won’t cost you a thing!
A free consultation call can give customers the chance to chat with you and see how you can help them. Give them the opportunity you get to know you, as well as giving yourself the chance to identify if it would be suitable to work together. You could hold a “Free Advice Friday” session on your social media platforms- giving people the opportunity to ask you small questions. Show your knowledge, help others, and strengthen those relationships by reaching out.
Write a blog or e-book to show your knowledge in particular areas and offer this to your target audience. This will show clients that you know what you’re talking about, and
As mentioned before, you could offer a reward system for customers who refer you- such as discounts or vouchers. Maybe even look into partnering up with another brand that offers a different service to you- you can help by referring each other.
If you have past clients, you can catch up with them and see if they require any more help. Send them a check-in email or offer them a free chat to see if you can provide any further services to them and build those relationships so that your customers keep coming back.
5. Make Time
One of the biggest barriers to finding new clients is making time to do so. Owning an accounting practice can be very busy- but you don’t have to do everything. Do you feel like you’re constantly playing catch up, working hard to keep on top of your workload, as well as finding those new customers to expand your business? Maybe you’re in the dilemma of needing more staff, but not having enough work to fill a full-time position. Consider solutions such as co-sourcing you’re Bookkeeping and Payroll with Totus Finance to take away some of your workloads so that you can focus more on what matters- growing your business.
