Subject: Seeking Advice: How Did You Land Your First Freelance Accounting Client? (UK)
Hi everyone,
I’m a qualified management accountant currently working in the Fintech sector in London, with prior experience in practice. I really enjoy client interaction, especially in areas like tax, VAT, Bookkeeping, and overall business strategy. Recently, I’ve been considering the freelance route to support SMEs, but I’m struggling to gain momentum in finding clients.
I’ve experimented with platforms like Upwork and Bark, but haven’t seen much success so far. I’m reaching out to those of you who have successfully transitioned to freelancing—how did you secure your first few clients? Did you kick things off by offering services to friends and family, engaging in networking, or taking a different approach?
I would love to hear your stories—what strategies worked for you, what challenges did you face, and what advice do you wish you had received when you got started? Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
One response
Hey there!
I totally get where you’re coming from—making that leap into freelancing can be daunting, especially in the Accounting field. Here are some strategies that worked for me when I first started out:
Tap into Your Network: I reached out to former colleagues and acquaintances—many of whom were at SMEs or knew people who were. I offered a free consultation or a discounted rate for the first month, which encourages people to give my services a try. Personal referrals can go a long way!
Leverage Online Communities: I joined local business groups on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Sharing insights, answering questions, and showcasing your expertise can help establish your credibility. On LinkedIn, I also posted updates about my journey and services, which caught the attention of potential clients.
Networking Events: Attending local networking events and small business meet-ups can put you in direct contact with potential clients. Even if it’s virtual, engaging in discussions can help build relationships and trust.
Specializing: Consider honing in on a niche within the SME market that you particularly enjoy or have expertise in. This can make your services more attractive to specific businesses looking for tailored support.
Offer Free Workshops/Webinars: Hosting a webinar on a relevant topic (e.g., tax tips for SMEs) can showcase your knowledge and attract potential clients.
Online Presence: Having a professional website or a simple landing page with your services, testimonials, and contact details can increase your visibility. Blogging about topics related to Accounting can also draw traffic.
Partnerships: Collaborate with other freelancers in related fields, like business consultants or marketing experts, who can refer their clients to you for Accounting services.
Remember, persistence is key. Initially, it may take time to build a client base, but word of mouth and good referrals will come once you’ve established a few solid relationships.
Good luck on your journey into freelancing! You’ve got this!