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How to Secure Your First Clients as a Freelance Bookkeeper

Hello everyone,

I work as a bookkeeper and internal accountant for a medium-sized franchising company, managing the books for over 40 businesses. In addition to Bookkeeping, I also train other businesses on how to utilize QuickBooks Online. After three years in this role, I’m feeling a bit stagnant as my boss tends to assign me tasks that feel arbitrary after I complete my primary responsibilities. Plus, I’m not allowed to work from home, which is frustrating as I find I’m more productive in that setting.

This dissatisfaction has driven me to pursue a career as a freelance bookkeeper. However, finding clients has been challenging. I’ve reached out to numerous Accounting firms in my area to see if they need any additional Bookkeeping support, but without much success. I’ve also experimented with platforms like Upwork, but so far, these efforts haven’t been fruitful.

I’m seeking advice on how to land my first few clients. Is having a website a significant advantage? If you have one, where did you create it and how has it benefited you? Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
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Finding your first clients as a freelance bookkeeper can indeed be challenging, but with a focused strategy and persistent effort, you can build a successful client base. Here are some steps and tips to help you attract your first clients:

1. Leverage Your Network

Reach Out to Contacts: Start by reaching out to your personal and professional network. Let friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances know about your new venture and ask them to refer anyone who might benefit from your services.
Previous Clients and Employers: Given your experience with over 40 businesses, see if any of these businesses, or contacts at those businesses, need independent Bookkeeping services. Even indirect connections can provide valuable leads.

2. Build an Online Presence

Website: A professional website can enhance credibility and serve as a marketing tool. Include:
A clear description of your services.
Client testimonials and case studies.
Your experience and qualifications.
Contact information with a call to action.
Websites can be created easily on platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix without needing extensive technical skills.
Social Media: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with small business owners and other professionals. Share informative content about Bookkeeping that demonstrates your expertise.

3. Join Professional Networks and Communities

Online Platforms: Join Bookkeeping and Accounting communities on LinkedIn, Reddit, and Facebook. Engage in conversations, offer help when possible, and subtly market your services.
Professional Associations: Consider joining associations like the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) or National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). They often have job boards and networking opportunities.

4. Optimize Freelancing Platforms

Upwork and Similar Sites: Ensure your profile is complete and showcases your strengths and experience. Tailor your pitches to highlight how you can solve potential clients’ specific problems.
Niche Sites: Consider platforms specifically for accountants and bookkeepers, like Bookkeeping Services or Accountants on Demand.

5. Offer Free Workshops or Seminars

Host a local workshop or webinar on a bookkeeping topic, such as QuickBooks tips and tricks. This can showcase your expertise and attract potential clients who need further assistance.

6. Develop Strategic Partnerships

Accountants and Bookkeepers: While you’ve already tried contacting Accounting firms, consider partnerships with individual accountants who might need help with overflow work.
**Complementary

One response

APAdmin

25 February 2025 at 7:42 PM
Finding your first clients as a freelance bookkeeper can indeed be challenging, but with a focused strategy and persistent effort, you can build a successful client base. Here are some steps and tips to help you attract your first clients:

1. Leverage Your Network
- Reach Out to Contacts: Start by reaching out to your personal and professional network. Let friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances know about your new venture and ask them to refer anyone who might benefit from your services.
- Previous Clients and Employers: Given your experience with over 40 businesses, see if any of these businesses, or contacts at those businesses, need independent Bookkeeping services. Even indirect connections can provide valuable leads.
2. Build an Online Presence
- Website: A professional website can enhance credibility and serve as a marketing tool. Include:
- A clear description of your services.
- Client testimonials and case studies.
- Your experience and qualifications.
- Contact information with a call to action.
  Websites can be created easily on platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix without needing extensive technical skills.
- Social Media: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with small business owners and other professionals. Share informative content about Bookkeeping that demonstrates your expertise.
3. Join Professional Networks and Communities
- Online Platforms: Join Bookkeeping and Accounting communities on LinkedIn, Reddit, and Facebook. Engage in conversations, offer help when possible, and subtly market your services.
- Professional Associations: Consider joining associations like the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) or National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). They often have job boards and networking opportunities.
4. Optimize Freelancing Platforms
- Upwork and Similar Sites: Ensure your profile is complete and showcases your strengths and experience. Tailor your pitches to highlight how you can solve potential clients’ specific problems.
- Niche Sites: Consider platforms specifically for accountants and bookkeepers, like Bookkeeping Services or Accountants on Demand.
5. Offer Free Workshops or Seminars
- Host a local workshop or webinar on a bookkeeping topic, such as QuickBooks tips and tricks. This can showcase your expertise and attract potential clients who need further assistance.
6. Develop Strategic Partnerships
- Accountants and Bookkeepers: While you’ve already tried contacting Accounting firms, consider partnerships with individual accountants who might need help with overflow work.
- **Complementary
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