Finding clients

[NewPractice]

I have recently started my own accountancy practice. Created a website, FB page, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google My Business, Yelp etc but haven't got any clients yet. As I don't have any clients yet, I can't ask clients to refer me and that seems to be the primary way people get new clients.

If you were looking for an accountant, where would you look (apart from asking others for recommendations) so that I can try and target better?

Have you added recommendations on LinkedIn? People can write these if they've worked with you in any capacity - in previous jobs etc.

It sounds like it would be worth creating an introductory offer to onboard some initial clients and go from there.

Is there a month that is especially important accountancy wise (tax deadlines for example) when people will be particularly looking for accountancy support? Worth doing a push at that time with a special offer. Maybe create a package offer?

Thank you. I'll message some of my old colleagues and ask them to do recommendations on LinkedIn.

January is the busiest month in accounts, it's tax return season. I'll look at putting some packages together

Engage with local business networking.

Post interesting things on local FB pages offering information. Become a trusted source

Offer seminars and advertise them, perhaps set up a ‘surgery’ offering tax consultation, for the tax year end.

make some noise, be proactive

If there are any sectors/local areas you're trying to target, you could write an advice article for their trade/location website/publication. That would get your name and website out there. If the website/paper/magazine has already run an article about e.g. doing your tax return on time, write in response with more information/opinion/advice etc for their letters page (ppl can be sniffy about letters pages but readers always look at them). Also, there may be some local business groups where you live where you may be able to find clients.

Networking events for local businesses are a good way to start, or look for new business start ups in your area and approach directly.

I attended a networking event this week and will do that again.

Some great ideas here to try, thank you

Would think you need to target other referrers too rather than just clients for you, eg other professionals too such as solicitors, they buddy up with and work with accountants a lot, run joint events etc and are asked by their clients for recommendations and develop mutual clients.

What is your business plan and who were your main contacts and professional referrers previously?

Who do you WANT to work for? And it can't be anyone (sorry!) The reason I say that is because it's impossible to create a marketing message that engages everyone (unless you have billions to spend...) So start with who you WANT to work with - you'll naturally gravitate towards certain people because of their values so if you're stuck start there.

Then find out where they hang out - each social media platform has a different demographic of audience so you don't need to focus on every single one. And remember, for businesses, social media is just another marketing tool and there are so many more that you can use (promotional material, networking events etc can all market your business).

Next get to understand what they need: what would make their life soooo much easier that you can help them with? I have an accountant because I know that tax returns stress me out, they are going to find savings for my business that I wouldn't know about and it's peace of mind (with a hint of smugness!) when the deadline rolls around that it's sorted.

Then give them value - show HOW you're indispensable to them, start conversations, give them advice.

Hope that helps x