Starting a Bookkeeping Business: A Detailed Six-Step Guide

starting a bookkeeping business

You might also join industry associations related to your niche, which can connect you with potential clients in person and online. But if you need more personalized, specific advice on how to start your own virtual bookkeeping business, and make money from home, see our other resources today to get started. If you want to start a virtual bookkeeping business, one of the areas you’ll want to learn is marketing. To make sure your business gets seen and has a shot at generating leads, use these 9 promotion tactics.

Choose Your Business Structure:

Building excitement leading up to the launch is essential; use teaser posts on social media, offer sneak peeks of your services, and share engaging content to generate buzz. Successfully launching and growing a bookkeeping business requires careful planning and strategic marketing. Setting the right prices for your services is of utmost importance and will determine your profitability. To get a better picture, consider your costs, the value you provide, and pricing accounting services based on competitors.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Certifications

In simple terms, if businesses are the engine, bookkeepers help keep everything running smoothly under the hood. Networking and building relationships strengthen your business connections. Attend industry starting a bookkeeping business events and local business gatherings to meet potential clients and partners. Joining professional organizations or business incubators provides mentorship and exposure to resources you may not have considered. Collaborate with other businesses—such as tax professionals or financial advisors—for cross-promotional opportunities.

You can accept payments for your bookkeeping business via physical checks or online. You can set up a Pay Virtual Terminal, send Pay Links, or request payments with Pay Checkout. Pay.com also lets you accept a wide variety of payment methods, making payment easy for the client. Before getting into business, be sure to consider the pros and cons. Be prepared to deal with potential liability issues and marketing may also be a challenge when you’re first starting out. However, owning your own business and helping others run successful businesses can be incredibly rewarding.

Many bookkeepers charge hourly fees for their services and have the potential to earn a good income. Additionally, some bookkeeping businesses may offer additional services that can generate additional revenue. Both are valid, but an LLC offers legal protection by separating personal and business assets. Sole proprietorships are easier to set up, but don’t provide liability protection. It’s best to consider your risk level and long-term goals, or consult a professional. To start, you’ll need a reliable computer, internet, and accounting tools like invoicing software (e.g., Moon Invoice), cloud-based bookkeeping platforms, and spreadsheet apps.

Set up your office and accounting systems

You discovered why starting a bookkeeping business could be one of the best decisions of your life. The ability to go above and beyond virtual bookkeeping is crucial if you want to become a great bookkeeper and earn a great living. Accounting software eliminates a lot of the busy work bookkeepers were required to complete…even just 5 years ago… and free you up to deliver premium service at premium rates. Be sure that when starting a bookkeeping business with QuickBooks, you use QuickBooks Online; not QuickBooks Desktop.

For example, if you offer family or individual accounting, Facebook may be your best channel. If you only work with small business owners, LinkedIn may be a better fit. Consultations are a relatively easy way to build rapport with potential customers, and they can often turn into paying customers. You can easily post the offer on your website and social media accounts, something you can handle on your own without hiring marketing help. If you’re reading this and feel like it’s something you can do, do it.

starting a bookkeeping business

Consider offering free workshops or webinars to showcase your expertise and gather leads. Referral incentives for existing clients can also be a powerful tool to gain new business. At HUB Analytics, we provide advanced tools and resources to help you manage and scale your bookkeeping business effectively. Our platform offers in-depth financial reporting and analysis tailored for various industries, ensuring you have the insights needed to make data-driven decisions. Also, make sure to obtain any necessary licenses or permits required in your area. Develop a strong brand identity, including a memorable business name, logo, and tagline, to make a lasting impression.

Your business name is the first thing that lets customers, clients, competitors and others in the marketplace know about who you are and what you do. For a bookkeeping business, you may also want to include information regarding your niche and any certifications that you have as well. You’ll just need to get your business registered and insured before you set up a business bank account and website.

Once you’ve chosen your business structure, you need to register your business with the state. Some states also require an operating agreement or bylaws to define how the business is managed. The requirements vary by state, so check with your local government for specific steps.