Welcome to your go-to guide ‌to empower your accounting, bookkeeping or outsourced payroll provider firm’s growth.

We know ‌outsourced payroll services are an absolute must-have for businesses, no matter their size, and the aim of this guide is to help you get new clients and ramp up revenue. Whether you’re just kicking things off, or aiming to widen your client circle, this guide spills the beans on building a winning game plan that’ll not only reel in new clients but also give your firm’s earnings a healthy boost.

In this guide, we’ll dig into tried-and-true methods, fresh approaches‌ and savvy insights that’ve helped fellow accounting, bookkeeping or outsourced payroll provider firms, just like yours, flourish in a competitive arena. From riding the digital marketing wave to nurturing client bonds and making your operations super smooth, we’ve got every angle of your growth story covered.

We’ll show you how to spot your dream clients, chat up your unique selling points ‌and set your firm up as the trustworthy sidekick for managing the nitty-gritty of payroll. We’ll take you step-by-step through easy ways to spruce up your digital presence, engage in thought leadership, consult your clients and build relationships.

But reeling in fresh clients is only half the tale. To truly haul in the cash and craft a business that’s here to stay, we’ll guide you through fine-tuning your pricing plan, offering extra services that pack a punch‌ and keeping your clients sweet. By giving your all and forming solid bonds, you’ll not only keep clients coming back for more, but also turn happy clients into walking billboards for your firm. Our guide is set up to be your trusty GPS on this journey to success, handing you actionable advice and real-life examples that you can tweak to match your exact business goals. Whether you’re looking to carve a niche in a specialised field or cater to a mix of clients.

The strategies we’ve got lined up here will empower you to conquer challenges and grab opportunities by the horns. So, if you’re all set to give your accounting, bookkeeping or outsourced payroll provider firm a real shot in the arm, let’s dive right in and unlock the potential for growth, profit‌ and long-term glory. Your quest to lure new clients and rake in ‌revenue begins right now.

What’s in the guide:

1 – Defining your target market

2 – Developing a strong value proposition

3 – Showing expertise and building trust

4 – Making use of digital marketing

5 – Leveraging referrals and partnerships

6 – Consulting for and guiding your clients

7 – A focus on client relationships

1 – Define your target market

Defining a clear target market is crucial for accountants, bookkeepers and outsourced payroll service firms to focus their marketing efforts effectively and attract the right clients. You might already have a clear idea of who your target market is; you may even have it written in a document somewhere where all your staff can access it. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to revisit it on an annual basis. And for those who haven’t got anything committed to a document that their team (especially new team members) can access, we offer steps you could consider to help you define your target market.

2 – Developing a strong value proposition

Once you’ve defined your target market, it’s time to look at developing a strong value proposition for your payroll firm. A value proposition is a clear statement that highlights the unique benefits and value a business offers to its customers. We offer some tips to help you build a strong proposition. As an example, here’s ours: Employment Hero is a leading cloud HR & payroll platform offering you the smarter way to manage your HR, payroll and recruitment. Everything you need. In one place. Automated, centralised and streamlined, for businesses on the up.  Regularly review and update your value proposition to reflect changes in the market and client requirements.

3 – Show expertise and build trust

It’s not enough to just talk the talk; you need to prove that you’ve walked the walk. While it’s important to not solely focus on your years of experience or expertise, as again you could blend into a large crowd doing the same, it’s important to highlight what you’ve got. The guide includes sections on:

• Building a bank of social proof
• Displaying your accreditations and certifications
• Content marketing
• Client security

4 – Make use of digital marketing

Another technique you can employ includes all the digital marketing channels. If you’re looking for a way to showcase all that expertise and knowledge you have (as we discussed above) and perhaps capture some leads in the process, there are plenty of digital marketing tools at your disposal. In the guide, we discuss some tactics you could try out, including:

• Building a responsive website
• Search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Email marketing
• Social media marketing
• Video and webinars
• Analytics

5 – Leverage referrals and partnerships

Leveraging referrals and partnerships can be another great way to grow your client base and expand your business. We talk about some strategies to effectively use referrals and partnerships including:

• Referral programs
• Networking
• Partnering with complementary businesses
• Online partnerships

6 – Consult for and guide your clients

If none of the other ideas offered anything new‌, perhaps this one will! I know, we’re suggesting giving something away for free here. But there’s a method to it all. Consulting and creating free guides (like this one) for clients can be a valuable way for you to provide value, demonstrate expertise and attract potential clients. Some effective tactics we discuss in the guide include:

• Free consultations
• Free guides

7 – Focus on client relationships

For just about any business, client relationships are fundamental to success, and while we’re sure you’re doing your best to maintain positive relationships with your clients, we’ve put together a few reminders. Stronger relationships spark loyalty, advocacy and ultimately referrals. We discuss:

• Personalising your communication
• Being proactive
• Being an educator
• Understanding your client’s business
• Celebrating your client’s milestones

You’re in control of the trajectory of your firm

Congratulations, you’ve now embarked on a journey that’s set to redefine the trajectory of your payroll firm’s growth. By carefully defining your target market, crafting a compelling value proposition, showcasing expertise, embracing digital marketing, leveraging referrals and partnerships, consulting with clients‌ and fostering robust relationships, you’re poised to make a significant impact in the accounting, bookkeeping‌ and payroll landscape. Remember, your target market isn’t just a static concept; it’s a dynamic compass that guides your every move. Be open to evolution and refine your strategies to keep pace with changing market dynamics. As you continue to navigate this path, keep in mind that success is a continuous journey. Regularly revisit your strategies, adapt to changes‌ and stay attuned to the evolving needs of your clients. Your dedication to excellence and your unwavering commitment to their success will be the cornerstones of your payroll firm’s rise to prominence. Here’s to a future filled with thriving client partnerships, sustainable growth‌ and remarkable achievements. And of course, we’re always here to help, if you need us. Onwards and upwards!