Here’s a secret: you don’t need a website to have a successful bookkeeping business.
Now, I know that goes against what every marketing coach and online guru says you have to be on LinkedIn, you have to be on Instagram, you have to have a website. But here’s the truth: you don’t need any of that to build a thriving bookkeeping for small business firm.
What you do need is credibility. Whether that comes through a simple social media profile, a one-page PDF, or a clean landing page, it needs to clearly show what you do and who you help.
Lessons from My Own Bookkeeping Business Journey
After ten years and four versions of my own website (three of them professionally built), I’ve spent nearly $18,000 trying to “get it right.” Every redesign happened because I thought I knew who I was talking to but I didn’t. I thought I knew what problem I was solving but that changed too.
That’s why, when I coach other bookkeepers and accountants, I tell them to slow down before spending thousands on web design. I’ve been there. And the truth is, a website isn’t what makes your bookkeeping for small business successful, clarity does.
1. Know Who You’re Talking To
If you don’t know who you’re trying to reach, your audience won’t either.
I’m not saying you have to pick one niche and never look back, but you should at least know the general type of client you want to attract. Maybe you work with salons, restaurants, or non-profits. Maybe you help other service providers. But get clear on who you’re talking to before you build a single page.
2. Know What Problem You Solve
Most bookkeepers talk about how they do things—bank reconciliations, tax filings, software, and reports. But clients don’t care about your process; they care about results.
Your bookkeeping business should speak to the what: what problem do you solve that keeps your clients up at night? Do you help them stop surprise tax bills? Eliminate CRA penalties? Create consistency in cash flow? That’s what they want to know.
3. Know How You Want Clients to Contact You
Whether it’s by phone, email, Zoom, or an intake form, your website or social media should make it easy for people to reach you. When they land on your page, they should instantly know:
✅ You’re talking to them.
✅ You can solve their problem.
✅ Here’s how to get in touch.
That’s it. Simple, clear, and effective.
Building a bookkeeping business doesn’t start with a website. It starts with clarity.
So before you hire a designer or build your own site, answer these three questions:
Who do you want to talk to?
What problem do you solve?
How do you want them to contact you?
Once you’ve got that figured out, the rest is easy.
Your future self will thank you for it.
