Trying to get my bookkeeping/financial advisory business off the ground, would love advice from people who’ve done this
Hey everyone. I’ve got a Banking and Finance degree and some real accounting/finance work experience (fintech, an accounting internship), and a few months ago I started a small freelance bookkeeping and financial advisory practice, mainly targeting small businesses and NGOs.
Right now I’m doing the basics, building out a portfolio, setting up profiles on Upwork/Fiverr, trying to figure out pricing tiers that don’t scare off clients but also don’t undersell me. But I feel like I’m flying a bit blind on the “actually get clients” part.
A few things I’m stuck on:
\*\*•\*\* How did you land your first few paying clients when you had no track record yet?
\*\*•\*\* Freelance platforms vs. direct outreach vs. referrals , what actually worked for you?
\*\*•\*\* Any pricing structure advice for bookkeeping/advisory work specifically (hourly vs. package vs. retainer)?
\*\*•\*\* If you work with NGOs/nonprofits, is there anything different about that market I should know?
I’m not trying to build some huge firm overnight, just trying to get consistent clients and build a reputation. Any advice, even “stuff I wish I knew earlier,” would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!