From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Accounting & Bookkeeping Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients

Starting your accounting and bookkeeping practice in New Zealand can feel like a daunting task when trying to secure those first 10 clients. However, with practical, effective strategies tailored to Kiwi businesses and communities, you can build a trusted client base. Here's a friendly and actionable guide with 10 tips to help you get booked and grow your accounting or bookkeeping business.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Leverage Your Inner Circle

Family, friends, and previous contacts can be your earliest supporters and clients. Offer your services at discounted rates or free initially to build testimonials and showcase your skills.

A Tauranga bookkeeper began by assisting local start-ups within her network, leading to steady referrals.

Weirdly enough, word of mouth spreads quickly in close-knit Kiwi business communities.

2. Join Local Facebook Groups

Groups like “Wellington Small Business” or “Auckland Entrepreneurs” are where local businesses often seek accounting help.

By sharing helpful tips and engagement, you build authority and genuine connections without hard selling.

Neighbourly is another slower-paced but effective platform for reaching local clients thoughtfully.

3. Create a Professional Website

A simple website showcasing your services, client testimonials, pricing, and contact info builds credibility online.

Platforms such as Wix or Google Sites offer easy, affordable ways to create mobile-friendly sites.

Including New Zealand-specific tax knowledge or business examples adds local relevance.

4. List on Yada and NZ Directories

Yada offers a commission-free way to connect with local Kiwis needing accounting services.

Its rating system helps good performers get noticed and matched.

Also consider platforms like TradeMe Services and Localist to widen your exposure.

5. Offer Introductory Discounts

Attract first clients with reduced rates for initial bookkeeping or tax preparation packages.

An Auckland accountant boosted her bookings by offering free initial consultations.

Think of it as a friendly way to let clients experience your service risk-free.

6. Network Locally and Attend Events

Attend chamber of commerce meetings, business expos, and local seminars to meet potential clients.

Volunteer to speak or sponsor business events to raise your profile.

In smaller towns like Nelson, personal networking is often key to gaining clients.

7. Collect and Highlight Testimonials

Ask satisfied clients for reviews and share them on your site and social media.

Peer testimonials carry a lot of weight in New Zealand’s close communities.

A Christchurch bookkeeper credits client reviews for giving her business a strong boost.

8. Share Helpful Accounting Tips

Publish simple guides on tax filing, bookkeeping basics, or financial planning on LinkedIn or Facebook.

This informal content positions you as an expert and builds lasting client relationships.

A Tauranga accountant’s straightforward social media tips helped her attract local entrepreneur clients.

9. Advertise in Community Spaces

Flyers at libraries, local cafes, and community noticeboards reach business owners less active online.

Supplement this with targeted Google or Facebook ads aimed at New Zealand small businesses.

Grassroots and digital marketing combined are effective, especially in smaller regions.

10. Stay Organised and Professional

Implement scheduling, invoicing, and client management tools to ensure a smooth workflow.

Prompt and clear communication builds trust and encourages repeat business.

A Wellington accountant highlights professionalism as key to maintaining and growing client relationships.