If you are planning to set up a virtual bookkeeping business, you need to know the essentials on how to get off the ground in the right way. Having the required skills not only in bookkeeping but also some knowledge in management and marketing is necessary in operating this kind of business. The good thing about this venture is you can run it from any remote location as long as there is a computer and Internet connection to facilitate the bookkeeping services you are offering to your client.

Before Getting into Business

The first thing that you need to do is to determine if you are capable of engaging in a virtual bookkeeping business. It is not only important to adequately research on how to run and provide bookkeeping services, but it is important as well to ascertain the scope of services to offer and the rates for each kind of job to be performed based on prevailing market prices. As a beginner, choose only certain transactions that you are confident enough to render. Delivering the right kind of service that is sure to satisfy the client is the key to gain a niche in the market rather than focusing on the profits to be gained. This means meeting the standards and requirements of the clients within the range of your expertise at a rate affordable to them.

The next step is to draw a business plan to serve as your guide. Who are your target clients? How do you intend to penetrate the market? What are the methods you intend to use in marketing your service? It is necessary to clearly identify all the ways and means in operating the bookkeeping business to match with your skills, knowledge, strengths, and opportunities. Strategize how you can attract your target market and how to sustain the business once it sets off in the business field.

How to Jump Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Business

Since you are planning an online business, the first step is obviously to setup a website to launch your operation. You can hire a web designer to create a page highlighting the services offered, the expertise, experience, rates, and other important information to provide potential clients with a clear view of what to expect from your company. If you are not website savvy, you can use a number of templates to create a professional looking website. These templates come with plug-ins like directories and site maps to make the website easier to locate in search engines and become more functional for you and the clients.

It is important to maintain web visibility. The key is to create some traffic to direct potential clients to your website, which can be accomplished through the following means:

• Write blogs or articles and submit them to content farms or article directories that has an embed link to your website. In this manner, your business remains active and can easily be accessed by clients who are on the lookout for online bookkeepers.
• Be proactive and participate in market forums to advertise your services. There are various venues to explore which cater to different audiences. This initiative does not only widen your exposure, but it also provides you with new ideas on how to market your business.
• Post creative ads that can surely trigger interest and attract potential clients to contact you and make inquiries. This is a good start to establish a business deal.

Virtual bookkeeping services are rendered in a number of ways. One method is to login to the client’s account to gain access to the financial records. Another mean is by a courier system whereby all documents are sent to be worked on by the bookkeeper from any remote location. All processed documents are submitted in the same manner they were received by either electronic mail, fax, courier or direct access to the company’s accounting system.

Engaging in virtual bookkeeping business requires skills, knowledge, funds, reliable marketing strategy, and good service. Having all these important factors are enough to make the clients to seek your online service regularly despite the slim chance of meeting them in person. Sometimes delivering good services is enough to prove one’s worth.