Marketing your bookkeeping business shouldn’t feel like a second full-time job. Yet, so many bookkeepers find themselves drowning in scattered tactics — posting here, networking there — without any real sense of direction. 

So, how do you actually do it successfully? You need a streamlined, sustainable bookkeeper marketing plan that works with your schedule, not against it. Let’s break it down.

The 80/20 Rule of Marketing: Focus on What Brings the Best Results

Not all marketing efforts are created equal. The Pareto Principle, better known as the 80/20 Rule, suggests that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts. Rather, most of your time spent on marketing today is probably not moving the needle.

Instead of spreading yourself thin by trying to manage all the marketing things, identify the few high-impact activities that actually attract and convert your clients. Look at your history: Where have your best clients come from? Maybe it was referrals, SEO, a local business listing, or a well-timed LinkedIn post. Double down on what’s working and ditch the rest.

Trying to be everywhere at once is exhausting. But being strategic? That’s how you win the marketing game without burning out.

Create a Marketing Schedule That Fits Your Busy Workload

Let’s be real — your days are already jam-packed with client work, reconciliations, and the occasional existential crisis over an unbalanced ledger. Your bookkeeper marketing needs to fit into the cracks of your schedule, not consume your entire day.

So how do you make time for it? Lean into the “plan and batch” method of GSD (getting stuff done):

• Dedicate one day a month to plan your marketing content, emails, and social media posts
• Use a simple content calendar (even a basic spreadsheet works) to stay on track
• Set aside just 15-30 minutes a day for engagement (commenting, responding, and networking)

Marketing isn’t about intensity; it’s about consistency. One steady, well-planned effort beats random bursts of activity every time.

Lean into Automation & Delegation (You Don’t Have to Do it All Yourself!)

Many believe you have to  do all your bookkeeping marketing manually and on your own. We’re going to bust that myth. 

The truth is, marketing automation exists for a reason — and it really can be your best business friend.

• For copywriting: Power your content creation with AI-driven tools like ChatGPT (but make sure you also use an AI detector tool to validate your copy doesn’t read like a robot)
• For email marketing: Use tools like MailChimp or ConstantContact to build beautiful, responsive emails and schedule campaigns
• For social media: Platforms like SproutSocial or HootSuite can handle scheduling for you
• For follow-ups: Schedule reminders with a CRM so you never miss a lead
• For all of the above: HubSpot is our pick to be your all-in-one CRM and marketing automation platform

And if automation doesn’t cut it? Partner up and delegate.

• Hire a virtual assistant to handle outreach and engagement
• Work with a copywriter to create content that doesn’t sound robotic
• Get a designer to make your brand look polished and professional
• Or hire an all-in-one marketing and sales ops partner like Boost Local to handle your bookkeeper branding, marketing, and lead generation

Your time is best spent on high-value activities, not tweaking Canva graphics for the fifth time.