Small Business SEO

SEO Keywords for Bookkeeping Services

Ready to start connecting with customers online?

Learn which keywords to utilize in order to drive traffic to your website

Unlock More Bookkeeping Clients with the Right SEO Strategy

There is no shortcut to standing out amongst your competition in the bookkeeping industry, but the right keywords can put your business at the top of Google’s search results. Your SEO campaign is only as strong as the keywords it targets. For bookkeeping services, optimizing your website with a mix of high-volume, local, and service-specific keywords is the key to attracting more qualified leads to your site.

In fact, there are thousands of bookkeeping-related searches happening every month in the U.S. alone. Pair those with location-based phrases like “bookkeeping services in [City]” or “small business bookkeeper near me,” and you could be capturing steady traffic and turning clicks into long-term clients, all through organic search.

In this SEO Guide for Bookkeeping Services, You Will Learn:

  • The Top 50 SEO Keywords for Bookkeeping Companies

  • How to Choose the Best Keywords for Your Services and Target Locations

  • Proven Keyword Strategy Tips to Improve Local SEO, PPC Campaigns, and Website Rankings

Whether you serve small businesses, freelancers, or large corporations, knowing how your ideal clients search for bookkeeping services can help you boost your online visibility and win more contracts. The key to it all? Starting with the right keywords.

SEO Keywords for Bookkeeping Services

How to Choose the Best Bookkeeping Keywords for Your Business

Before you start adding every bookkeeping-related phrase to your website, take a step back and ask yourself a key question.

Who Is Your Ideal Bookkeeping Client?

Do you primarily work with small business owners who need ongoing monthly bookkeeping support? Are you focused on helping startups set up their accounting systems, providing payroll services, or offering catch-up bookkeeping for clients who have fallen behind? Each audience searches differently, and understanding their intent is essential.

For example:

  • A small business owner might search “monthly bookkeeping services near me”
  • A freelancer could look for “affordable bookkeeping for self-employed”
  • A larger company may Google “outsourced bookkeeping for corporations in [City]”

When you understand the pain points and search habits of your target audience, you can choose keywords that directly match what they are looking for.

Start With Your Core Services 

Begin by listing the services you provide most often. These high-demand terms typically have strong search volume and can form the backbone of your homepage, service pages, and advertising campaigns.

  • Bookkeeping services near me
  • Payroll processing in [City Name]
  • QuickBooks setup and support
  • Catch-up bookkeeping for small business

Once you have your core terms, use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find related phrases with solid search potential and lower competition.

Research Your Competitors

Look at the top-ranking bookkeeping firms in your area. What keywords appear in their page titles, service descriptions, and blog posts? SEO tools can help reveal which terms are bringing them traffic and where opportunities might exist for you to fill gaps in the market. Competitive research can give you the insights you need to fine-tune your strategy.

Prioritize Long-Tail Keywords

More than 90 percent of all Google searches are long-tail keywords. These are highly specific, often question-based searches that may have fewer monthly searches but attract visitors who are closer to making a decision. Examples include:

  • How much does a bookkeeper cost in [City]

  • Best bookkeeping service for small business owners

  • Do I need a bookkeeper if I use QuickBooks

Long-tail keywords are perfect for blog articles, FAQs, and targeted landing pages. They align with customer intent and can drive highly qualified leads to your business when used effectively.

Ready to Improve Your Search Visibility Online? Get Your Free SEO Report!

Each report is hand-crafted by a team member at MarketKeep and comes with a customized video that walks you through your report visually. That way we can help you understand how your business is performing online, and what you can do better in order to connect with your customers in the moments that matter to them.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The Best SEO Keywords for Bookkeeping Services by Category

When you organize the keywords into categories makes it easier to structure your website content, blog posts, and ad campaigns around them.

General Bookkeeping Keywords

These are your high-volume, go-to keywords. Ideal for your homepage, primary service pages, and Google Ads campaigns, these terms help capture broad search intent from small business owners, freelancers, and corporations looking for bookkeeping support.

  • bookkeeping services near me
  • best bookkeeping company
  • local bookkeeper
  • outsourced bookkeeping services
  • bookkeeping company open now
  • affordable bookkeeping services
  • top rated bookkeeper
  • full service bookkeeping company

Local SEO Keywords (Insert Your City or Service Area)

These keywords help your bookkeeping business appear in local search results when potential clients in your area are looking for help. They are perfect for location-specific service pages, blog posts, and Google Business Profile optimization.

  • bookkeeping services in [City Name]
  • small business bookkeeping in [City Name]
  • payroll and bookkeeping [City or Neighborhood]
  • catch-up bookkeeping in [City Name]
  • QuickBooks bookkeeping in [City Name]
  • best bookkeeper in [Your Area]

Bookkeeping Services Keywords

These keywords align with specific services and are ideal for targeted service pages or advertising campaigns.

  • monthly bookkeeping services
  • payroll processing
  • QuickBooks setup and training
  • tax preparation bookkeeping
  • catch-up bookkeeping services
  • accounts payable and receivable management
  • financial reporting services

Urgent or Specialized Bookkeeping Keywords

These terms target clients with immediate needs, such as preparing for tax season, correcting financial records, or managing compliance deadlines. They work well for PPC ads, dedicated landing pages, or homepage callouts.

  • emergency bookkeeping services near me
  • year-end bookkeeping help
  • bookkeeping for tax preparation [City Name]
  • IRS compliance bookkeeping
  • audit ready bookkeeping
  • same day bookkeeping services

Industry-Specific Bookkeeping Keywords

If you specialize in certain industries, these keywords help you connect with the right clients.

  • bookkeeping for real estate agents
  • bookkeeping for construction companies
  • bookkeeping for medical practices
  • bookkeeping for e-commerce businesses
  • nonprofit bookkeeping services
  • restaurant bookkeeping services

Long-Tail Keywords for Blog or FAQ Strategy

These detailed search terms may have lower monthly volume but often signal high intent. They are great for blog posts, FAQ pages, or targeted landing pages.

  • how much does a bookkeeper cost in [City]

  • do I need a bookkeeper if I have an accountant

  • how to choose the right bookkeeping service

  • what to bring to your first bookkeeping meeting

  • how often should a small business update its books

  • best bookkeeping software for small business owners

How to Use the Top 50 SEO Keywords for Bookkeeping Services Effectively

Once you have identified the right keywords for your bookkeeping business, it is time to put them to work. Strategic placement of these keywords across your website, blog, and online profiles will help improve your rankings, bring in more qualified traffic, and turn more leads into paying clients.

1. Optimize Your Website with the Right Bookkeeping Keywords

Start by placing your most important keywords in the areas Google considers most valuable. These include:

  • Page titles and meta descriptions
  • H1 and H2 headings
  • URLs for service and location pages
  • Image file names and alt text
  • Internal links across blog posts and service pages

If you offer services like payroll processing, QuickBooks setup, or catch-up bookkeeping, make sure those phrases appear naturally in your content, not just in lists. Keep your writing helpful and client-focused, aligning your language with the exact terms people are using to search for your services.

2. Create Location-Specific Pages

If your bookkeeping company serves multiple cities, towns, or neighborhoods, do not rely on one general service page. Instead, create individual landing pages optimized for each location.

For example:

  • Bookkeeping services in Austin
  • Payroll and bookkeeping in Round Rock
  • QuickBooks setup in Cedar Park

Each page should include service details, mention local neighborhoods or business hubs, and share unique content that reflects your work in that area.

3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a critical tool for showing up in local map results and local search queries. To get the most from it:

  • Use the same keywords your potential clients are typing, such as “small business bookkeeping near me” or “best bookkeeper in [City]”

  • List all your services clearly and keep your hours updated

  • Upload high-quality photos of your team, workspace, and client events (if applicable)

  • Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews and respond to them professionally

  • When replying, naturally include relevant keywords, such as “We are glad we could help with your monthly bookkeeping in Austin”

4. Build a Keyword-Focused Content Strategy

Blog posts, FAQs, and resource guides are excellent for capturing long-tail keyword traffic and answering common client questions. Each piece of content should target a single main keyword or topic. Examples include:

  • How much does a bookkeeper cost in [City]
  • Do I need a bookkeeper if I use accounting software
  • How to prepare your business for tax season with bookkeeping
  • Best bookkeeping software for small business owners

Publishing keyword-rich, valuable content on a regular schedule helps position your business as a trusted authority. It also signals to search engines that your site is active and worth ranking higher in search results.

Ready to Improve Your Search Visibility Online? Get Your Free SEO Report!

Each report is hand-crafted by a team member at MarketKeep and comes with a customized video that walks you through your report visually. That way we can help you understand how your business is performing online, and what you can do better in order to connect with your customers in the moments that matter to them.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The 50 Best SEO Keywords for Bookkeeping (2025)

Keyword  Avg. Monthly Searches Competition
bookkeeper 90,500 Medium
bookkeeper near me 18,100 Low
accounting software’s 18,100 Medium
bookkeeping services 14,800 Low
double entry accounting 12,100 Low
double entry bookkeeping in accounting 12,100 Low
bookkeeping services near me 8,100 Low
accountant for small business near me 5,400 Low
accountant small business near me 5,400 Low
QuickBooks bookkeeping 4,400 Medium
bookkeeping business 3,600 Low
double entry bookkeeping 3,600 Low
double bookkeeping 3,600 Low
bookkeeping entry 3,600 Low
small business bookkeeping 2,900 Low
bookkeeping and accounting 2,900 Low
accounting bookkeeping 2,900 Low
the bookkeepers 2,900 Low
accounting services for small business 2,400 Low
remote bookkeeper 2,400 Medium
virtual bookkeeper 1,900 Medium
freelance bookkeeping 1,900 Medium
certified bookkeeper 1,900 Medium
business bookkeeping services 1,900 Low
outsource accounting 1,600 Low
tax accountant for small business 1,600 Low
small business bookkeeper near me 1,600 Low
waves bookkeeping 1,600 Low
business bookkeeping 1,300 Low
xero bookkeeping 1,300 Low
QuickBooks live 1,300 Low
botkeeper 1,300 Low
outsourced bookkeeping services 1,300 Medium
QuickBooks live bookkeeping 1,000 Low
bookkeeping companies 1,000 Low
real estate tax accountant 1,000 Medium
intuit bookkeeping 1,000 Medium
bookkeeping and accounting services 1,000 Low
bookkeeping for nonprofits 1,000 Medium
full charge bookkeeper 1,000 Low
bookkeeping accounting services 1,000 Low
company bookkeeping 1,000 Low
bookkeeping services for small business 880 Medium
ai bookkeeping 880 High
outsource bookkeeping 880 Low
payroll and bookkeeping services 880 Low
basic bookkeeping 880 Medium
certified public bookkeeper 880 Low
tax and bookkeeping services 880 Low
bookkeeping tax services 880 Low

The 50 Best SEO Keywords for Bookkeeping (2023)

Keyword  Avg. Monthly Searches Competition
bookkeeping 74,000 Low
double entry accounting 14,800 Low
double entry bookkeeping 1,900 Low
bookkeeping services 14,800 Low
bookkeeping and accounting 1,000 Low
bookkeeper near me 12,100 Low
small business bookkeeping 2,900 Medium
bookkeeping business 1,900 Medium
quickbooks bookkeeping 3,600 Low
bookkeeping services near me 3,600 Low
botkeeper 1,300 Low
online bookkeeping 1,600 High
freelance bookkeeping 1,600 Medium
xero bookkeeping 590 Low
certified bookkeeper 1,900 Medium
quickbooks live 1,300 Low
basic bookkeeping 1,000 Low
single entry bookkeeping 260 Low
accounting outsourcing 1,300 Low
virtual bookkeeper 1,300 Medium
bookkeeping for dummies 720 High
bookkeeping services for small businesses 1,300 Low
full charge bookkeeper 1,300 Low
accounting and bookkeeping services 880 Low
online bookkeeping services 1,000 Low
the bookkeeper 880 Low
booming bookkeeping business 880 Low
bookkeeping accounting 1,600 Low
quickbooks live bookkeeping 1,000 Low
business bookkeeping  1,000 Low
icb bookkeeping  20 Low
intuit bookkeeping 590 Medium
booming bookkeeping 720 Medium
single entry accounting 170 Low
outsourced bookkeeping services 590 Medium
remote bookkeeper 880 Medium
sole trader bookkeeper 10 Low
outsourced bookkeeping  880 Low
best bookkeeping 110 Medium
bookkeeping company 720 Low
double bookkeeping 140 Low
amazon accounting 90,500 Low
accounting packages for small businesses 90 Medium
simple bookkeeping  140 Medium
quickbooks expert 590 Low
certified public bookkeeper 480 Medium
simple accounting bookkeeping  40 Medium
bookkeeping step by step 110 High
online accounting and bookkeeping services 170 Low

The 50 Best SEO Keywords for Bookkeeping (2022)

Keyword  Avg. Monthly Searches Competition
bookkeeping 65,000 Medium
bookkeeping services 8,100 Medium
double entry accounting 4,400 Low
double entry bookkeeping 1,900 Low
bookkeepers near me 3,600 Medium
small business bookkeeping 2,400 High
bookkeeping services near me 1,600 Medium
virtual bookkeeping 1,900 High
online bookkeeping 1,900 High
bookkeeping for dummies 1,000 High
certified bookkeeper 1,900 High
account bookkeeping 1,300 Medium
bookkeeping and accounting 720 Medium
full charge bookkeeper 1,300 Low
freelance bookkeeping 1,000 High
bookkeeping business 590 High
bookkeeping services for small business 720 High
the bookkeeper 590 Low
quickbooks bookkeeping 880 High
accounting and bookkeeping services 390 Medium
outsourced bookkeeping 590 High
find a quicbooks proadvisor 720 Medium
business bookkeeping 480 High
online bookkeeping services 480 Medium
xero bookkeeping 320 High
bookkeeping company 480 Medium
remote bookkeeper 590 High
bookkeeping ledger 390 High
single entry bookkeeping 170 Low
quickbooks bookkeeping services 320 High
outsourced bookkeeping services 260 Medium
nonprofit bookkeeping 390 High
personal bookkeeping 320 Medium
cloud bookkeeping 170 Low
restaurant bookkeeping 320 High
certified public bookkeeper 260 Medium
indeed bookkeeper 260 Low
bookkeeping price packages 260 High
self employed bookkeeper 170 High
accounting bookkeeping service 170 Low
double bookkeeping 110 Low
bookkeeping firms 210 High
simple bookkeeping 110 Medium
godaddy bookkeeping ebay 210 low
quickbooks expert 210 Medium
sage bookkeeping 110 High
quickbooks bookkeeping services near me 170 Medium
construction bookkeeping 210 Medium
find a bookkeeper 140 Medium

Ready to Improve Your Search Visibility Online? Get Your Free SEO Report!

Each report is hand-crafted by a team member at MarketKeep and comes with a customized video that walks you through your report visually. That way we can help you understand how your business is performing online, and what you can do better in order to connect with your customers in the moments that matter to them.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Utilizing the Top SEO Keywords for Bookkeeping Services

The key to ranking well with the top SEO keywords for bookkeeping services comes down to seven important components.

1. Making sure your website is mobile-friendly, fast, and secure.

2. Incorporating your SEO keyword into top search results related to bookkeeping services.

3. Optimizing your website content, title tags, headings, and meta descriptions for your keyword.

4. Claiming and fully optimizing your Google Business Profile.

5. Claiming and filling out your local directory listings with the same consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number).

6. Creating a keyword-optimized blog that contains high-quality content and is updated regularly.

7. Using photos and videos in your content that have been properly optimized with your SEO keywords for bookkeeping services.

Local SEO for Bookkeeping Services

Get found by the right clients in your city or service area.

Local SEO is one of the most effective ways to attract new bookkeeping clients. Most business owners searching for a bookkeeper are doing so on their phones, and they are looking for someone local who can help quickly and reliably. When a user types “bookkeeping services near me” or “small business bookkeeper in [City],” your goal is to appear in the top three Google Maps results, also known as the map pack.

How to Boost Your Local Visibility

Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first impression a potential client will have in local search. To make the most of it, be sure to:

  • Use your exact business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
  • Choose relevant categories such as Bookkeeping Service, Payroll Service, Tax Preparation Service
  • Upload professional photos of your office, your team, and any community events you have participated in
  • Write a keyword-rich business description that reflects your services and service areas

Keep It Active with Regular Posts

Posting regular updates signals to Google that your business is active and trustworthy.

  • Share bookkeeping tips for small businesses, important tax deadlines, or seasonal financial reminders
  • Highlight your service areas and promote specialized services such as year-end preparation or audit readiness
  • Post updates about software training, new services, or community events you support

Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Reviews are an important factor in local rankings and reputation.

  • Ask satisfied clients to leave a review after their service is complete

  • Respond to every review with professionalism and appreciation

  • Where appropriate, naturally include relevant keywords in your response (e.g., “We are glad we could help with your monthly bookkeeping in Austin”)

Get Listed in Local Directories

Consistency in your business information is key for Local SEO. Ensure your details match exactly across platforms like:

  • Yelp
  • Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
  • BBB
  • Apple Maps
  • Bing Places
  • Chamber of Commerce directories

Create City-Specific Service Pages

If you serve multiple cities or counties, build a dedicated service page for each location. Customize these pages to include:

  • Keywords like Bookkeeping Services in [City]
  • Local business districts or neighborhoods
  • Testimonials or examples from clients in that area

Examples:

  • Bookkeeping Services in Dallas
  • Payroll Processing in Fort Worth
  • QuickBooks Setup in Arlington

These pages not only improve your SEO but also help prospective clients feel confident that you truly serve their local community.

On-Page SEO for Bookkeeping Services

Make your website easy for Google to understand while making it impossible for potential clients to overlook.

On-page SEO focuses on optimizing your website so that it ranks higher in search results and delivers an excellent experience for every visitor. When your bookkeeping website loads quickly, communicates your services clearly, and uses the right keywords, Google is more likely to recommend it to people searching for your expertise.

Where to Use SEO Keywords for Maximum Impact

To get the most value from your bookkeeping keywords, place them strategically in areas where search engines and users pay the most attention:

  • Page Titles: Use clear, location-based phrases such as Bookkeeping Services in [City] | [Your Business Name]

  • Meta Descriptions: Write concise summaries with strong keywords, such as Need reliable bookkeeping for your small business in [City]? Get a free consultation today

  • Headings (H1, H2, and H3): Use natural, keyword-rich headlines like Monthly Bookkeeping Services in [City] or Trusted Payroll Processing for Local Businesses

  • Body Content: Include your keywords where they fit naturally, avoiding keyword stuffing but maintaining clarity and consistency

  • URLs: Keep them clean and keyword-friendly, such as /payroll-services-[city]

Create Dedicated Pages for Each Bookkeeping Service

Instead of grouping all your services onto one page, give each core service its own dedicated space. This approach strengthens your SEO, improves user experience, and increases your chances of ranking for specific search terms.

Examples include:

  • Monthly Bookkeeping Services

  • Payroll Processing and Management

  • QuickBooks Setup and Training

  • Tax Preparation Support

  • Catch-Up Bookkeeping for Small Businesses

Each page should focus on a single service, use location-specific keywords where relevant, and include calls to action such as “Request a Free Consultation” or “Schedule Your Bookkeeping Review.”

Improve Your Site Speed and Mobile Experience

Many bookkeeping leads come from business owners searching on their phones between meetings or during busy workdays. Your website should be fast, mobile-friendly, and simple to navigate.

Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to identify areas for improvement. Your site should:

  • Load quickly across all devices

  • Be easy to navigate on smartphones and tablets

  • Feature visible CTA buttons such as Request a Quote or Contact Us Today

Add Schema Markup to Your Site

Schema markup helps Google understand your business, your services, and your location. Adding Local Business Schema can improve how your listing appears in search results.

Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to add:

  • Business name

  • Address and service areas

  • Hours of operation

  • Service types (e.g., monthly bookkeeping, payroll processing, tax preparation)

Optimize Your Images for SEO

Photos and graphics can make your website more inviting and professional, while also contributing to SEO efforts.

Make sure every image:

  • Is compressed for fast loading

  • Has a descriptive filename (e.g., quickbooks-setup-dallas.jpg)

  • Includes keyword-rich alt text (e.g., QuickBooks setup and training for small business owners in Houston, Texas)

Optimized images not only improve rankings but also boost accessibility and increase the chances of appearing in Google Images searches.

Off-Page SEO for Bookkeeping Services

Build trust, increase visibility, and strengthen your bookkeeping company’s online reputation.

Off-page SEO covers everything you do outside of your own website to improve rankings and authority. The more reputable websites that link back to your site, and the more often your business is mentioned across the web, the more confident Google will be in recommending your services to potential clients.

Ways to Strengthen Off-Page SEO

Earn High-Quality Backlinks

Think of backlinks as referrals from other websites. When credible sources link to your bookkeeping site, it signals trust to search engines and can help improve your rankings.

  • Submit your business to finance-relevant directories like BBB, Yelp, Clutch, and local Chamber of Commerce listings

  • Reach out to small business blogs, industry publications, or entrepreneurship sites and offer to contribute articles on bookkeeping tips or tax preparation advice

  • Get listed on niche sites that cater to your target industries, such as accounting forums, small business resource hubs, or startup networks

Promote Content on Social Media

Social media platforms can help you drive traffic, build credibility, and earn shares or links to your website.

  • Post financial tips, helpful bookkeeping checklists, and seasonal reminders for tax deadlines

  • Share educational blog posts like “How to Prepare Your Books for Tax Season” or “The Top Mistakes Small Businesses Make with Payroll”

  • Use location-based hashtags like #DallasBookkeeper or #SmallBusinessAccountingHouston to reach local audiences

  • Engage with followers by answering questions, sharing client testimonials, and encouraging referrals

Connect with the Local Business Community Online

Building relationships with other local professionals can lead to valuable backlinks and referrals.

  • Sponsor local networking events or business workshops and request a link from the event’s website

  • Join business associations or small business networking groups that have online directories

  • Partner with tax preparers, financial advisors, or business coaches and request to be listed on their resources or partner pages

Ask for Links from Satisfied Clients and Partners

If you have worked with business owners, consultants, or industry-specific service providers, ask them to mention your business on their websites. These partnerships can help you gain high-authority backlinks and increased exposure.

Track and Maintain Your Backlink Profile

It is important to monitor the quality of your backlinks and ensure they are helping your SEO efforts.

  • Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to track new and lost backlinks

  • If you find spammy or irrelevant sites linking to you, disavow them through Google Search Console to protect your rankings

Pro Tip: Tie It All Together With Google Analytics 

Knowing which SEO keywords to target for your bookkeeping business is only the first step. To truly get the most from your SEO strategy, you need to measure what is working. That is where Google Analytics becomes one of your most powerful tools.

Track Your Performance by Monitoring

  • Which keywords are driving traffic: Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to find out which bookkeeping-related search terms are bringing people to your website. Are potential clients finding you through searches like “monthly bookkeeping services in [City],” “QuickBooks setup for small business,” or “payroll processing near me”? These insights show you exactly which keywords are attracting real visitors.

  • Which pages are performing best: Review which service pages, blog articles, or location-specific landing pages are getting the most visits. This helps you identify the content your audience finds most valuable and gives you the opportunity to expand or improve underperforming areas of your site.

  • What search terms trigger your Google Business Profile:Google Business Profile Insights can show you which local search queries display your listing in the map results. Phrases like “small business bookkeeper in [City]” or “tax preparation bookkeeping near me” can reveal how local clients are discovering your business.

By combining insights from Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google Business Profile Insights, you can get a complete view of your SEO performance. This data allows you to fine-tune your keyword targeting, improve your content strategy, and grow your bookkeeping business through both local and organic search.

author avatar
MarketKeep CEO/Founder