Start up Questions Answered

If you’re in startup mode, this is for you.

In one of the most raw, unscripted episodes of The Strategic Bookkeeper Podcast, Jeannie Savage answered a string of questions from a startup bookkeeper — let’s call her Rosie. The intention was to share the answers inside her Startup Membership only. But the content was too valuable to keep behind closed doors.

So, here it is — distilled into a practical blog post for startup bookkeepers who want to build a strong, scalable practice from day one. Whether you're brand new or resetting your foundations, you’ll find direct, experience-backed answers to the real questions bookkeepers ask when they’re just starting out.

Let’s get straight into it.

What Subscriptions Do I Actually Need?

First question: What software is required, and is it included in the program?

Short answer: No, software isn’t included in the program — and that’s by design. You’ll need to budget for it separately. But the bigger answer is: use the right tools, in the right order, for the right reasons.

Here’s what Jeannie recommends:

1. Ignition

This one’s non-negotiable. It helps you:

• Onboard new clients professionally and efficiently

• Streamline proposal and engagement workflows

• Automate reminders, billing, and contract management

It’s like having a digital assistant that never drops the ball. Jeannie often says, “Tech is team.” If you want to grow, you need leverage — and Ignition gives you that.

2. Dext Prepare & Dext Precision

These are billed back to the client — so while you need to invest upfront (and most providers require a minimum of five clients), it shouldn’t be coming out of your profit margin long term. These tools do the grunt work on transaction processing and data integrity, so you can focus on higher-value work.

Inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Program, you’ll get a pricing calculator that bakes these costs into your packages — so you’re always covering costs and building profit.

Pro tip: You don’t need a huge tech stack. You just need the right tools doing the right jobs, with pricing that protects your margin. That’s exactly what Jeannie’s methodology helps you achieve.

The Cost of Getting Pricing Wrong

Rosie’s questions sparked not one but several episodes about pricing — because it’s that important.

If you don’t nail your pricing from the beginning, it’s not just a revenue issue. It’s a burnout issue. A confidence issue. A business-sustainability issue.

Here’s how Jeannie breaks it down:

Client Type	Annual Profit	Lifetime Value (5 years)
Poorly Priced	$500	$2,500
Strategically Priced	$1,800	$9,000
Premium Fit	$8,000+	$40,000+

These aren’t made-up numbers. They’re based on real-world examples from practices using the program. The biggest mistake startup bookkeepers make is undercharging because they don’t understand how to price strategically — or how to explain their value.

Inside the program, Jeannie gives you:

• A plug-and-play pricing calculator

• Productised services you can implement immediately

• Tools and language to sell value (not hours)

This is how you build a practice that pays you well and gives you back your time.

Domains, Workspace & Digital Infrastructure

Rosie also asked about domains. Jeannie’s recommendation is simple:

• Use Crazy Domains — they’re affordable, reliable, and easy to use.

• Choose a country-relevant domain: .com.au for Australia, .co.uk for the UK, .com for the US, and so on.

• Only use .global if you genuinely intend to build a global-facing brand.

Once that’s sorted, set up Google Workspace — formerly known as G Suite. The Business Starter plan is more than enough at the beginning. Don’t pay for more than you need.

This step isn’t about bells and whistles. It’s about showing up like a professional. That includes branded email addresses (not your Gmail), clean cloud storage, and easy collaboration.

Should I Set Up My Social Media Now?

Rosie wanted to know whether she should create her Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google Business profiles before joining the program.

Jeannie’s answer: Yes — but do it properly.

Here’s the smart approach:

• Create the accounts

• Upload a clean profile image and basic business info

• Use a holding post like “Exciting things coming soon!”

Why? Because an empty or half-built page looks like a dead business. But an active-looking profile builds credibility — even before you start posting regularly.

Inside the program, you get:

• Done-for-you banners

• Pre-written posts

• A calendar and rhythm that saves time and builds consistency

You don’t need to be on every platform. But you do need to look open, active, and intentional.

GST: When to Register

In Australia, you’re only required to register for GST once your revenue hits $75,000. But Jeannie recommends registering earlier — before you hit that mark — especially if you’re working B2B.

Why?

• B2B clients can claim the GST, so there’s no cost to them.

• It positions you as a serious business from the outset.

• It saves hassle later.

The only downside is that you’ll need to lodge your BAS — which, let’s face it, you’re qualified to do.

Bottom line: Start as you mean to go on. Build the practice you want, not the one you’ll outgrow in 12 months.

Do I Need a Headshot?

Rosie asked about headshots — and Jeannie’s response was clear: It’s not essential, but it’s highly valuable.

A strong headshot communicates professionalism. It builds trust. And it becomes a key asset in your marketing toolkit — for your website, brochure, proposal, and more.

Jeannie recommends Brad Delaney, known as The Headshot Guy, who appears on her podcast. He knows exactly how to shoot for brand and business.

If you don’t use Brad, make sure your photographer understands this isn’t about a pretty picture — it’s about a brand message.

Inside the program, you’ll use your headshot to build your Million Dollar Storybook Brochure — and if you’ve got your image ready, you can get that live in days.

Are There Any Grants Available?

Rosie also asked about grants. Jeannie confirmed that there are plenty out there — from state-based initiatives to national programs — especially for women in business.

Her advice:

• Get on your state and federal government’s grant email lists

• Keep an eye out for relevant opportunities

• Apply when it’s easy and aligned — but don’t make it your full-time job

Grants can be a great bonus. But you don’t want to build a business model that depends on them.

What This All Comes Down To

Every question Rosie asked — from tech to tax — reflects the kind of thinking that sets bookkeepers up to thrive. But knowing what to do is only half the battle.

The other half is getting the support to do it — fast, properly, and without reinventing the wheel.

That’s why Jeannie created The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program.

This isn’t about more theory. It’s about doing the work, step by step, with:

• The exact blueprint Jeannie used to build her lifestyle practice

• Done-for-you tools, templates, and systems

• Weekly implementation and coaching support

• Access to a global tribe of bookkeepers doing the same work, at the same time

What You Can Do Next

You’ve got two options:

Option 1: Keep going solo. Keep guessing. Keep Googling. Keep building everything from scratch. You might get there — eventually.

Option 2: Back yourself. Join the program. Shortcut the guesswork. Follow a proven framework from someone who’s done it — and helped hundreds of others do it too.

You don’t need another free checklist. You need a system that works.

That’s what The Strategic Bookkeeper gives you — and that’s why bookkeepers in Australia, NZ, the UK, the US, and Canada are building profitable practices with time, purpose, and joy.

Join now: thestrategicbookkeeper.global/tsb