Bookkeeping for Influencers: How to Manage Your Finances Like a Real Business
Jennifer Adams
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Your Brand is Booming — Are Your Finances Keeping Up?
If you’re an influencer or content creator, you’re running a real business — whether you feel like a CEO or not. Between brand deals, affiliate links, ad revenue, product expenses, and spontaneous travel for content shoots, your finances can get complicated fast.
The problem? Most influencers don’t treat their business like a business until something goes wrong — like a surprise tax bill, lost receipts, or realizing they don’t actually know how profitable they are.
Good news: You don’t need a finance degree to get it right. You just need simple systems, a few key habits, and the right support when you’re ready.
Let’s walk through how to get your influencer finances under control — so you can grow your business with clarity and confidence.
1. Set Up a Dedicated Business Bank Account
If all your income is going into your personal account, you’re not just making bookkeeping harder — you’re also blurring the line between personal and business, which can lead to problems at tax time.
Tip:
Open a separate business chequing account and run all business income and expenses through it. This makes it easier to track cash flow, prepare for taxes, and understand how your business is really performing.
I know it seems like I am stuck on repeat but I see this mistake all the time. Check out this blog for a deeper look at this topic, Why Cash Flow Feels Like a Mystery in Business
2. Track All Income Streams — Not Just the Big Ones
Most influencers have multiple income sources: brand collaborations, affiliate commissions, YouTube/Instagram payouts, UGC contracts, digital product sales, and more. Missing even one means inaccurate books.
Tip:
Use a spreadsheet or bookkeeping software to log every payment — big or small. Create income categories for each stream so you can see what’s most profitable and where your time is best spent.
High Level: This is often overlooked but if you earn over $30,000 in revenue you will need to account for GST on all sales.
3. Save Every Receipt (Yes, Even the $12 Ring Light from Amazon)
Content creation comes with a lot of write-offs — gear, props, subscriptions, editing software, travel, wardrobe… but only if you track them. If CRA ever audits you, you'll need proof.
Tip:
Use a digital app like HubDoc or even your phone’s camera to snap and store receipts. Upload them to a cloud folder or your bookkeeping software. Consistency is key — even 5 minutes a week makes a difference.
4. Know What You Can (and Can’t) Write Off
Many creators assume everything is deductible — until they get hit with penalties. On the flip side, some don’t claim enough and end up overpaying.
Tip:
Common influencer deductions include:
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Camera equipment and accessories
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Editing software and music subscriptions
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Studio setup or home office expenses (speak with your accountant to know how much of your home office expenses you can claim)
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Travel related to content creation
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Marketing, graphic design, or social media tools
But meals, clothing, and vehicle expenses have specific rules — when in doubt, ask your bookkeeper or accountant.
5. Put Aside Money for Taxes (Before You Spend It)
If you’re earning income that doesn’t have tax withheld — and most influencers are — it’s up to you to set aside what you’ll owe. It’s not optional, and it’s not fun when tax time rolls around and you’re unprepared.
Tip:
Transfer 20–30% of your monthly income to a tax savings account. It’s easier to save it gradually than to scramble later. If after you pay your taxes your have money leftover do that happy dance because you are ahead for the next year!
6. Schedule Monthly Financial Check-Ins
Just like you plan your content calendar, plan a monthly money meeting — just you, your numbers, and a coffee.
Tip:
Use that time to:
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Review your income and expenses
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Check which categories are growing
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Flag any unusual charges
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Make sure you’re still on track for your financial goals
This habit helps you stay in control, not overwhelmed.
Build a Business That Lasts Beyond the Likes
Being an influencer means you’re the brand, the boss, and the bookkeeper (at least for now). But you don’t have to do it all alone — and you definitely don’t have to guess when it comes to your finances.
If you’re tired of the chaos and ready for real financial clarity, my Financial Foundations Paid Review is designed to help. I’ll dig into your current setup and show you exactly what’s working, what’s missing, and how to get your books working for you.
