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Try CountingWorks PRO FreeAs tax accountants, we all know that the title of this blog article rings true. But why do we sometimes get lost in terms like SEO (search engine optimization), online leads, PPC (pay per click) and other trends that really only bring in a small percentage of new business? The most significant source of new business is existing clients. Increasing the odds of successful referrals and that Web searchers can find you will significantly increase your growth rates.
Topping the trust charts with a 92% approval rating are word-of-mouth and recommendations from family and friends, according to a recent Nielsen study. In addition, online reviews have become crucial to motivating online searchers to choose to work with your practice. More than 70% of consumers now trust online reviews over traditional print and television ads, according to a Nielsen study.
Since Google’s last algorithm change in the summer of 2014, directory sites like Yelp.com and TaxBuzz.com are now dominating the top of page 1 on the search results. This is especially true for local search results that are based on location and keywords.
First, do not be afraid of reviews. Be proactive in recruiting your best clients to talk about you online. While Yelp discourages this practice, it is not illegal to actively ask for reviews.
The other suggestion is more blunt.
Be more responsive to your clients’ every need – whether it be how quickly you return calls, staying in contact monthly with your email newsletters or other changes you can make for clients to want to refer you.
For the most part, people that leave unsolicited reviews on Yelp and Google+ are going to describe a negative experience at your practice. Many tax accountants don’t even realize they have a Yelp account already that may be turning prospects away. If you want a consistent flow of high quality reviews, you’re going to have to work for it.
Note: Use a direct link to your TaxBuzz, CountingWorks, Yelp or Google My Business page that will take them directly to Write a Review.
This can get kind of tricky, but a few best practices will help you standing out quickly. Like your website, it is important that you include the categories and keywords for the search terms consumer are looking for. If you are in the wrong category, you will not be found.
Most local search queries on Google+ (Maps) will show just a few businesses, with little more than basic contact information. They lack pictures, testimonials, brand logos, persuasive practice descriptions, videos and the like. You will want to include a unique selling proposition. This is basically a practice description written for local searchers, limited to 200 characters based on keyword and market research.
For example, you want to subtly add your keywords for geography (and service offering into your description (e.g., Miami CPA). You do, however, want to make sure you are writing the description for the human audience, not the Google one.
Our experience has shown that the key factors for generating traffic and buyers are a unique, thought-out practice description, photos that relate to the services offered or people that provide the service, and authentic, well-written reviews.
This has been a very cost-effective way for Fab Tax Team to get immediate marketing results. This client was averaging more than 50 new leads per month during tax season. At last check, they had more than 70 reviews (mostly all are 5 stars that crowd out any negative reviews). More importantly they pretty much control page 1 of the Google search results with their Yelp listing, Google+ and practice website on page 1. Most San Jose searchers are more tech savvy and do not go past page 1 of the Google results. After they read through all of the positive reviews and click into their professional modern website, conversion is a no-brainer.
Now think of this. The case study is based in the technology capital of the world, San Jose, which is a very competitive market with many SEO techniques being employed by competitors. If you are in a smaller region with less savvy adversaries, you can easily achieve these type of results for your own firm.
Your reputation is your most important asset. Protecting what clients say about you online should be part of any tax accountant’s modern marketing plan. New technology does not need to be scary or even damaging to your reputation. Protect and nourish your reviews and you will be surprised at how quickly you will see positive benefits, both in inbound leads and conversion of the traditional client referral.
As you may know, our practice is predominately built by referrals from satisfied clients just like you. In today’s modern online world, reviews on websites like TaxBuzz, CountingWorks, Yelp, and Google My Business have become crucial in building our online reputation.
If you feel we have earned your praise, please take a few moments to leave a review on our listings below.
Visit the site of your choice to leave a review or comment. Pick whichever one that you find easiest and most convenient.
Review us on TaxBuzz Add link here
Review us on CountingWorks Add link here
Review us on Yelp Add link here.
Review us on Google Add link here.
If you think there is something we can improve upon, please reply to this email with your suggestions. As always, we listen to our clients and value your input.
We truly appreciate your online review and will continue to earn your business!
Thank you for your continued support.
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