What qualities in a tax preparer do clients and prospects look for?
As tax and accounting professionals, we rely on a busy tax season to maintain and grow business. While we know how to prepare, it’s a smart idea to understand how our clients prepare for tax season. Standing out from the competition can ultimately lead to more referrals, brand awareness and business growth.
Here are 3 things people look for in a tax preparer:
1 – Check your website, online reviews and digital marketing
Much like any other product or service, people look to reviews and ratings when it comes to making decisions. Having a professional online presence and being in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is key. Some other good checkpoint questions to ask include:
- Are your website and marketing materials up-to-date with information for the correct tax season?
- Can clients and referrals easily get in touch with your firm online?
- Have you properly addressed online concerns/complaints?
- Do you display reviews online from clients who stand behind your work?
A referral marketing tip: if you partner with any other businesses or services, double-check that you have their information correctly displayed on your website. If clients see errors in your website, it could be perceived negatively in association with your business services.
2 – Showcase your qualifications and work history
If your clients have special tax needs, they may search for a tax preparer with unique qualifications. Showcase any relevant qualifications, including how long you’ve been in business (and your client reviews). That way, clients come into their first meeting with a sense of confidence in your accounting and tax preparation services.
3 – Be Transparent in your costs
One of the first things clients may look for is the cost for filing. Be upfront about your fee structure, but also encourage clients to ask questions if they need clarification.
Not sure where you rank with others?
Look at your competitors and see how they advertise their fee structure so you understand where you fall in comparison to others.
Kick off the new year with a personalized demonstration of how Practice Panda can help you and your firm. Our cloud-based retention marketing platform allows you to automate messages and connect with clients throughout the year by using meaningful content. Marketing with online platforms (like Practice Panda) really helps you stay connected with clients, thus improving your retention and helping get the word out to prospective clients that may be in need of your accounting and tax preparation services.