One of the trickier ways to boost your business is through word of mouth. However, when done well, a tax firm will be able to get valuable business from it! Contrary to popular belief, even if the tax professionals, deals, and customer service are the best, it doesn’t mean there will be a buzz. Needless to say, referrals from happy clients are the best possible way for word of mouth to catch on. That said, preparation has to be done for it to actually happen.
A Buzzworthy Experience In Boosting Your Business
When a professional tax preparer sets goals, the primary one should involve excellent service and a highly positive experience. That way, the clients will become fans who will organically generate a buzz by sharing their experiences with the people in their circles. There’s actually a way to go about it so that it happens every time in a way that can be shared with other staff.
Things to Consider: Everything
Every little detail counts, like the way customers are greeted upon entry. Acknowledging them isn’t enough; it has to be done quickly. The waiting time should be established from the get-go in an honest manner. Refreshments should be available—at the very least, iced water. The reception area has to be spot-on, comfortable, and actually welcoming as well. That includes appropriate toys for children, a coffee station, and/or a television showing entertaining shows or the like.
It should actually start well before they step into your office. Were they properly briefed before the appointment, including what they should bring? If the answer is yes, look into the tone of those conversations. Without breaking professionalism, you should come off as genuinely warm, inviting, and helpful. Interpersonal skills can go a long way, and tax preparers should actively build client relationships.
Aside from making sure client needs are met, at the end of an appointment, there should be a quick summary section. Review point by point how the client’s taxes were minimized, then remind them to refer the service to people in their lives which promote your business fast. Consider a referral program and, if it exists already, be sure to explain it to the client.
Offer Perks
Think about it: you always feel the need to share when you get a bonus of any sort, a freebie, and/or perks. You will want that same effect to spill over to clients. As previously mentioned, having a referral program is an excellent perk to start with. Perks can vary, but some ideal ones to consider include, but are not limited to:
- A solid guarantee that covers client satisfaction and the accuracy of tax preparers
- An exclusive group where a Q&A can commence
- Regular updates on relevant news
Extend this to your social media and/or newsletter as well: offer a free session as a reward for Top Fans or a certain milestone number of followers. This is also a great avenue for fostering client relationships.
Conclusion
Word-of-mouth is a great marketing tool if it’s used correctly. The best way to boost your business to develop this is by giving clients a buzzworthy experience. Consider everything from their briefing before an appointment is set, how they’re treated at the office, and perks like a referral program.
One of the best ways to gain business through word-of-mouth is having the right tools required for the job, such as a professional tax preparation software. Keystone Tax Solutions today offers the best professional tax software out there. Contact us today!