Why Your Accounting Firm Needs More Google Reviews
The significance of Google reviews for accountants cannot be overstated. While obtaining reviews from clients has always been advantageous for boosting an accounting firm, the impact those tiny yellow stars have on the overall success of the business is truly remarkable. One quick glance at a 5-star review instills trust and confidence in potential customers, serving as a compelling factor in their decision to engage with your services. Conversely, the absence of reviews can have the exact opposite effect.
Google is king, and Google reviews are the best place for your clients to leave their thoughts and comments. Google is the most prominent online review site. Which means it’s a hotbed for drawing in potential clients to your accounting firm. But the best part of all is that it’s free. It’s free to use Google reviews, free to generate Google reviews, and free for your clients to leave them. If you need more convincing, we are happy to oblige. Here are four more reasons why Google Reviews is one of the most powerful client acquisition tools for your firm.
Search Ranking Boost
SEO is a long game that takes a while to pay off, but there are a couple of straightforward SEO strategies that can have immediate results, and Google reviews are one of them. If you search for the “best accounting firm in [your town], you’ll be greeted by what’s known as the Google 3-pack.
Google’s primary goal is to deliver the best results for search queries, and reviews serve as a strong indication of your business’s trustworthiness. And the Google 3-pack is a collection of the businesses with the highest reviews. Imagine how powerful it would be to have your firm listed there.
If you want a foolproof method to influence your search rankings, start requesting reviews from your customers regularly (we’ll include a template below). Don’t underestimate the importance of Google reviews not just for client acquisition, but also as a helpful tool to boost your online presence and make your firm stand out from the competition.
Build Trust & Create Confidence:
Google reviews are a crucial tool to validate your accounting firm as reputable and reliable. When your dream clients start their search for a new accountant, they rely on online reviews to determine whether or not to engage with your firm. Nothing compares to an unbiased third-party testimonial. Global Newswire noted that based on a consumer study, not only do customers value Google reviews, they are will to pay more when a company has better reviews.
“95% of consumers read online reviews before they shop and 58% say they would pay more for the products of a brand with good reviews.”
Reviews offer transparency regarding the quality of your services and how you treat your customers. Positive reviews build comfort and trust with prospective clients, influencing their decision to convert. Even if you receive a negative review, it’s important to take action. Respond to the review, demonstrating your concern for clients. Additionally, aim to outweigh negative reviews by acquiring fresh positive reviews.
Something to keep in mind, contrary to popular belief, no reviews are not preferable to bad reviews. If your Google Business Profile has 0 interactions, our dream clients may assume your business is unworthy of positive feedback, leading them to choose one of your competitors instead.
Gain Customer Feedback:
Reviews, whether positive or negative, provide direct insights into what people genuinely think about your services. Pay close attention to what your clients are saying, even if it’s not a stellar review. Use bad reviews as an opportunity to identify and address potential issues within your practice. Sometimes, an outside perspective is needed to highlight areas for improvement that you may have overlooked. Maintain an open mind and leverage both positive and negative reviews constructively to enhance your business.
How Accountants Earn Google Reviews
It should go without saying, that you need to be providing a good level of service before you can earn Google reviews. And, although a negative review is not worse than no reviews, you should still try to avoid earning negative Google reviews. The first step is to create a list of existing clients with whom you have a good relationship.
Once you have that list, all you need to do is send an email with the link to your Google My Business profile and ask them to leave a review. The key that most firm owners miss, is that it might take two or three emails to earn a review. If your client sees the email as they are rushing out the door or at the busiest point of their day, chances are they’ll forget. Don’t be afraid to follow up. Feel free to use our review generation email template below to get started:
Subject Line: Share Your Experience- Your Feedback Matters to Us! I’m reaching out to ask for your support in amplifying our impact by sharing your experience working with our firm. To write a review, simply follow these easy steps:
- Go to our Google My Business listing by clicking the following link: [Insert Google My Business Link]
- Once there, click on the “Write a review” button located on the right-hand side of the page.
- Share your experience with our firm. Feel free to mention specific services or any standout moments that made a difference to you.
- Click “Publish” to submit your review.
We sincerely appreciate your time and willingness to leave us a review. Your feedback helps shape our mission and guides us to greater heights. Thank YOU for being an invaluable client! We look forward to continuing to work together. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to champion your success.
How to Respond To a Negative Review of Your Firm
People make mistakes. If you get a bad review because you or a team member made a mistake, you MUST acknowledge it. Respond to the review, apologize, and let them know what steps you’re taking to ensure that never happens again. When handled the correct way, a negative review shows that you own up to your mistakes and listen to client feedback. No one wants to receive a bad review, but learn from it, and move it.
What about when someone leaves an inaccurate review? As difficult as it may be, you HAVE to take the higher road here- DO NOT MAKE EXCUSES. Engaging in a back-and-forth with petty, bad reviews online only reflects poorly on you. Respond politely, explain your side, but keep it brief. Do not accuse them of lying or misrepresenting the situation. The audience for this review is not the person who left it, but future clients. Show them that you can be polite and respectful, even in a difficult situation. If you want to see this in action, check out how Dream Firm Leader Alan responded to a negative review.
Google Reviews For Your Accounting Firm
Google reviews hold immense importance for small accounting firms. When potential clients come across your firm’s Google listing, those yellow stars and customer reviews become the driving force behind their decision-making process. The trust and confidence instilled by positive reviews are invaluable in attracting new clients.
With 95% of consumers relying on customer reviews before choosing a business, having a strong presence on Google is crucial. It serves as a powerful platform for free advertising, enhancing your firm’s visibility and reputation. By actively soliciting feedback and reviews from your clients, you can climb the search rankings, attract more clients, and establish a stellar reputation for your small accounting firm. Remember, those little stars have the power to make a big impact!
To take advantage of the proven review generation method that our entrepreneurial accountants use to boost their firms, join the Create Your Dream Firm Program below.
