5 ways accounting firms can boost online reviews

November 15, 2023 11:21 AM

Potential clients typically spend a significant amount of time reading online reviews before choosing an accounting firm, and having a large number of positive reviews can often make the difference between winning new clients or not.

Online reviews also help you rank higher in search results, which sets you apart from your competitors, especially since people are more likely to choose an accounting firm with plenty of reviews.

Here are five ways to secure more reviews to boost your business reputation and win more clients over time.

1. Ask for reviews directly from clients after completing a project

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One of the most effective ways to ask for a review is in person. Happy clients are usually more than willing to oblige, especially when you explain how important online reviews are to your firm.

Start by thanking them for choosing your firm and instruct them on how to best leave you a review by:

Telling them which review platform you prefer, such as Google Reviews or Facebook.
Giving them a card with a QR code to scan, which will bring them directly to your review page.

Depending on how your firm operates, it also helps to have in-office signage displaying your QR code and a link to your review page. Physical signs serve as a visual reminder for forgetful clients, and can nudge them toward writing you reviews once they see them. Just be sure to place them in high-traffic areas such as the entrance and waiting areas.

2. Email your review request

Email is a tried and tested method that can complement other review request strategies, such as texting, especially when done right. The key to a successful email review request is to make sure that your message is short, polite and to the point. Try writing something like:

Dear [Client's Name],

We sincerely hope you had a positive experience working with our accounting team. If you have a moment, we'd greatly appreciate it if you could share your thoughts by leaving a review. Your review will help others who are considering our services, and it means a lot to us.

To leave your review, simply click on the following link: [Review Link]

Once again, thank you for choosing [Your Accounting Firm's Name], and we look forward to continuing to assist you with your financial needs.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Timing is key when asking for a review, and you should send an email shortly after completing a service for a client. That way, their thoughts are still fresh and they'll be able to write you a detailed review.

3. Text clients to ask for reviews

Everybody texts, and that's what makes it an effective and convenient way to reach your clients. High open rates give you a better chance of your review request being seen almost immediately, but you've got to make sure that clients opt in to receive texts from you first.

Do this by:

Prompting clients to text a keyword such as ACCOUNTING to your business number.
Putting an SMS chat widget on your homepage, which clients can use to start text conversations with you.
Asking clients to agree to receive texts via your contact and registration forms.
Ask them in person if they'd like to receive texts and just note it in their contact records.
Letting clients text you first.

Keep your texts brief and straightforward. Pre-made text templates are helpful here, so you don't have to draft a message every time you send a review request. It also helps keep communications consistent across employees, which is important for an accounting firm.

Try sending a text like:

"Hi [Client's Name], we hope you had a great experience with our accounting services. Would you mind sharing your thoughts in a quick review? [URL] Thank you!"

4. Ask for reviews on your social media platforms

Another way to ask for reviews is to post about it on your social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Social media is a great place to show off what your company is doing, and for potential clients to find you.

With the right posts, you'll encourage clients to engage, and you'll gain more reviews over time. Here are some examples of posts you can create:

Design eye-catching graphics to either accompany your review request or include the review instructions within the graphic.
Highlight client testimonials so that other people will feel inclined to contribute their own.

Once other happy clients chime in and share their experiences on your posts, you can DM those people to ask if they'd leave you a formal review. From there, direct them to your preferred review platform and thank them for their kind words.

Respond to existing reviews, both positive and negative

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Replying to each and every review demonstrates that you value your clients' input and are willing to get involved to provide the best experience possible.

The best responses to online reviews:

Are empathetic and positive;
Express gratitude for feedback;
Provide solutions where applicable; and,
Note valid criticisms to make existing solutions better.

Monitoring feedback is part of the review process. It humanizes your company, and lets people know that you listen and care for your clients. The more you respond to reviews, you gain a better chance at gathering more valuable feedback.

Build a strong reputation with online reviews

Your clients' voices are a powerful asset that can boost the success and growth of your accounting firm. By providing excellent service and politely requesting feedback, you'll encourage more clients to share their experiences.