How to Get 100 Tax Clients [11 Effective Strategies]

Growing your tax practice requires a solid strategy to attract clients.

If attracting new clients were a key for success, you might feel like someone threw that key into a haystack. But don't worry, in this guide, I'll help you find that proverbial lost key you need to unlock your first 100 tax clients.

In this post, I'll share 10 key strategies how to get 100 tax clients for your tax preparation business.

Each strategy is straightforward and actionable: from digital tools to community engagement. These methods cover a broad range and are tailored to attract a diverse range of clients, so whether you're new to the field or looking to expand, this guide has something for you.

This isn't just how to get 100 tax clients, this is how to develop a strategy to grow your tax preparation business long-term too.

So if you're looking how to get tax clients as a tax preparer, buckle in! The journey to growing your client list starts now!

Strategy #0: Use a Client Portal

Using a secure client portal is essential for modern tax businesses. It keeps tax client info safe and simplifies the process of exchanging documents. A portal like Foyer can change how you work with clients. Here's a few reasons your tax business should use a client portal:

• Client portals keep tax info safe. Thanks to security features like multi-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption, clients can upload documents and rest easy knowing their personal information is safe.
• Client portals simplify file sharing. No more lost emails or paper. Clients upload and download their files quickly, and which means everyone is happy.
• You can securely message clients. This keeps your clients engaged and up-to-date on what they need during your tax preparation services.
• Setting up a portal is easy. With Foyer, you can create a tax client portal in just 1 minute.
• Having a client portal sets your firm apart. Which might be the difference-maker, between a client choosing your firm and another.

I recommend you try out Foyer, and see what it can do for your tax business. It starts as low as $10 per month, and comes with tons of features that are perfect for tax businesses.

Here are a few of the many features you'll get with Foyer:

• Secure File Sharing
• Real-time Messaging
• Notifications via Email and Desktop
• Integration with DocuSign for e-signatures
• Secure Email

All data is encrypted end-to-end, so you can be confident your business and your customer's data is safe.

Click here to get started with Foyer for free.

Strategy #1: Develop a Referral Program

Referrals are a powerful tool in the tax services industry. A strong referral program can significantly boost your client base. But how do you create one that works?

Start by encouraging your current clients to refer others. One way to do this is to offer them incentives for every new client they bring. These incentives could be discounts or other benefits, but however you do it make sure the referral process is easy and straightforward.

You should make sure to the referral program's rules are crystal clear by using simple language, and advertising your program in an easy-to-find place (like your website).

You'll want to explain the benefits for both the referrer and the new client, and make sure your clients understand the program and its value.

Regularly remind clients about the referral program by using emails, social media, or just direct communication. Make sure to keep the referral program at the forefront of their minds.

Don't forget to track the success of your referrals too! See which clients are referring the most and offer them additional rewards. This encourages ongoing participation.

Finally, show your appreciation by thanking clients who refer others to you. A simple thank you goes a long way! It shows you value their support. This can turn happy clients into active promoters of your services.

Strategy #2: Leverage Social Media Marketing

Social media is a key player in modern marketing, and for tax professionals, it can be a secret method to reach some of your most valuable clients. But how do you use it effectively?

First, choose the right platforms. Focus on where your potential clients are (this might be LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram). Each platform has a unique audience.

Be sure to create content that adds value. A few example of this are: sharing tax tips, important deadlines, and industry news. Make your posts informative and helpful to build trust with your audience.

Engage with your followers. Respond to comments and messages. This interaction makes your firm seem approachable and responsive.

Use targeted ads to reach a broader audience. These ads can be tailored to specific demographics. This helps in reaching potential clients who need your services.

Consistency is key. Post regularly to keep your audience engaged. This also helps in building a strong online presence.

Finally, measure your results. Use analytics tools to see what's working. Adjust your strategy based on these insights. This ensures your social media marketing is effective and efficient.

Strategy #3: Utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is vital in today's digital world. For tax professionals, it's a tool to increase visibility online. But, how do you effectively use SEO to attract more clients? If you're trying to drive more tax clients to your business via SEO, you'll want to consider the following:

1. Understanding SEO Basics
   SEO is about improving your website's ranking in search results. Start by understanding keywords. These are terms your potential clients use to find tax services. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner for research.
2. Optimizing Your Website Content
   Your website content should be informative and relevant. Try to avoid cramming your keywords into an article, and instead incorporate the keywords naturally. Blog posts on tax tips or changes in tax laws are great for this, as they keep your site fresh and informative.
3. Building Quality Backlinks
   Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They boost your site's credibility and improve your ranking for search results. Reach out to industry blogs or local business sites. You can use a few strategies like offering to write guest posts or provide expert insights. These can earn you valuable backlinks.
4. Improving Website User Experience
   A user-friendly website is important for SEO. Ensure your site loads quickly and is easy to navigate. It should also be mobile-friendly, as more people are using smartphones for searches than ever before. A mobile-optimized site is essential!
5. Local SEO for Local Tax Clients
   If you’re targeting local clients, focus on local SEO. This includes optimizing for local keywords like "Tax Preparation Business in Chicago". Make sure your business is on Google My Business and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews there.
6. Tracking and Analyzing SEO Performance
   Use tools like Google Analytics to track your website's performance. Looking at metrics like traffic sources and visitor behavior will help you understand what's working and what's not. Then, use those insights to refine your overall SEO strategy.

Effective SEO involves understanding keywords, optimizing content, building backlinks, and ensuring a great user experience. By honing in on these skills, you can bring organic traffic to your firm who will become your future tax clients!

Strategy #4: Host Webinars and Workshops

In the realm of tax services, offering webinars and workshops is a strategic move to attract clients. These events are platforms to display your expertise and engage with a broader audience. But organizing successful events requires thoughtful execution.

Start by selecting topics that resonate with your target audience. Addressing current tax changes, strategies for effective tax planning, or tips for small businesses can attract attendees. The goal is to choose subjects that are not only informative but also address common concerns or questions potential clients may have.

The planning and preparation phase is crucial. Decide on the format: whether it will be a live session or a pre-recorded webinar. For live events, choosing a reliable hosting platform is vital. Check your tech setup thoroughly to avoid glitches during the event. If you're opting for a pre-recorded session, focus on delivering high-quality video and clear audio.

Promotion plays a critical role in the success of your event. Utilize every channel available: your website, social media profiles, email marketing, and even local community networks. Creating an engaging and informative promotional campaign can significantly boost your attendance rates. Consider leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook for wider reach, and don’t hesitate to tap into local professional groups or community boards.

Engagement is key during the event. Encourage live interactions, like Q&A sessions or polls. These not only make the webinar more interactive but also provide valuable insights into your audience's needs and preferences.

Providing additional resources at the end of your session can leave a lasting impression. Offer something of value – a handy tax checklist, an informative eBook, or a guide that aligns with your webinar topic. These materials can be a decisive factor in converting an attendee into a client.

Finally, the follow-up is as crucial as the event itself. Reach out to the attendees with a thank you message, and if possible, include a recording of the event. Use this opportunity to invite them for a one-on-one consultation or to subscribe to your regular tax updates. This not only shows your appreciation for their attendance but also keeps the door open for future engagement.

Strategy #5: Engage in Community Events and Sponsorships

Participation in community events and sponsorships is a valuable approach for tax professionals aiming to expand their client base. This strategy goes beyond traditional marketing, fostering a connection with the local community.

Look for events like local fairs, charity runs, or business expos. These gatherings provide an opportunity to interact with potential clients in a more relaxed and personal setting. You can set up a booth, offer free consultations, or distribute informative materials about your tax services.

Sponsorship of local events or teams is another avenue to consider. This not only gets your firm's name out there but also demonstrates your commitment to the local community. Choose events or causes that align with your firm’s values and resonate with your target audience. This could be anything from a local sports team to a school event or a community festival.

When engaging in these events, focus on building genuine relationships rather than hard selling your services. The goal is to be remembered as a community-oriented firm that adds value. Use these events to showcase your knowledge and approachability, not just your branding.

Remember to leverage these community interactions on your digital platforms. Share your participation and experiences on social media or your website. This can enhance your reputation not just locally, but also in the wider digital audience.

Lastly, follow up after events. If you’ve collected contact details, send a thank-you message or a brief introduction to your services. This can be an effective way to convert casual interactions into potential client relationships.

Strategy #6: Create Useful Content

By creating and sharing valuable content, you can establish your firm as a knowledgeable authority in the tax field. This approach helps in building trust and credibility with potential clients. Here's how to effectively implement content marketing:

Develop a content strategy that aligns with the interests and needs of your target audience. This involves understanding the common questions, concerns, and interests of your potential clients. Content could range from blog posts about the latest tax laws to tips for efficient tax planning or insights into tax savings for small businesses.

Consistency is key in content marketing. Regularly updating your blog, website, or social media channels with fresh content keeps your audience engaged and your firm top of mind. Plan a content calendar to ensure a steady flow of new material.

Diversify the types of content you produce. In addition to written blogs and articles, consider creating infographics, videos, or podcasts. These formats can be more engaging and are likely to be shared, increasing your reach.

Make your content easily accessible and shareable. Ensure that your website and blog are user-friendly and that sharing options are readily available. This increases the likelihood of your content being distributed across various platforms.

SEO should be a consideration in your content creation. Use relevant keywords naturally within your content to improve its visibility on search engines. This will help potential clients find your content - and your services - more easily when they search for tax-related information.

Finally, use your content to drive action. Include clear calls-to-action (CTAs) in your materials, inviting readers to contact you for more information, subscribe to your newsletter, or book a consultation. This helps in converting your content audience into actual clients.

Strategy #7: Partner with Other Accounting Professionals

Collaborating with others in related fields can create a mutually beneficial referral network. Here's how to approach and cultivate these strategic partnerships.

Identify potential partners who share a client base that would benefit from your tax services. These can include financial advisors, attorneys, real estate agents, or even other accountants who specialize in different areas. The key is to find professionals whose services complement rather than compete with yours.

Reach out to these potential partners and propose a meeting. The goal is to discuss how you can mutually benefit from referring clients to each other. Be clear about what your services entail and understand what they offer. This ensures that any referrals are appropriate and beneficial for all parties involved.

Develop a clear understanding of each other's ideal client profiles. This helps in making accurate and useful referrals. Knowing the specific needs and preferences of the clients you each serve ensures that the referrals you make are more likely to result in successful collaborations.

Establish trust with your partners. This is crucial for a successful referral relationship. Consider starting with smaller, less risky referrals and build up as you grow more confident in each other’s services and professionalism.

Regularly communicate with your partners. Keep them updated about any changes in your services or new offerings. This helps them to refer clients more accurately. Likewise, stay informed about their services and any updates they might have.

Create formal agreements if necessary. For some partnerships, particularly where there is a significant exchange of referrals, a formal agreement outlining the terms of the partnership may be beneficial. This ensures clarity and commitment from both parties.

Strategy #8: Offer Initial Consultations at No Cost

This approach allows potential clients to experience your expertise and service quality without any financial commitment. It's a great way to attract new clients to your tax preparation business.

Firstly, advertise your offer of a free initial consultation prominently on your website, social media channels, and other marketing materials. Make it clear that this is a no-obligation opportunity for potential clients to discuss their tax needs and learn how your services can benefit them.

During the consultation, focus on providing real value. Listen carefully to the client's concerns and offer tailored advice. This is your opportunity to showcase your expertise and the personalized attention you provide. Avoid using this time for a hard sell; instead, aim to build a relationship and trust.

Use these consultations to understand the client's needs thoroughly. This will not only help you provide relevant advice but also tailor your services to meet these needs should they choose to engage your firm.

Follow up after the consultation. Send a thank you note or an email summarizing the discussion and next steps. This keeps the lines of communication open and your firm at the forefront of the client's mind when they are ready to make a decision.

Be prepared to answer any questions about your services and fees if the client shows interest in engaging further. Transparency at this stage helps build trust and sets clear expectations for a potential working relationship.

Lastly, track the success of these free consultations. Analyze how many of them convert into paying clients. This will help you gauge the effectiveness of this approach and make any necessary adjustments.

Strategy #9: Implement Email Campaigns

Targeted email campaigns are a crucial element in the toolkit of tax professionals seeking to expand their client base.

To get started, build up your email list. This involves categorizing your contacts based on certain criteria, such as current clients, potential clients, small business owners, or individuals. This allows you to tailor your content to suit the specific needs and interests of each group.

Craft your email content thoughtfully. For potential clients, focus on introductory information about your services, client success stories, or general tax tips. For existing clients, provide updates on tax laws, reminders for important deadlines, or personalized advice.

The subject line of your email is crucial. It needs to be compelling enough to encourage recipients to open the email. Keep it clear, concise, and relevant to the content of your email.

Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your emails. This could be an invitation to schedule a consultation, a prompt to read your latest blog post, or a reminder to prepare for tax season. The CTA should guide recipients towards engaging further with your services.

Ensure your emails are visually appealing and mobile-friendly. Many people check their emails on smartphones, so your emails must read well on these devices.

Compliance with email regulations, such as the CAN-SPAM Act, is important, not only to follow the law, but also to make sure your email domain doesn't get put on a spam list.

Be sure to provide options for recipients to unsubscribe from your mailing list!

Regularly analyze the performance of your email campaigns. Look at metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. This data can help you refine your strategy and content for better results.

Strategy #10: Leverage LinkedIn for Professional Networking

LinkedIn offers a platform to connect with potential clients, other tax professionals, and industry influencers which is essential when looking how to get those first 100 tax clients. Here are some tips on how you can leverage LinkedIn to bring in more clients.

First, ensure your LinkedIn profile is comprehensive and up-to-date. This includes having a professional profile picture, a detailed summary of your services, and a rundown of your experience and qualifications. Your profile should clearly communicate your expertise in the tax field and the specific services your firm offers.

Regularly publish content on LinkedIn. This can be articles about recent tax law changes, tips for tax planning, or insights into common tax issues. Sharing valuable content positions you as a knowledgeable authority in your field and keeps you visible in your network’s feed.

Engaging with your connections is key. Comment on posts, participate in discussions, and share relevant content from others. This not only increases your visibility but also helps build relationships within your professional network.

Join LinkedIn groups related to tax and accounting. These groups can be a valuable source of information, discussions, and potential clients. Participate actively in these groups by contributing to conversations and offering your expertise when relevant.

Utilize LinkedIn’s search feature to identify potential clients and partners. You can filter searches by industry, location, and job title to find individuals who might benefit from your tax services.

Consider LinkedIn’s paid features, like InMail or premium accounts, for broader networking capabilities. These features allow you to reach out to potential clients or partners who are not in your immediate network.

Finally, encourage satisfied clients to endorse your skills or write recommendations on LinkedIn. These testimonials add credibility to your profile and can be influential in attracting new clients.

Conclusion

Getting to 100 tax clients might take a lot of work, but don't give up! There are so many strategies to try, and one is bound to be your key to unlocking the clients your tax business deserves.

It's about trying and learning as you go. Stick to these methods and keep at it, and you'll see your tax business grow.

As I brought up earlier, if your tax business is looking for a client portal for tax services, I suggest you check out Foyer. It's a great way to show your future clients that your law firm is modern and security conscious.

I hope this guide was helpful! If you have any feedback or comments please send a comment below.