What Type of Marketing Do Tax Preparers Use During Off Season Period?

Referrals are the major source of leads. Be certain to ask for referrals!

I also use social media, more for fun than for a major referal source.

We do education email marketing geared towards tax preparation after Thanksgiving.

Marketing usually is a matter of budget available. Beginning with your immediate circle passing info about what you do, email, social media etc. You need to be persistent, direct message mainly... if offer an incentive used as advertising(discounts, free brochures etc). Answer always the phone, answer asap concerns, offer free first consultation.... after that, according $ budgeted, compare social media paid ads, direct mail, target groups emails campaigns...Participate in your community activities, if desire give lectures/answer tax question during meetings etc. Visit in person business near you, send email to s distant ones... but your referrals are going to be an important part in development your business, therefore is important that each client be satisfied of your services... follow up after services done!

Speaking engagements, educational classes, and social media......and a lot of referrals

referrals and social media

Hi, Erika -- The most important thing you can do is create long standing relationships with potential customers (and customer advocates.) The first, most important, step is that you're collecting email addresses from your website (preferably by creating epic content assets.) Next, it's important to use a strong email marketing system to not only collect email, but to segment your email, based on your visitor's behavior. For example, if they visited your "Business tax saving tips" - your system should tag them as interested in business topics and re-connect with them based on this information. Segmenting your audience is important so they feel like you truly understand their issues/problems. I would second the notion that a "teaching" perspective is key! Also, during the offseason focus on getting reviews! You work really hard to help as many people as possible during tax season, getting reviews about your service on google, yelp, facebook etc. is very important for your online presence. Potential clients want to know what it's like to work with you even before they meet you. Hope this is helpful! -Lauren PS: Feel free to reach out at any time if you have more questions or want to discuss strategy in more details. [email address] or (210) 560-3311

Marketing for us is an all year exercise. It starts with the way we take care of our present clients which results in additional work after tax season. We also speak at networking groups, monitor our website, and answer inquiries from a variety of sources (attorneys, stock brokers, etc.)

My best referral is my clients but I pay for yelp thru out the year and also use google. I hired a person that handles my website and he integrates my web site for taxes, books, payroll and representation. It has worked well for my office.

If you truly want a year round business, contact me about how to get into the much more profitable business of Tax Resolution - there are no good or bad months - people have urgent tax problems all year long that need to be addressed, and this could help you smooth over your off months.

I use several ways to market during off season. First work with clients I already have with a monthly tax update newsletter. Next I send out birthday and Christmas cards to all existing clients. In December I mail out a reminder to set up their tax preparation appointments at that time. I offer a $50 discount if they get their taxes done by Feb. 15th (never put year on cards).

Next for potential clients I run a monthly ad in the local community magazine. It covers 3 local cities that I draw many of my clients from. Consistency is a must, when potential clients see your ad every month, they know that you are available all year long not just at tax time. I also include my head shot photo. You will be surprised how many people will see you in the community that will say "I know you from somewhere" or "Aren't you the bookkeeping and tax Lady".

Third but just as important as the first two is ask for referrals!