How to Grow Your Local Tax Practice

Growing a local tax practice takes a strategic marketing effort. You might be the best tax professional in your city. However, if prospective tax clients are not aware of your services, your business will not flourish. Although the tax preparation industry is competitive, it is possible for you to grow a thriving business in the face of the competition. Here are 5 marketing actions you can take to grow your local tax practice.

1. Create videos about your services.

Tax customers spend a great deal of time researching information before they select a tax preparation company. Wouldn't it be awesome if your prospective clients found your services because a video you posted on YouTube?

Consider this fact. Approximately 30 million viewers visit YouTube each day. Post a series of videos that provide people with information about common tax concerns.

Be careful not to post 'salesy' business videos. YouTube viewers want to be informed before they purchase any service. Resist the urge to post videos that only talk about your services.

2. Develop accessory services to your tax practice.

The height of the tax season is January until mid-April. This is the time when most tax practices make the majority of their income.

As a small business owner, your goal should be to maintain a robust income for the entire year. Think about other services that are complementary to your business that you could offer. Services that complement local tax practices include legal document preparation, notary and simple accounting services.

3. Teach classes and give presentations in your local community.

Your local community college and Chamber of Commerce are the ideal places to showcase your knowledge about tax information. This action will help you establish your tax practice as an authority in your local area.

4. Optimize your business website to attract local clients.

Your website should include an updated blog, relevant keywords and videos. Including these items will help your website rank in the search engines.

5. Create a profile on Google My Business.

Once your profile is created, prospective clients can easily find your services. You can include information such as your company's name, business hours, website URL, informative videos, driving directions, an email address and phone number.

It takes time and consistent action to grow a local tax practice. By implementing these tips, you will experience success with your business in record time.

William Doonan is a tax law and legal expert in New York.