Hey accountants and bookkeepers, do you have that nagging thought looming in the back of your mind that sounds like, “I know I need to get more Google reviews… but…”
Yeah, we’ve all been there. You know you need them, but it just keeps slipping through the cracks. Maybe it’s tax season, or maybe your to-do list is a mile long, and adding “ask for Google reviews” just doesn’t seem like it’s at the top of your priority list.
Here’s the plot twist: tax season is actually the PERFECT time to ask for those reviews. You’re busy, yes, but you’re also doing incredible work for your clients. You deserve some online love.
Did you know that 81% of consumers check Google reviews before engaging with a business? So, yeah - those reviews matter. Here’s how you can actually start getting them (without the stress and awkwardness) and build your online reputation while you’re rocking tax season.
So, you just completed a tax return, the client seems happy, and you think, “Oh, I should ask for a review.” But then… life happens. You forget. The next thing you know, it’s two weeks later, and you’re wondering why your Google reviews haven’t budged.
Relying on your memory won’t work. Especially when you have 50 other things to juggle. So, forget the sticky notes on your desk or hoping you’ll remember when the client’s in front of you. It’s just too many steps: You ask, they Google you, then they click through to leave a review. That’s a lot of work for both of you!
Instead, automate it. Setting up an automated workflow that sends a review request to your clients as soon as they’ve received their tax return (or completed a major milestone) takes the pressure off. This is where efficiency meets reliability.
Here’s the trick - send them a text, not an email. Why? Well, 95% of text messages are read within 5 minutes. That means the emotional high they’re on (after getting their taxes filed or business bookkeeping in order) is fresh, and they’re way more likely to click that link and leave a review. No need to wait for them to check their email later when they’ve already moved on to the next thing in their busy life.
Ah, the classic - great intentions, but too much on my plate. You know you should ask, but it’s just not at the top of your to-do list when you’re delivering tax returns or handling client calls.
The solution here? Set up a system where the review request happens automatically. Here’s the beauty of automation: it just works. You don’t have to remember to ask. The minute a tax return is complete, or a certain milestone is hit (like 90 days of working with a client), the review request goes out. No more forgotten follow-ups. Your system does it for you.
And look, if you’re still feeling a little weird about asking for a review, just remember this: it’s not about you, it’s about your client’s experience. If you’re delivering good service (and you are), there’s no reason not to make it easy for them to share that experience online.
I get it, the fear of getting a negative review would make any business owner anxious. Nobody likes to see that dreaded 1-star pop up. But, getting a negative review is not the end of the world. In fact, sometimes it can be a good thing.
We all know that mistakes happen. You’re human. And guess what? Your clients know that too. When they see a negative review, what they’re really looking for is how you respond. Are you defensive? Or are you taking accountability and showing that you’re committed to fixing the issue? How you handle a negative review says a lot about you as a business.
When you automate your review process, you’ll have the opportunity to respond to every single review - whether it be positive or negative. That’s the key. Replying to reviews is just as important as getting them. It shows potential clients that you care, that you’re engaged, and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to make things right.
And if you’re worried about your online reputation - let me tell you a secret: SEO loves reviews. Google takes reviews into account when ranking your business, so consistently asking for them not only helps build trust but boosts your visibility. It’s a win-win.
Now that we’ve covered the why and the how, here’s your call to action: make reputation management a priority this tax season. You’re already busy, and I know adding another thing to your plate can seem overwhelming. But if you can automate your review process, you’ll be building an online reputation that works for you long after tax season ends. And if you need help setting up your system to get more reviews and automate the process? Reach out. We at Cajabra can help streamline your review process and get more 5-star feedback without taking any more time out of your busy schedule. After all, it’s not about how much time you spend - it’s about working smarter, not harder.
