Last year, one of our most popular blog articles was the 2015 edition of the TaxBuzz Top 50, which highlighted the 50 CPAs, EAs and tax professionals who received the best client reviews in 2015. Thousands of visitors read the TaxBuzz Top 50 article, and it received press coverage in multiple online magazines.

As we gear up for the 2016 edition, we will create a new list based on reviews received from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016. To be recognized as one of the best in your profession is quite an honor.

We have found that professionals who are responsive and who provide a personal touch are more likely to build a five-star-ranked practice. The challenge for any small business or taxpayer is to pick through the Web to narrow the choices down to the best option. According to a recent Bright Local survey, 84% of people trust online reviews as much as they do personal recommendations. Letting clients tell your story helps build trust and lays the foundation for converting referrals and web leads into clients.

Online reviews are as critical to your practice as any search engine optimization strategy. If you want to be found online and viewed as an authority, you need a strong profile of five-star reviews. Typically, by the time a prospect has started reading reviews, he or she already has a need for your service and is ready to select the right one based on online reviews.

The difference between reading reviews and actually making a decision can be quite small. Someone who has made that decision can become a client almost immediately.

If you already have a TaxBuzz profile and need help attracting more reviews, feel free to call our office at 1-800-442-2477 (x4) for assistance. If you are new to TaxBuzz, please claim your free listing to get started.

The clock is ticking to be part of the 2016 TaxBuzz 50.