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Post details: Websites for Accountants: Myths Exposed!

10/23/09

Permalink 06:11:47 am, by dave Email , 413 words, 280 views   English (US)
Categories: CPA Marketing | Tax Marketing For Accountants

Websites for Accountants: Myths Exposed!

Yesterday, I touched on the topic of Websites for Accountants; and today, I'd like to go a bit more in-depth.

Most Accounting websites are simply "brochure" type websites that can trace their origins back to 1999 or so... And while having a website is better than nothing, having the right type of website; that attracts the clients that Pay, Stay and Refer, is like having a profit producing oil well, pumping away in cyber-space.

Myth 1 - Content

Myth: Most people believe that "content is king" - and that they should include as much relevant content about the services they provide as possible to make their website look comprehensive.

Fact: While it's important to list your services; the content or description of your services doesn't matter much. Rather, the better way to get clients to call your firm is to connect to their problems or pain.

In other words; a paragraph about tax preparation services is content; but every CPA or Accountant does that. Rather, a page explaining how you protect your client from the greedy clutches of the tax man, and how you help people save their hard earned money (pain & benefits) is more effective at converting looky-loo eye-balls to dialing digits, and increased sales. Throw in a few testimonials and you have the golden ticket!

Myth 2 - Capture:

Myth: Website visitors are annoyed with "opt-in" lists, or name capture devices on websites.

The truth is, when you offer something of value to a website visitor; you're "paying it forward." Give a freebie with good value in the form of information such as a free report or white-paper tailored to the visitors needs. Then visitors actually appreciate giving you their contact information in exchange for helpful information. Just make it just as easy for them to "opt out" of your mailing list if they choose. And as long as you don't abuse your email list, future contacts with the prospect or customer should be welcomed.

In fact, chances are, you're not contacting your current customers enough anyway.

I've got to run off to a meeting right now; but stay tuned for more Website Marketing Myths Exposed in the coming days...

Dedicated to your practice development,

David

P.S. If you have questions regarding this subject, or want to make a suggestion for future posts, feel free to use the comment functions below!

And, in the meantime; you can follow me on Twitter by clicking the link below:

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Comments:

Comment from: Brian O'Connell [Visitor] Email
Hi Dave... not to gush but it's good to see you back in a solid swing.

I'm going to stop lurking for an hour.

Content IS king... in a way. Especially in the long game.

OK, Dave and I aren't supposed to say stuff like this, so PLEASE... don't run off quite yet. There's a lot of money to be had marketing your accounting practice on the internet.

But...

You're never going to find your best clients through the internet.

I know. I sell websites, I shouldn't be saying that! But bear with me.

While this describes a very small percentage of prospects the smartest, savviest, most successful business people will always find you by networking. No matter how much technology changes this will always be the case.

When designing your site keep in mind that it can still help you land these big fish! Network marketing is a long game, so provide content that's legitimately useful for your prospects. There's nothing wrong with giving away a few pennies now if it nets you a dollar later. Most big fish are already in an accounting relationship they're happy in. On aveage these relationships last about six YEARS, so pulling these clients in takes patience and persistence.

Let me give you an example.

You're at a business lunch and you meet a real estate agent.

This should set off all kinds of bells and whistles, because a real estate agent is much more than a prospect. This is an INFLUENCER.

Anyway... which of these scenarios work better:

You give him your business card and say "call me".

OR

You give him your business card and say, "Call Me. Oh... By the way... My web address is on there. You should check out my selection of interactive financial calculators. I think you'll find it'll help you sell houses."

Which business card is more likely to generate a lead?

Of course you have to deliver. A Mortgage Qualifier, a Refinance Analyzer, a Reduction Analyzer, a Comparison: 15 years vs. 30 years, a Points Evaluator... all this is information that this influencer needs to close his prospects, and the fact that the information is on your website and not his actually lends his pitch credibility. Now you have him visiting your site regularly, AND bringing his customers in too!

If you have the right content on your site, and if you know how to use it (David will help you with that) your website becomes a powerful network marketing tool!
PermalinkPermalink 10/28/09 @ 13:32
Comment from: Accounting Services [Visitor] Email · http://www.avicennaaccounting.com
Good Information for us.
PermalinkPermalink 11/06/09 @ 03:57

This post has 5 feedbacks awaiting moderation...

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