In the thrilling world of taxes (yes, you heard that right – thrilling), there’s a secret weapon that can transform your marketing from “just another tax service” to “the tax warrior we need”. That weapon? The mighty Call to Action (CTA). Let’s dive into why this is a game-changer for those dealing with IRS collections or exam prospects and how you can use it to your advantage.
First, a quick refresher: a CTA is like that friend who tells you to stop pondering over the menu and just order the cheesecake already. It’s a direct instruction that encourages your potential clients to take immediate action. In tax lingo, it’s the difference between a prospect saying, “Hmm, interesting service” and “Take my money, you tax wizard!”
Why CTAs are as Important as Your Calculator:
- Grabs Attention: In the vast ocean of tax professionals, a well-crafted CTA is like a lighthouse guiding ships (clients) to safety (your services).
- Generates Leads: A compelling CTA is like a magnet. It attracts prospects dealing with IRS collections or exams and turns them into leads faster than you can say “deduction.”
- Creates Urgency: With CTAs, you can inject a sense of urgency. “Contact us before the IRS knocks on your door!” is more compelling than “We deal with IRS stuff.”
- Guides Clients: A CTA acts like a GPS, directing your clients exactly where you want them to go – towards your services.
- Measurable Results: By tracking responses to your CTAs, you get real data, not just a hunch. It’s like knowing the exact amount of coffee you need to survive tax season.
CTA Examples for IRS Collections and Exam Prospects:
- For the Collection Fretters: Imagine a client, scared of the IRS collection process, stumbles upon your website. A CTA like “Schedule a Free Consultation to Tackle Your IRS Collections Woes!” can be the comforting hand they need. It’s like saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve got a black belt in dealing with the IRS.”
- For the Audit Panickers: Then there are those trembling at the thought of an IRS exam. A CTA such as “Click Here to see how we can reduce the damage of that IRS Audit!” acts like a warrior’s shield, making them feel protected and ready to face their fears.
The Art of Crafting the Perfect CTA:
- Be Clear, Not Cryptic: Your CTA should be as clear as the fact that taxes are inevitable. Avoid jargon and be straightforward.
- Create a Sense of Urgency: Use words that make it feel like responding to your CTA should be their next immediate action, right after breathing. Offer expires next week or a specific date.
- Make It Stand Out: Design your CTA to stand out like a neon sign in a dark alley. It should catch the eye and not blend in with the rest of your content.
- Test and Tweak: Not all CTAs are created equal. Test different versions to see what resonates with your audience. It’s like finding the perfect recipe for a tax-saving pie.
- Establish Scarcity: You need to show that you have limits, well you do as I am sure you are not Superman (or Superwoman). There are only so many hours in a day (or month) that you can see clients. Therefore, “We can only take 5 (or 8 or 10) new appointments this month.” This will increase demand for you hotter than a Taylor Swift concert ticket, OK, maybe not that hot. In the process, it will increase the value of your time and services.
Incorporating CTAs in your marketing is like adding that secret ingredient to your grandmother’s recipe – it just makes everything better. For licensed tax professionals dealing with IRS collections or exam prospects, a well-placed CTA can be the difference between a prospect and a client. By the way, you would rather have the client than the prospect. So go ahead, wield your CTAs with the precision of a tax pro doing complex calculations, and watch your client list grow!
Dan Henn, CPA, CTR™
Managing Member
Tax Pro Academy, LLC
