Getting the message out to all small businesses

[Melinda B]

Hehehehe, here's a thought for your sales page:

You can do this yourself without spending $59 on our software. Here's what you do:

- download this from the ATO (10 minutes)

- check the eligibility criteria here (1-2 hours)

- check this (1 hour)

- check that (1 hour)

- read this legislation and make sure you fit into this this and this (3-4 hours)

- fill out this form (2 hours)

- etc etc etc

OR! You could simply put your details into our software, we'll let you know immediately if you're eligible and we'll help you submit the forms. We've done all the hard work and interpretation of legislation for you.

Our service frees you up to focus on what you do best - running your business, while we do what we do best - get great results for you.

[CarolineHughes]

Thanks Melinda
That's pretty spot on. I would like to think $59 is a pretty small price to pay for a chance at a $50,000 cheque or even a $10,000 cheque. And I know that I charge $150/hr consulting which is on the lower end of the scale.

But they key is getting the value message across. If customers are having trouble seeing the value, then I definitely need to fix it up on the site.

Cheers
Caroline

[CarolineHughes]

Hi all
In response to all the great feedback from earlier I have added 3 things to my site which I hope will make it easier to see what it's all about:
1. more information on R&D eligibility to get a better feel whether this applies or not to you
2. a blog article called "About R&D Eligibility" which has already had great feedback: http://www.smarttax.com.au/about-rd-eligibility/
3. 10% off the tools for all Flying Solo members! Just enter the code FS2010 at the checkout!

I would love to know if these things help make the site better, definitely let me know if you have a quick moment.

Cheers and thanks!
Caroline
R&D SmartTax

[kbrookes]

Hi Caroline,

I couldn't immediately see where point #1 had been added, but the changes sound great.

Can I make one small suggestion? You're using underscore styles to emphasise words within your copy. This is very bad practice for a website as it simply looks like a link - I even attempted to click on one of them!

You'd be better using the bold or italics (strong and em) in your CSS styles. This also has modest SEO benefits.

[snicho]

Hi Caroline,

I was just speaking with a fellow colleague today about the lack of exposure and information that's available on the R&D Tax Concession.

I think your approach is really innovative and wish you every success.

While your website is marketing directly to businesses, have you considered also teaming with consultancies that offer complementary services?


Stephen

[CarolineHughes]

Originally Posted by kbrookes

Hi Caroline,

I couldn't immediately see where point #1 had been added, but the changes sound great.

Can I make one small suggestion? You're using underscore styles to emphasise words within your copy. This is very bad practice for a website as it simply looks like a link - I even attempted to click on one of them!

You'd be better using the bold or italics (strong and em) in your CSS styles. This also has modest SEO benefits.

Thanks Kelsey, I shall remember that one, it is easy to forget about the links! I put the extra information in point 1 under "What is R&D", ie the first page after the home page. I thought it would be best here to save people having to go through every page to find out whether it would apply to them or not.

If you have any specific queries about eligibility though I am more than happy to help. My main goal in the end is to get as many companies claiming as possible (I don't think Treasury is going to like me very much!)
Cheers
Caroline

[CarolineHughes]

Originally Posted by snicho

Hi Caroline,

I was just speaking with a fellow colleague today about the lack of exposure and information that's available on the R&D Tax Concession.

I think your approach is really innovative and wish you every success.

While your website is marketing directly to businesses, have you considered also teaming with consultancies that offer complementary services?


Stephen

Hi Stephen
Thank you for your support, I would love this to take off!
I have definitely considered teaming with consultancies that offer complementary services. Two main organisations I have started this with are the Australian Institute of Commercialisation and the Inventor's Association of Queensland (my home state). My approach has been to educate their members (I did a presentation to the IAAQ last night) and then offer a discount for use of the tools.

I would love to hear any ideas you have about continuing in this direction.
Cheers
Caroline