How to Write the Perfect Call to Action

Have you ever come across content that inspired you to take action? What you experienced in those moments is the magic of a “Call to Action” (CTA). This is a simple yet powerful tool marketers, content creators, and influencers use to guide their audience toward a specific action.

In this blog post, you will discover some of the best call to action examples you can implement in your marketing to boost results. Let’s begin.

What is a Call to Action?

A call to action is a direct request or instruction that prompts people to do something specific, like clicking a button, signing up for a newsletter, or buying a product. It’s like giving someone a friendly nudge to take action right away.

For example, “Click here to learn more” or “Sign up now for exclusive access.” Calls to action are used in marketing and copywriting to encourage people to engage with content or make a purchase.

Why A Call to Action Is Important

A call to action is important because it guides people on what to do next. It helps to focus the reader’s attention and encourage them to take action.

Without a clear call to action, people might not know what steps to take, and your conversion rate will plummet. Essentially, calls to action help businesses achieve their goals by directing their audience towards the desired action.

How to Write an Effective Call to Action

Use the tips below to write calls to action that work and get people to act on your message.

  1. Be clear: Use straightforward language so people understand exactly what you want them to do.
  2. Use action words: Start your CTA with strong verbs like “buy,” “Subscribe,” or “join”.
  3. Create urgency: Encourage action by adding words like “now” or “today” to instill a sense of urgency.
  4. Offer value: Highlight the benefits people will get by taking action. For example, “Get exclusive access”.
  5. Keep it short: Use concise phrases that are easy to read and understand quickly.
  6. Make it stand out: Use contrasting colors, bold fonts, or buttons to make your CTA pop.
  7. Use numbers: Use specific numbers to show benefits For example, “Save 50%” or “Get 3 months free.”
  8. Create curiosity: Spark interest by teasing what’s next, like “Discover the secret” or “Find out how.”
  9. Test and refine: Experiment with different CTAs to see what works best, and make adjustments.
  10. Use first-person language: Make the CTA personal by addressing the audience directly, like “Start my free trial” or “Send me updates.”
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Call to Action Examples

Here are some of the best call to action examples in digital marketing today Study them and apply the techniques to your business.

1. Slack

CTA: Made for people. Built for productivity

To understand the effectiveness of Slack’s call to action examples, think about the company’s mission, which is to create “a better future.” They also state that “Slack is made for people and built for productivity.” This CTA also applies one of the biggest psychological triggers in copywriting and marketing; FREE.

Slack’s homepage also features a navigation menu with additional information, such as pricing and other products. However, what stands out here are more CTAs, such as the “Try for free” and “Talk To Sales” buttons. This straightforward web design encourages visitors to move forward in their customer journey.

2. Box

CTA: Get Started

box call to action example

Box provides cloud storage servers to large organizations such as hospitals, universities, and corporations. The company understands that these types of companies must be able to establish personal connections with customers so that they are more willing to commit to the product.

This is why the “Get Started” CTA button is prominently displayed on their website. It is a strong call-to-action example that emphasizes the importance of trying things out in the SaaS world and the value of being able to book them without having to go through a lengthy process.

3. Saint-Isadore

CTA: Shop Online

Saint-Isadore CTA example , Call To Action Examples

Saint-Isadore’s website features two CTA buttons: one is outlined in a black frame and reads “Shop online,” while the other is a classic pink button that reads “Shop all.” Both of these call-to-action examples direct visitors to the same page, which is a common and effective CTA technique that broadens the reach to increase clicks.

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Different visitors may be drawn to one over the other for different reasons. What’s important here is that Saint-Isadore didn’t simply copy the button. They made minor changes to both the text and the design to ensure that these buttons remain different but related.

4. Balloon

CTA: Sign up to be notified of screenings in your area

Ballon's website

Balloon’s website promotes a short film and provides details on upcoming screenings. Its “Watch now” CTA button is purposefully placed to cover the mouth of one of the film’s characters, conveying a strong message about the plot. Balloon also includes a pop-up call-to-action example, which appears at the bottom of the website.

This lightbox collects email addresses and notifies users about screenings in their area. The pop-up is too intrusive because it is at the bottom of the page. They used a form builder to customize (and limit) the information in the required fields, which increased their submission rate.

5. Netflix

CTA: Get Started

Call To Action Examples

What is one of the most common concerns that users have before signing up for something? It’ll be difficult to cancel their subscription if they don’t like it. Netflix eliminates that fear with the “Cancel anytime” copy directly above the “Get Started” CTA. I’d guess that reassurance alone has increased signups. You’ll also notice that the primary and secondary CTAs here are red, which matches the color of Netflix’s logo.

Not only can you draw a visitor’s attention with a strong color contrast, but you can also use language in your CTA to entice them to click. Consider using “Try for Free,” or a similar phrase in your CTA to remove the risk for potential customers.

Types of CTAs

Here are some common types of calls to action and how you can use them:

  1. Button: These are prominent buttons on websites or in emails that your reader can click to take action. Examples are “Buy Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Learn More.”

  2. Text Links: Hyperlinked text within content that directs users to another page or action, often styled differently from regular text to stand out.

  3. Subscription Forms: Forms where users can input their information to subscribe to newsletters, updates, or memberships.

  4. Pop-up Windows: These are windows that appear on a webpage to grab users’ attention and prompt them to take action, usually to subscribe to a newsletter.

  5. Social Media Buttons: Buttons or icons on websites or emails that encourage users to follow, share, or engage with social media profiles or content.

  6. In-line CTAs: These are calls to action placed within the content of a webpage or email, prompting users to take action related to the topic being discussed.

  7. Exit Intent Pop-ups: Pop-up windows that appear when a user is about to leave a webpage, offering a last-minute opportunity to engage.

  8. Live Chat Prompts: Messages that pop up on websites offering assistance or prompting users to ask questions or engage with a customer service representative.

  9. Clickable Phone Numbers: On mobile devices, CTAs can include clickable phone numbers that prompt users to call directly.

  10. Video CTAs: These are calls to action embedded within videos, prompting viewers to subscribe, visit a website, or take another action related to the content.

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Final Thoughts on Call to Action Examples

These call to action examples can give you the inspiration to create a call to action that not only gets your readers attention, but also get them to click. Apply them to your business and watch how your conversation rate increases exponentially.

If you need any help with your copywriting needs, contact us here.

maku seun
The Complete Copywriting Course

Hi, I’m Maku Seun. I am a direct-response marketer and copywriter. I help B2C brands generate more revenue through proven direct-response marketing and copywriting strategies. If you need any help growing your B2C brand, contact me!