There’s a small issue with writing a call to action. Most copywriters and digital marketers write their call to action after their sales copy. This is a mistake and I’ll tell you why.
But first, let’s talk about a call to action, what it is, why it’s important, where to place your call to action button, and how to write a killer call to action that gets people to take action.
Plus, you will be shown some amazing call-to-action examples you can use as inspiration when crafting calls-to-action for your products/services.
What is a Call to Action?
Let me simplify this for you; A call to action is when you tell people to do something specific. It could be clicking a button, buying something, signing up for stuff, or sharing your stuff.
It’s like saying, “Hey, let’s do something about this!” It’s the most important part of convincing people to take action.
But a good call to action isn’t just ordering people around. It’s about making them feel like they want to do what you’re asking.
For example, let’s say you’re writing about how to help the environment. Instead of saying, “Sign up for more tips,” you could say, “Join us in saving the planet! Get weekly tips on going green!”
See? The second one is more exciting and makes people want to be part of it.
That’s the magic of a great call to action. It’s not just about getting people to do stuff; it’s about making them excited to do it.
Why is a Call to Action Important?
Think of a call to action (CTA) as a friendly nudge for you to take action. It’s that little push that guides people to do something specific.
Now, why is this nudge so important?
Well, imagine you’re at a party, and you want everyone to join in a game of charades. If you just sit there quietly, hoping someone will catch on and start playing, chances are the game won’t happen. But if you stand up and say, “Hey, who’s up for charades?” you’ll probably get a bunch of people excited to join in.
That’s exactly what a call to action does in the world of marketing, writing, or pretty much any situation where you want people to do something. It takes your message from just sitting there to actively inviting people to engage.
Think about it: You could have the most amazing content or product in the world, but if you don’t tell people what to do next, they might just read it and move on. A call to action gives them a clear path forward, like a signpost pointing the way.
Plus, it adds a bit of urgency and excitement to your message. It’s like saying, “Hey, don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity!” And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love feeling like they’re part of something special?
How to Write a Call to Action That Works
1. Keep it Clear and Direct: Make sure your call to action leaves no room for confusion. Tell people exactly what you want them to do. For instance, instead of saying, “Try subscribing,” say “Subscribe now for weekly updates!”
2. Create Urgency: Give people a reason to act fast. Use phrases like “Limited Time Offer” or “Ending Soon” to make them feel like they need to jump on the opportunity. For example, “Get 50% off today only! Don’t miss out!”
3. Highlight Benefits: Show people what’s in it for them. Explain the perks of taking action, like saving time or money. For instance, “Join now and save 20% on your first purchase!”
4. Use Action Words: Get people moving with lively verbs. Instead of “Maybe click here,” say “Click now to get started!” Action words add energy to your CTA and make it more compelling.
5. Make it Personal: Speak directly to your audience. Use words like “You” or “Your” to make them feel like you’re talking to them individually. For example, “Transform your life today with our exclusive guide!”
6. Keep it Short and Sweet: Don’t ramble on. Keep your CTA short and snappy. Aim for just a few words that get straight to the point. For instance, “Shop now” or “Sign up today!”
7. Inject Excitement: Amp up the enthusiasm! Use words that get people pumped about taking action. For example, “Join the fun and start exploring today!”
8. Offer a Freebie: Everyone loves a little something extra. Sweeten the deal with a free sample or bonus. For example, “Subscribe now and get a free ebook!”
9. Create Visual Contrast: Make sure your CTA stands out visually. Use bold colors or larger fonts to draw attention to it. For instance, “Claim your free trial now!”
10. Test and Tweak: Experiment with different CTAs to see what works best. Keep tweaking until you find the winning formula. For example, “Try it out and see the difference for yourself!”
Where Should You Place Your Call To Action Button?
Alright, let’s talk about where to put those magical buttons that get people clicking! It’s not just about slapping them anywhere and hoping for the best. Oh no, my friend, there’s a science to it, and I’m here to spill the beans.
Top of the Page
First off, let’s start at the top, the kingpin of all website real estate—the hero section. This is prime territory, right at the top of your page where all eyes land first.
Placing a big, bold button here is like rolling out the red carpet for your call to action. It’s the first thing visitors see, so make it count!
The Body of Your Copy
Now, as we scroll down the page, we enter the land of content. This is where your visitors start getting cozy and diving into what you have to offer.
But don’t let them get too comfortable without a little nudge in the right direction.
Sneak in a button or two throughout your sales copy—maybe after a juicy paragraph or at the end of a section. It keeps the momentum going and gives them a clear path forward.
The End of Your Sales Copy
Don’t forget about the footer. It’s like the unsung hero of your website—the quiet powerhouse that holds everything together.
Stick a button down there, and you’ll catch those people who’ve scrolled all the way to the bottom. It’s like a little bonus round for your call to action, just waiting to be discovered.
Oh, and speaking of discovery, let’s not overlook the power of pop-ups and overlays. I know, I know, they can be a bit intrusive if overused, but when done right, they’re like a friendly tap on the shoulder saying, “Hey, don’t forget to take action!”
Just make sure they’re relevant and not popping up every five seconds. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
Your call-to-action buttons deserve some strategic placement to truly shine. From the top of the page to the bottom, and even a surprise appearance or two, give them the spotlight they deserve, and watch as they work their magic!
Why You Shouldn’t Write Your Call to Action After The Copy
Imagine you’re building a sandcastle at the beach. You don’t start with the turrets and moat first, do you? No way! You begin with a strong foundation, and that’s exactly why you should write your call to action (CTA) before anything else.
Think about it like this: Your CTA is the lighthouse guiding ships to shore. It tells people where to go and what to do next. But if you wait until after you’ve built your sales copy castle, you might end up with a wonky lighthouse that doesn’t quite fit the landscape.
By crafting your CTA first, you set the tone for everything else. It’s like planting a flag and saying, “This is where we’re headed!” Plus, it keeps you focused on the ultimate goal—getting people to take action.
Now, imagine you’ve written this amazing sales pitch, but when it comes time to add the CTA, you realize it doesn’t quite fit. Maybe your pitch is all about saving money, but your CTA is about joining a mailing list. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—not gonna work, right?
But when you start with your CTA, it’s like laying down the tracks for a smooth ride. You know exactly where you’re headed, and every word you write leads people right to that destination.
So, next time you’re crafting your sales copy, remember: to start with the end in mind. Write your CTA first, and watch as everything else falls into place like pieces of a perfectly-puzzled sandcastle.
Call-to-Action Examples That Get People to Act
Here are ten simple and effective call-to-action examples to get people moving:
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“Shop Now!”: Straight to the point and perfect for an e-commerce site.
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“Claim Your Free Trial Today!”: Who can resist trying something out for free?
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“Get Started!”: Whether it’s signing up for a service or starting a project, this one’s versatile.
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“Join the Community!”: Encourages people to become part of something bigger.
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“Subscribe for Exclusive Updates!”: Everyone loves feeling like they’re in the know.
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“Book Your Appointment Now!”: Urges action for service-based businesses like salons or clinics.
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“Learn More!”: Perfect for enticing people to dive deeper into your content.
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“Unlock Your Discount!”: Who doesn’t love saving a little cash?
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“Donate Today to Make a Difference!”: Appeals to the altruistic side of your audience.
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“Start Your Journey to [Achievement] Now!”: Encourages people to take the first step toward reaching their goals.
Remember, the key is to keep it clear, concise, benefit-based, and compelling.
How to Write A Call to Action That Works 99% of the Time
Writing a good call to action is that extra nudge that gets people to do what you want them to do.
A little side note: You don’t have to use the exact phrases in the examples above. What you should do instead is to look at the biggest benefit your product or service offers people and use them as your call to action.
These types of calls to action work like hell. For example, you’re selling a weight loss program. Instead of saying; click here to get the weight loss program, say y this; “Click here to lose 10 pounds in 30 days”. See how it mentions the benefit of the product?
If you want to write a call to action that works, use this template and watch your calls to action convert.
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