Social media is filled with businesses. Therefore, you need certain skills to stand out. One of those important skills is a call to action. In this post, you will discover how to write a social media call to action that makes you stand out in the sea of businesses.
But first,
What is a Call to Action?
A call to action is a little prompt that urges you to take action. But what exactly is a “call to action,” you ask? Well, let’s break it down in simple terms.
Think of a call to action (CTA) as a friendly nudge, kind of like when your friend says, “Hey, let’s grab pizza tonight!” It’s a clear invitation or suggestion to do something specific.
For example, you might come across a post that says, “Click here to learn more!” or “Swipe up to see the full video!” These are CTAs, gently nudging you to take action – whether it’s to read more, watch a video, or explore further.
CTAs come in all shapes and sizes, from buttons and links to catchy phrases and even emojis. Their goal? To get you engaged, excited, and involved.
Why is a Social Media Call to Action Important?
First off, social media is a place where every business wants attention. Your post is just one tiny fish in a huge ocean, right?
That’s where CTAs swoop in to save the day.
They’re like neon signs in a busy city, grabbing your attention and telling you exactly what to do next.
But why bother, you ask? Here’s the scoop: CTAs aren’t just about getting likes or shares (though those are nice too). They’re about creating connections, sparking conversations, and driving action.
Plus, they’re super handy for businesses, influencers, and anyone with a message to share. CTAs can help boost brand awareness, drive website traffic, and even generate leads or sales.
And here’s the best part: CTAs don’t have to be pushy or salesy. They can be fun, creative, and even downright charming. From quirky emojis to witty one-liners, the sky’s the limit when it comes to crafting CTAs that stand out and resonate with your audience.
How to Write a Social Media Call to Action
Whether you want to increase likes, comments, shares, or website visits, mastering the art of the CTA is essential. So, let’s dive into five brilliant ways to write social media CTAs across popular platforms.
Facebook remains a powerhouse in social media, boasting billions of active users. Capturing attention here requires finesse and creativity.
1. Interactive Questions
Spark conversations by asking thought-provoking questions related to your content. For instance, a travel agency could post a stunning photo of a tropical paradise and ask, “Which destination is next on your bucket list? Comment below and let’s plan your next adventure together!”
2. Contests and Giveaways
Host contests or giveaways. Encourage users to participate by liking, sharing, or tagging friends in the comments for a chance to win. For example, a fashion brand might post, “Tag two friends who would rock these stylish outfits for a chance to win a shopping spree!”
3. Exclusive Offers
Drive traffic to your website or landing page by promoting exclusive offers or discounts. Craft a compelling CTA that entices users to learn more. For instance, a fitness studio could post, “Ready to crush your fitness goals? Sign up now and get 50% off your first month! Click the link to claim your offer.”
4. Emotive Storytelling
Tap into emotions to create resonance with your audience. Share stories that evoke empathy or inspiration, and conclude with a clear CTA. For example, a nonprofit organization might share a heartwarming story of a beneficiary and end with, “Join us in making a difference today. Click ‘Donate’ to support our cause.”
5. Polls and Surveys
Encourage engagement and gather valuable insights by creating polls or surveys. Pose questions related to your industry or audience preferences. For instance, a food brand might ask, “Which new flavor would you like to see next? Vote now and let your taste buds decide!”
With its visually-driven interface, Instagram is a haven for creativity and visual storytelling. Crafting compelling CTAs here involves seamlessly integrating them into captivating visuals.
1. Swipe Up Feature (for Stories)
If you have over 10k followers or a verified account, use the Swipe Up feature in Instagram Stories to direct users to external links. Pair visually appealing content with a clear CTA. For example, a travel influencer could showcase breathtaking scenery and prompt users to “Swipe Up to book your next adventure!”
2. User-Generated Content
Encourage user-generated content (UGC) by inviting followers to share their experiences with your product or service. Feature UGC in your posts and include a CTA prompting others to do the same. For instance, a beauty brand might repost a customer’s makeup look and caption it, “Love this look? Show us how you slay with our products! Tag us for a chance to be featured.”
3. Story Highlights
Use Story Highlights to show evergreen content or important announcements. Include a CTA in your Highlights cover image to direct users to explore further. For example, a fashion brand could create a Highlight reel of outfit inspirations and prompt followers to “Tap here for daily style inspiration!”
4. Hashtag Challenges
Launch hashtag challenges to encourage user participation and virality. Create a unique hashtag relevant to your brand or campaign and challenge users to create content using it. For example, a fitness brand might initiate a #FitLifeChallenge and encourage followers to share their workout routines for a chance to be featured.
5. Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks
Offer glimpses behind the curtain to humanize your brand and foster authenticity. Share behind-the-scenes content and invite followers to join the journey. For instance, a small business owner could post a sneak peek of their creative process and invite followers to “Join us behind the scenes! Tap the link in our bio to see how it all comes together.”
Known for its fast-paced nature and character limit, Twitter demands concise yet impactful CTAs. Here’s how to make your tweets stand out:
1. Retweet Contests
Boost your reach and engagement by hosting retweet contests. Offer a sizable prize and ask users to retweet with a specific hashtag to enter. For example, a tech company might tweet, “Retweet and follow for a chance to win the latest gadget! #TechGiveaway”
2. Live Q&A Sessions
Host live Q&A sessions to build direct engagement with your audience. Announce the session in advance and encourage followers to tweet their questions using a designated hashtag. For example, a marketing expert could tweet, “Got burning questions about social media marketing? Tweet them using #AskMarketingPro and join me live this Thursday for answers!”
3. Limited-Time Offers
Create urgency and drive immediate action by promoting limited-time offers or flash sales. Use compelling language to convey scarcity and encourage prompt responses. For example, a clothing brand might tweet, “Last chance to score 30% off your favorite styles! Hurry, sale ends at midnight! Shop now: [link]”
4. Twitter Polls
Tap into the opinions of your audience by conducting Twitter polls on relevant topics. Keep the questions concise and engaging to encourage participation. For example, a food delivery service could tweet, “What’s your go-to comfort food on a rainy day? Vote now and let us know!”
5. Calls to Retweet with a Purpose
Encourage retweets by attaching a purpose or cause to them. For instance, a nonprofit organization might tweet, “Every retweet helps us feed a child in need. Spread the word and make a difference today!”
LinkedIn caters to a professional audience, making it ideal for B2B networking, recruitment, and industry insights. Craft CTAs that align with the platform’s professional ethos.
1. Thought Leadership Articles
Share insightful articles or blog posts on relevant industry topics and prompt followers to engage with a CTA. For example, a marketing consultant could post, “Interested in the latest trends in digital marketing? Check out my latest article and share your thoughts in the comments!”
2. Job Postings
If you’re recruiting, use LinkedIn’s job posting feature and include a clear CTA prompting qualified candidates to apply. For example, a startup might post, “We’re hiring! Click ‘Apply’ to join our innovative team and drive change in the industry.”
3. Industry Surveys
Conduct surveys or polls related to your industry to gather valuable insights and engage your network. Encourage participation with a compelling CTA. For example, a finance firm might post, “Curious about the future of cryptocurrency? Take our survey and share your predictions!”
4. Networking Requests
Expand your professional network by sending personalized connection requests accompanied by a clear CTA. For example, a sales professional could send a request with a message like, “Hi [Name], I’d love to connect and discuss how we can mutually benefit from our networks. Let’s connect!”
5. Webinars and Events
Promote webinars, workshops, or industry events with clear CTAs directing users to register or RSVP. For example, a leadership coach could post, “Unlock your full potential in our upcoming webinar on effective leadership strategies. Reserve your spot now!”
Where to Put Your Social Media Call to Action
You want your social media call to action in the right spot to guide people smoothly towards your desired destination. Here are some prime locations to consider:
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In Captions or Post Text: Your caption is prime real estate for CTAs. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a catchy phrase, or a direct invitation, make sure it’s clear and compelling. People often read captions first, so hook them right from the start!
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Bio: Your social media bio or “about” section is like your digital business card. It’s one of the first places people look to learn more about you. Include a CTA that directs visitors to your website, a specific product/service, or encourages them to follow for more content.
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Pin to Top of Profile (Twitter/Facebook): On platforms like Twitter and Facebook, you can pin a post to the top of your profile. Take advantage of this feature by pinning a post with a prominent CTA – whether it’s promoting an event, a product launch, or an important announcement.
Conclusion
Writing a social media call to action is important for growth. Implement these strategies so you can captivate your audience’s attention, spark meaningful interactions, and propel your social media presence to new heights.
Another important skill you must learn when crafting social media posts and calls to action is copywriting. Copywriting is the reason businesses succeed. And if you’d like to create great copywriting that makes people engage and click, click here now.