How To Create Calls To Action (CTAs) That Work

Read this blog to the end to be a call to action (CTA) pro!

Do you feel more inclined to read this blog all the way through than when you first clicked on it? 

That’s because you were given a specific action to take if you want to learn about CTAs. But what are calls to action that marketers are always talking about? And what makes a CTA actually work to engage your target audience?

What Is A Call-To-Action?

A call-to-action refers to the next step a marketer wants you to take. It could directly correlate with sales, or it could simply be a way to get your customers to browse your website. 

A CTA is the “why.” It lets your customers know why you’re providing them with information and how they can further engage your content. Let’s take a look at some best practices when it comes to creating calls-to-action that work.

Where To Use A CTA

Calls-to-action can be used in a variety of places for your marketing campaign. Be sure to include a CTA at the bottom of each page on your website. People should know what steps they can take next after reading your website’s information. 

Also include a CTA in your email marketing, social media campaigns, and on your Google ads. Whether you’re asking them to “learn more,” “shop now,” or “find a location near you,” readers should always feel inclined to take an action that propels them closer to becoming a customer.

Choose The Right Type Of CTA

Different types of CTAs should be used for different marketing campaigns. Know what the goal of the campaign is and create a CTA based on the desired outcome. Some of the most popular CTAs include buttons, forms, banners, pop-ups, or even internal links. 

If you want people to sign up for your email list, a form submission is likely the best option, but if you’re advertising a deal in hopes of more shop-based traffic, a pop-up could be a better option. Take time to understand the goal of your campaign to better craft an effective call to action.

Know Your Audience

If you haven’t already, create sample buyer personas to better define and understand your target audience. Know their wants, needs, likes, dislikes, and more. 

Once you’re familiar with your audience, figure out why they would feel inclined to take your desired action. How would this action benefit them?

Simple Is Best

No one wants to read a long advertisement. The same goes with the CTA attached. The more simple you can make a CTA, the better.

Use direct language and veer away from industry jargon. The more simple the language is kept, the less likely people will be confused and the more likely they’ll take your desired action.

Make It An Action

Although you likely understand a CTA should be an action by now, this is an important point to note.

If you want someone to read more information about a specific topic, a passive CTA like “Next” doesn’t give anyone a reason to click the button. Instead, use active words like “Learn More” or “Get Started,” as they give users a direct action to take.

Be Creative

Although you may have people take the same action in multiple ads or pages on your website, it’s important to be creative. 

For example, if you’re a company that teaches swimming lessons, instead of “Learn More,” use something like “Dive In.” Or if you sell food and you’re looking to up your email subscribers use “Let’s Taco ‘Bout It,” instead of “Subscribe Today.”

Improve Your Calls-To-Action

Not sure where to start when it comes to calls to action? Our experts at 1Eighty Digital can help! We understand the effects of a good CTA and can help you craft one that works for your business.

Learn more about our process and how our professional content creators can help you improve your CTA skills by scheduling a free consultation with us today using the link below.