Hello there, I’m Mike! 👋

Have you ever visited a website, saw an attractive offer, and thought “I want this”? Most likely, that was the result of an effective call-to-action (CTA). A call-to-action is a button, link, or message that invites potential customers to take a specific action. Whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or attending an event, a CTA is meant to persuade visitors to convert into leads or customers.

Sadly, not all CTAs are created equal. Some are ineffective, while others are game-changing. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the anatomy of successful CTAs and learn what you can do to create your own.

Keep it simple, stupid (KISS) 👌

The first principle to keep in mind when creating a call-to-action is simplicity. Your CTA needs to be short, sweet, and easy to understand. This means using plain language, avoiding jargon, and highlighting the benefits of your offer.

The more straightforward your CTA, the easier it will be for visitors to take action. Avoid adding unnecessary friction, like requiring visitors to fill out lengthy forms or navigate through multiple pages to complete the process. Keep it simple, and your visitors will thank you for it.

💡 Highlight the key benefits of your offer and emphasize simplicity in your CTA copy.

A cartoon person scratching their head in confusion

Use action-oriented language 🚀

CTAs are all about getting your visitors to take action. Therefore, the language you use needs to encourage that sense of urgency and motivation. Consider using action-oriented verbs, like “download,” “register,” or “subscribe,” to inspire visitors to take the next step.

Additionally, adding a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) can help propel visitors to take action. Using language like “limited time offer” or “exclusive deal” can create that sense of urgency that motivates visitors to convert.

💡 Use action-oriented verbs and FOMO language to motivate visitors to take action.

A person typing on a keyboard with a rocket emoji above it

Create a clear and visible CTA 🎯

Your Call-to-Action needs to be clear and prominent for users to find and click on it. You don’t want visitors to have to search for the CTA on your page. It should be easily identifiable and visible. Use a contrasting color for your button to make it stand out from other elements on the page.

Also, ensure that the placement of the CTA on the page is in a natural flow. Visitors should be able to find it easily without having to hunt it down. The best location for CTA’s is typically at the end of content, but you should experiment and test different placements to find what works for your audience.

💡 Use a contrasting color and strategically position your CTA to make it easily visible.

A screenshot of a website with a clear and visible CTA button

Make it Trustworthy 🤝

Visitors need to understand that their information is safe with you and that you will deliver on your promises. Trust is a significant factor when creating any type of marketing campaign, and the same goes for CTAs. Consider adding trust elements like trust badges on the site or using language that emphasizes your expertise and experience in the field.

Another effective way of increasing trust is by showcasing customer reviews prominently on the page. Genuine positive feedback can help visitors to trust your brand, and your CTA is what guides them to take that next step.

💡 Add trust badges, genuine customer reviews, and highlight your expertise to build trust.

A screenshot of a website showcasing customer reviews and trust badges

Mobile friendly 📱

Now, more than ever, it is crucial that your call-to-action is mobile-friendly. With around 52.2% of website traffic coming from mobile phones in 2018, it’s critical that your website is optimized for mobile devices. Ensure that your CTA button is large enough to be clicked on a mobile device and that it is positioned appropriately on smaller screens. Additionally, test your website on a variety of devices and make sure it works for all screen sizes.

💡 Optimize your CTA and website for mobile devices.

A screenshot of a website optimized for mobile devices

Time to put the lessons to work 💪

By designing an effective CTA for your website, you’ll increase the probability of converting more visitors into leads or customers. Remember to keep it simple, use action-oriented language, create a clear, visible CTA, build trust, and optimize your CTA for mobile devices. Use these principles to create a powerful call-to-action that motivates your visitors to take action.

Thanks for reading!

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