What is a call to action? How to write CTAs that work

Most people agree that content matters a great deal in marketing campaigns. But did you know it works much harder when you add a call to action? It can even influence more than 50% of customers' decisions. So What is a Call to Action? How do you write a CTA that works? Let Mona Media walk you through it in this article.

What is a CTA?

A call to action (CTA) is a key part of any marketing activity, and you've almost certainly come across CTAs in many forms. In short, a CTA is content that asks the reader to take one specific action, or tells them how to take it.

A CTA can be as short as two words, such as “Mua ngay!” , or a full sentence such as “Don't want to miss your chance to get this phone for free? Sign up now to get the details and find out how to buy”, followed by a link or button leading to the target website.

You may be confident about the quality of the copy, images and videos in your sales ads . But without a CTA, you are just talking and missing the chance to directly persuade viewers to buy.

Many businesses write nothing more than “Sign up now” in their ads, hoping it's enough to get people to act, and then it fails. That's why businesses need to put real thought into their calls to action to get more customer engagement on their websites.

What makes a call to action effective?

A CTA is a strong prompt in a marketing strategy, and every business needs one. It directly affects your website's conversion rate.

For a call to action to work, you need to know clearly who your website is for. Then write a CTA that is clear, easy to understand and appealing. To find out whether a CTA actually works, run A/B tests. The data will show you which call to action works best for your marketing campaign.

Why CTAs matter

Many businesses still don't see why CTAs matter. As a result, their CTAs are thin and unconvincing, with nothing that pushes customers to click. A CTA is more than writing phrases like “sign up now” or “buy now”; it has to work as a strong, convincing prompt that gets people to act. 

A website is more than a source of information. You need to guide customers towards their next step. On top of that, a website good experience makes customers feel your brand can be trusted.

That is why a CTA has to do two things: push the reader to act, and give them a reason to. A good CTA helps your business:

Higher conversion rate

A CTA helps your website lower its bounce rate. Write good content for your CTA that matches what your customers are searching for, and users will do what you ask. 

A CTA that creates a sense of urgency pushes customers hard to click, as if they would miss something important otherwise.

Writing a CTA that grabs attention takes strong writing skills and the right knowledge, applied well. Marketing you project. Knowing customer insight is the key to a call to action that gets people to act.  

Why does a site rank at the top but bring in no customers? Why does traffic grow while orders don't? Because your conversion rate is too low. Conversion Rate is a key metric in any paid search strategy.

The higher the conversion rate, the better your website is performing. Conversion optimization isn't only about reaching #1 on Google. It also supports the steady growth of your business and its products and services.

|Mona Media is the proof of the quality of our SEO Search Engine services. We have delivered more than 350+ SEO projects including one special client, Mona Media itself. We put everything into taking the site to #1 on Google. With free organic traffic, the brand grew and opened new branches, bringing inx10 doanh thu, boost 200+ new clients every month.

Improve your ranking on Google search

A CTA also works as a navigation button: it tells users what to do next when they buy on your site. If they feel lost or the site is hard to use, they leave right away. 

CTA buttons that invite readers to keep browsing related topics, or to interact with the website, help. As a result, your bounce rate drops, which helps your site's position in search engines.

Raising conversion rate through good article content looks simple, but writing content that draws readers in takes real expertise. Not every user is easy to persuade. Even when they see a CTA, they won't always click right away. If the content falls short, visitors will still leave your site. 

So don't only invest in CTAs. Invest even more in articles that give readers useful information. SEO content writing services build a plan for quality articles, follow the rules, and carry them out SEO website so that search optimization is easier.  

Working in website design and software for more than 10+ years, we have helped more than 3,000 businesses succeed. Not one of them yet? What's holding you back? Contact contact us now and we'll answer every question. 

Types of calls to action

Here are some common types of CTA you can use to motivate customers and get them to act.

Problem-solving CTAs

Promise to share how to solve the problems your customers are facing.

Example:

• Sign up for a trial today and get rid of that nagging back pain.
• Click here and our doctors will help you get rid of that dull stomach pain.
• You can keep living with painful joints, or call xxx now and let our specialists help you.

Social proof

Give real evidence that builds trust with the reader.

Example:

• Thousands of people have already succeeded in this business. Do you want to be the next one?
• 9 out of 10 people who tried this method were cured. What about you?
• Dr. xxx is the person who used this method to save thousands of people, and now we want to share it with you. It's simple: call hotline xxx for the fastest support.

Value and benefit CTAs

Offer special benefits that make readers feel only people who read this get them, and that they gain a lot from finding the article.

Example:

• Order now and get 50% off.
• Special offer: book your ticket today and get free shipping.
• Even better, everyone who calls hotline xxx gets a gift worth 5 million VND.

Creative CTAs

This type is less common than the others and is usually used in emails or landing pages. There is no set formula; the goal is just to surprise or delight the viewer.

Example:

Pick up the phone and call xxx, and you'll chat with a woman with a very sweet voice. After just 2 minutes of friendly conversation (we think you'll want to talk longer), you'll know what you need to feel more confident around women.

The case studies of Mona's SEO projects are shown through landing page. We want clients to understand in detail how an SEO project is run and how we do it. They also show what full-scope SEO has achieved. We want to make clear that the full-scope SEO service Mona offers you is high quality and reliable.

MONA MEDIA is the because it comes from a team with real hands-on experience across more than 10+ years. Our strength is building work with real dedication and putting client needs first, applying the rules of SEO-standard articles and modern site optimization techniques. The result is business revenue up 100-200% with traffic of 20.000+ or more per month. 

To get marketing strategy consulting FREE included with the Full-scope SEO plan, call hotline 1900 636 648 or contact us via mona.media for the fastest support. 

Deadlines

Give a specific deadline so customers can picture how long they need to wait. A good example is Shopee's double-day sale on 8.8 with 100% coin cashback, which gives customers something to wait for and look forward to.

Example:

• This offer lasts only 2 days, so be quick!
• All you need to do now is click this link, and the product will be at your door by tomorrow.

Curiosity CTAs

Give a half-told message that sparks the reader's curiosity so they want to click the link and find out more.

Example: After all this, we'll share a secret right below. Leave your email and we'll send it to you personally.

The 3S rule for CTAs

To write a CTA that is strong and persuasive, you need to understand how readers react after finishing your article. Map out a path in their mind so you understand what they need. CTAs come in many forms, but there is one important principle for a CTA that works, known as the 3S: Simple, Specific and Strong.

Simple

Keep the CTA text simple and easy to understand. Customers have plenty to think about, so a CTA should just ask for one action, such as clicking through to a website, calling a phone number or leaving an email.

Avoid asking customers to fill in too much information or go through many steps from the start. Make their action as simple as possible.

Specific

Write so readers feel you are writing just for them. It sounds hard but it's quite easy. Think about who your target customer is, what they are thinking and what problem they need solved. Let them know they're not alone and that you understand them well.

Strong

An effective CTA needs to be strong. Use powerful words such as "today", "free", "completely", "instantly", "thoroughly" to stir the reader's emotions.

How to use CTAs to raise your conversion rate

Here are ways to use CTAs to raise the conversion rate among potential customers:

Make the CTA a button

Button-style calls to action are familiar to every user today. When people see a button, they understand it's a CTA. So to draw clicks, write the text on the button creatively to make the call to action livelier.

Design the CTA to grab attention

Compared with an ordinary CTA, this type needs a standout design to catch the user's eye and raise clicks. To make a call to action appealing, change its color, round its corners, add a shadow and so on.

Also pay attention to the CTA's color, which should match your brand so it feels familiar to users. People are more likely to click on images that look familiar to them.

Place the CTA in the right position

To get the best conversion rate from a CTA, put it where it reminds users to act inside the article. You can place it along the reader's scrolling path for the best effect.

For long articles, use several CTAs. A CTA at the end of each piece of content in particular improves the user's experience on the page.

Also avoid placing call to action buttons too close together. That distracts users and makes the page worse to use.

Use sensible redirect links to convert

Make sure the link behind your CTA makes sense. Also adjust the call to action to your sales goal at each specific stage. That makes it easier to make the right offer, easier for users to accept it, and better for your website's conversion rate.

Show the value customers receive

If you want customers to buy, your CTA needs to show the value they get. Place the content cleverly to persuade customers to decide to use your product or service.

Example: Instead of an ordinary CTA like "Get it now", add the benefit of clicking, such as "Get your free guide now".

CTA buttons from influencer reviews

Influencer reviews now have real pull with the community and directly shape what people choose to buy. Influencers try the product or service themselves and promote it to their audience. When an influencer is highly trusted, getting customers to buy is easier than ever.

-> What is a KOL? KOL marketing solutions to promote your brand

Build on customer testimonials

Users tend to read reviews before they buy. So what you need is a good product or service that leaves customers satisfied. Plenty of good reviews make your CTA button more convincing, draw in many new interested customers and raise your website's conversion rate.

Speak to the customer's needs

To get customers to buy quickly, use a CTA that understands what they need. This type is usually used when users already want the product or service, so the CTA acts as a catalyst that helps them close the purchase faster. Use strong verbs to draw attention to your product or service.

Build CTAs around the customer's pain

This is the most effective type of CTA and the one SEO specialists use most. The call helps customers resolve their concerns about your product or service. When you solve the pain your customers have, you earn their trust in your brand.

Where to place a call to action

For a website article of about 1,000 to 1,500 words, you will usually place at most 3 CTAs. The positions are:

• At the very top of the article: this spot is for a CTA that connects with the reader and draws them in.
• A third of the way through: most users skim and rarely read the whole article closely. A CTA here catches the reader's attention and gets a click when they see it.
• At the end of the post: this is the ideal spot that most people choose for a CTA. After skimming an article, many users click back or take another action. At that point an attractive CTA that urges the reader to click is a sensible move. It can gently lead the reader to place an order quickly.

How to write a good call to action

Writing a CTA looks simple, but it takes careful research into wording and tactics. Here we make it a little easier with some tips for writing good CTAs.

Start with a direct action verb

Don't beat around the bush. Tell readers straight away what you want them to do. For example, if you're running ads for a e-commerce websites the CTA should include words like: buy, order, get yours now,…

Use strong words

To affect the reader's emotions and response, write CTAs that spark interest right away, such as "Save 75% now" or "Get 50,000 VND back now".

Give readers a reason to act

Let readers know exactly what you are offering them. Always tie the value you provide to words that motivate them, such as: save or earn extra money, lose weight, get your shape back, stimulate hair growth,…

Choose a standout color for the CTA

Many studies show how much color matters in marketing. So choose a color that makes your CTA stand out, which draws the customer's eye to exactly where they should click.

-> The Latest Website Design Color Trends 2024

Test your CTAs

As with ads, testing is very important to keep your CTA copy fresh and effective.

The simplest way is to run an A/B testing to find out which CTA gets more clicks, then combine it with other elements to build the best-performing CTA ad.

Common call to action examples

These are some of the best and most widely used call to action templates today.

Information gathering

This CTA template encourages customers to leave their contact details to get a consultation or receive your products or services. It is well regarded for turning visitors into potential customers.

With the information you collect, you can run Facebook, Google or other ads to reach these customers, build awareness and close sales for your business.

Registration form

This is a common CTA on websites, used to collect customer information for a business's remarketing campaigns. To get users to fill in a registration form, though, you need to put it on a professional landing page that makes them want to leave their details.

"Read more" CTA button

A "Read more" button raises your page views and keeps visitors on your site longer. Users usually see it in long pieces of content. To get them to click it, write an appealing introduction to the content so readers decide to click.

Share on social platforms

This is the simplest type of CTA. It encourages users to share content on social platforms. Social share buttons help your brand reach and engage more potential customers. Popular platforms today include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest…

Closing the sale

This CTA focuses on pushing customers to decide to use your service or product. A sales-closing CTA is usually placed at the end of the article, once customers have all the information about what the business offers.

For good results, use action keywords such as "Contact us" or "Get the offer now". Choose contrasting colors too, to draw more attention to your product or service.

Promotions

You can build promotions by placing banners or your sales landing page to draw more customers into the sale you are running. For a call to action button to work best, put it where it is easy to see and stands out, so it grabs customers' attention quickly.

Things to keep in mind when writing a CTA

Things to keep in mind when writing a CTA:

• You can add emphasis with capital letters or by changing the color of some words to catch attention, but avoid overusing it.
• Keep it short and focus on the benefit to the reader. Don't talk too much about yourself.
• Use friendly language, like a chat between two friends. Avoid lofty, scholarly words and keep it plain so it suits your target audience.
• Above all, avoid grammar and spelling mistakes, overly long sentences, too many emoticons and regional slang.
• Remember the rule: the shorter, the better.

-> What is AIDA? How to write content with the AIDA formula to win customers

Frequently asked questions about CTAs

Why is a CTA important?

A CTA matters a great deal to every website today. If SEO specialists don't place CTAs correctly, users don't know what to do next and tend to leave the page. A good CTA also brings you benefits such as:

• Keeping more users on the page
• Raising your website's conversion rate
• Improving your website's ranking in search engines
• Evaluating and measuring how your articles perform

What role does a CTA play in business?

A website in any field needs a call to action to turn potential customers into real buyers. Without one, you can't tell how customers are behaving or whether they follow the path you intend. A CTA is the catalyst that persuades customers to stay on the page and buy.

That is why a CTA is truly necessary in an article. However engaging your content is, without a call to action the user experience suffers, because readers don't know what to do next.

Improving the user experience on the page also earns your website higher marks from Google and builds its credibility. That in turn affects your position on the search results page.

Do all articles need a CTA?

No rule says you must put a CTA on every article. Still, for sales articles and most ordinary articles, you can use a CTA to help customers see and take the next step. To keep the user experience good, don't overuse CTAs in one article. Choose the content that is truly useful and place the CTA there.

How necessary is a CTA on TikTok?

Social platforms like TikTok have the largest number of users right now. Features such as livestream and TikTok Shop meet the needs of people doing business online, so reaching potential customers on this platform is a must. To help viewers decide whether to buy, a CTA on TikTok is truly necessary and cannot be left out.

You need to build a marketing strategy before you start SEO for your website. Studying your business's strengths and weaknesses helps you understand your industry's market and compete with confidence. So creating a distinctive website with a good customer experience is not enough on its own. 

The website optimization service gives you features you have never had before. Your website is carried out upgraded and repaired where it falls short to meet Google's requirements. That speeds up getting your website to the top of search results.  

We hope this article helped you understand What is a Call to Action as well as the tips for writing persuasive CTAs and browse good call to action examples. We hope you can apply what we shared to your marketing campaigns.

Please contact us via:

• Hotline: 1900 636 648
• Email: info@themona.global
• Address: 1073/23 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ward 7, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City

See more:

• Content writing experience that draws readers and raises conversion rate
• How to do content marketing that delivers results