Different Types of Call to Actions
The essentials of today's digital business strategies are a compelling call-to-action buttons. In order to grab your audiences' attention and increase click-through rates, businesses must use CTAs.
This article will inform you on how to create good CTAs and the different types of call to actions available. You'll get an insight into how they work and how to use them to your benefit.
We'll also explore some options on creative CTAs that will increase the chances of your audience taking action.
If you want to learn more about boosting engagement and driving conversions by using CTAs, continue reading this article.
What Are the Different Types of Call to Actions?
Calls to action are powerful tools used by marketing companies. Before you start employing them, you must inform yourself about what they are and how to use them.
The primary purpose of CTAs is to encourage users to perform a specific action. This can include making purchases or subscribing to a service. They can also be used to sign up for a newsletter or fill out a form.
Simply, they tell your audience what to do and how to do it. These can take the form of a button, a text link, or an image.
Using CTAs is a great way to engage with your target audience. This increases the chances of converting them into loyal customers. Call to actions also prompt potential customers to take the next step.
CTAs are used in a variety of marketing channels. This includes websites and email campaigns. They can also be used in social media, advertisements, and landing pages.
The most common call to actions types are:
- “Read more” buttons;
- Form submissions;
- Lead generation;
- Social sharing.
Some other CTAs include product or service discovery, sale closing, and event promotion.
If you want your CTAs to be effective, they should all have a few key elements:
- Value proposition: Provide something to exchange for the information users give.
- Eye-catching design: Your CTA must stand out from the rest of the content on your webpage to intrigue the visitors.
- Strategically placed: Choose a prominent location that's easy to find. For example, on a webpage, a CTA should be placed above the fold, where it’s visible without having to scroll.
- Persuasive and compelling: It should appeal to the audience’s emotions and desires. Highlight the advantages of taking the desired action.
- Clear and specific: Tell the audience exactly what they need to do and how to do it.
- Powerful language: When making a CTA, you should use short, direct, action words.
Why Are Call to Actions Important?
Call to actions play a crucial part in marketing. Most marketers have the same goal, generate and convert leads. Some of their benefits include:
- Easy to measure analysis: Every CTA acts like a mini-conversion point that can be tracked and analyzed. This makes it easy to adjust your CTAs and determine which works best for your brand.
- Keeping the users moving: a call to action tells people what to do and how. Without CTAs, users may not know what to do next, which can lead to a stagnant sales cycle.
- Increase in conversions: It is proven by research that 90% of e-commerce visitors read the call to actions.
- They help create a user-led customer journey: Most software lets you see how many users have clicked on your CTA. This makes it easy to track and acknowledge what visitors do to get the sale.
Different Types of Call to Actions: Explained
“Read more” button
The “read more” button is one of the most popular calls to action.
It can be found on many websites, blogs, and social media platforms. It is used to encourage users to continue reading any type of content.
“Read more” buttons offer many benefits to a business company, such as:
- Improves the user experience;
- Increases engagement;
- Boosts conversion rates.
Key points
“Read more” buttons are useful for digital marketing, blog posts, case studies, and more.
In order to create effectively “read more” CTAs, you should have a few key points in your mind:
- Placement: The placement of the “read more” button should be in a prominent location. It can be placed at the end of a teaser paragraph or after a text block. It should be easily visible and accessible to users.
- Using precise language: The language used on the button should be clear and action-oriented. It can be “Read more” or “Continue reading." The language should also be consistent and aligned with the rest of the content and website branding.
- Using eye-catching design: The design of the button should stand out from the rest of the content. This can be achieved by using contrast coloring, bold text, or an arrow icon.
- Test and optimize: Test different versions of the “Read more” button to see which performs best. This can improve conversion rates and engagement levels.
Form submission
Form submission CTAs are popular and essential for any website and landing page.
They encourage users to fill out a form and provide valuable information to the business. In addition, the business offers a benefit or an offer to the user. This can include a special offer, a free resource, a discount, or a free ebook.
These forms are commonly used for newsletter signups, contact forms, event registration, etc.
By using form submission CTAs, your business can improve lead generation and conversion rates.
Key points
Here are some key facts to consider before using form submission CTAs:
- Use action-oriented language: The words used in these CTAs should be clear and action-oriented. Use verbs such as “Submit," “Register," “Sign up," or “Download."
- Keep it short: The CTAs should be short and on point. A few words are enough to convey the message.
- Offer a benefit: Users will most likely fill out a form if they receive something in return. Offer a free resource in exchange for their contact information. Make sure the benefit you provide is relevant.
- Make it stand out: The CTA should be visually distinct from the rest of the page. Perfectly placed with contrasting coloring and bold font. This will draw attention and urge the user to click on the CTA.
- Provide feedback: A simple message, such as “Thank you for your submission” is enough to help build trust and credibility with users.
Lead generation
Any company's success depends mostly on lead generation. The call to action plays a vital role in generating leads.
A lead generation CTA is a marketing tool used to encourage website visitors to leave their contact information.
This information will be exchanged for an offer such as a free trial, ebook, white paper, or consultation.
Lead generation CTAs are typically placed on a website’s landing page. This is where visitors are directed after clicking on a search engine result or an advertisement.
This CTA is usually displayed prominently on the page. It often takes the form of a button or a form.
When creating a lead generation CTA, it should be eye-catching and engaging. It should provide a clear incentive to visitors while using short, direct action words.
Furthermore, lead generation CTAs are used in various industries, such as:
- E-commerce;
- Software;
- Education;
- Healthcare;
- Finance.
Key points
There are many benefits to using lead generation CTAs for businesses. The following are some key points to know before you consider using these CTAs:
- Your lead generation should offer something valuable to your visitors. This may include a free resource, a discount, or a special offer. Your offer should be related to your audience’s needs. It should also provide a solution to their problem.
- Your CTA should use clear and easily understandable language. Use action-oriented language that urges visitors to take action. You can use “Download Now," “Sign Up," or “Get your Free Ebook."
- Your lead generation CTA should stand out. By using contrasting colors, you will draw your visitors’ attention.
- A/B testing includes creating two versions of tour lead generation. You can test different colors, wording, and placement to determine which CTA works best.
- Use language and create a sense of urgency. This can encourage visitors to act quickly and provide their contact information.
- Social media proof can help you build trust with your audience. Use testimonials, reviews, or case studies to show your visitors the benefit of your product.
Social sharing
A social sharing call to action is one of the most popular types of marketing techniques. It’s used to encourage users to share a particular post or content on their social media accounts.
The goal of social media sharing call to actions is to increase the reach and visibility of a piece of content. Encouraging users to share the content can potentially reach a much larger audience.
This technique involves placing a prominent button or message on the content that should be shared.
Before creating a social sharing call to action, it’s important to consider which social media platforms are most relevant to the content.
Key points
There are many different ways to involve a social sharing CTA. The best part is that it’s easy to create. Here are some steps and key points to social sharing CTA:
- Use eye-catching imagery: Include pictures or graphics that grab people’s attention. You could create a custom image or use a visually appealing icon or button that will make users share your content.
- Use persuasive language: Use language that will motivate your audience to take action. For example, you can use “Help us reach more people by sharing this on your social media accounts!”
- Make it easy to share: Make the sharing buttons or icons easy to find and use. Make sure they’re easy to use on mobile devices and desktops.
- Tailor the CTA to the social media platform: Consider which social media is most relevant for your type of content.
- Provide an initiative: Offer something in return to make people share your content. This can include a discount code or entry into a giveaway.
Getting Creative with Call to Actions
Different types of CTAs follow a similar formula. However, nothing is stopping you from getting creative.
Creative CTAs will help you stand out and increase the chances of your audience taking action.
Here are some ways you can get creative with your CTAs:
- Experiment with placement: Experimenting with the CTA placement can make all the difference. Grow and Convert points click-through rate estimates on different CTA placements: Welcome gates: 10 – 25%, Feature Box: 3 – 9%, Pop-ups: 1 – 8%, Sliders and Bars: 1 – 5%, and more.
- Visual design elements: Different visual designs are proven to increase the click-through rate estimates. Helzberg Diamonds increased it by 26%, while CreateDebate increased it by 45% by using CTAs buttons.
- Personalization: CTAs with solid, personalized messages can increase click-through rates. Personalized CTAs convert up to 42% more visitors.
- White space: In today’s age, people have short attention spans. Open Miles had an increased conversion rate by 232% by reducing clutter around their CTAs.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve reviewed the different types of call to actions, you know what to look for.
Regardless of your brand strategy, a diverse choice in CTAs can have a significant impact. It'll help with brand awareness and achieve long-term, sustainable, positive results for your company.
However, choosing which ones work best for you is crucial. For example, a “Buy now” CTA may be more efficient for more familiar audiences. On the other hand, a “Learn more” CTA may be more appropriate for new audiences.
Additionally, using a mix of CTAs across different channels and mediums can help reach a wider audience. By testing and analyzing your CTAs over time, you can continue your conversion rates and achieve your marketing objectives.
Finally, don't be afraid to take risks and experiment with CTAs, as it nearly always has positive outcomes.