21 Captivating Call to Action Examples to Steal

' src=

Want to entice your readers to buy?

Or maybe draw more subscribers to your newsletter?

Or maybe watch your conversion rates explode?

All you need is the right call to action (CTA).

Not only do CTAs give your prospects clarity, they also make your marketing campaigns more effective.

I’ve got a bunch of CTA examples that you can steal for your own campaigns. I’ll also highlight three essential aspects of an effective call to action.

They work in every advertising channel, both traditional and digital.

Let’s get started!

What Is a Call to Action (CTA)?

A call to action is an invitation for a user to take some desired action. You often see call to action examples in persuasive writing . Once a brand has made its case in a blog post or video, for instance, they’ll often include a call to action at the end.

A political action group may write a piece on the importance of voting in the next election, for example. Their piece would probably end with a call for readers to register to vote with a link to a voter registration form.

You will also see a call to action button on homepages, in the right rail or even above the nav bar.

A company will put them anywhere they know their readers are looking to invite them to subscribe, browse products, input information or a number of other desired outcomes.

How Do You Write a Call to Action?

Before you write your call to action, determine the goal you’re trying to achieve:

  • Do you want to increase subscriptions?
  • Boost sales?
  • Move readers to another content piece?

Once you know what you want to do, you can think about how best to do it .

The best call to action phrases are brief and use strong verbs.

They speak directly to the user. Instead of weaker call to action words like click here, an effective call to action phrase example will use more specific words that speak directly to the desired outcome:

Discover your best life

Join our community

Book your next adventure.

Here’s a look at a few different CTAs.

call-to-action

In fact, NPR has great call to action examples all over their page. At the very top, a bright red button invites you to learn more about their car donation program. Just below that, a red heart (clearly implying you have one if you click) appears over the word “donate.”

In the white space below, NPR tells you that they are supported by listeners, and includes yet another link to make a donation.

All of these CTAs serve one purpose: to get people to donate money to them.

Traditional Call to Action Examples

First, let’s take a look at some examples of direct mail promotions from magazines.

Many of these are from magazines encouraging readers to start or renew a subscription. More specifically, they’re from the inserts that often fall out from within the pages while you’re reading, and look something like this:

traditional-call-to-action

There are three aspects that all of them have in common. Some are more obvious than others in their execution, but all take a similar approach to driving action.

See if you notice them while you read through this line-up of old CTAs, and I’ll tell you my findings below.

Sales and Marketing Management Magazine

So if you were waiting for the perfect time to seize this opportunity, the time is now. Send for your free issue today.

Outside Magazine

Discover the exciting world of outside. Subscribe today.

Success Magazine

Get a taste of SUCCESS! Send me the form at the top of this letter, and I’ll send you the next issue of SUCCESS absolutely free.

Harpers Magazine

May I send you a free copy? There is no obligation attached to my offer… Please let me know if you’ll accept my offer by January 31.

House & Garden

So indulge—in so much excitement, for so little! Please take advantage of our “Summer White Sale” and save on a subscription to HG today.

Nothing too exciting, right?

To be honest, though, those were some of the more creative ones. The majority read like this:

  • Do mail your acceptance to me today.
  • So act right now. The postage is paid, and you’ve got nothing to lose but a great garden to gain!
  • SEND NO MONEY NOW! But please mail your card today!
  • So if you’re looking for knowledge, a rewarding adventure, and the advantage a future perspective can offer, mail the enclosed card today!

See the pattern?

A call to action is often the final instruction to a reader, so it makes sense that for similar products, that instruction is largely the same.

After all, when it comes down to it, each of these magazines needs readers to mail an “enclosed card” to earn a subscription.

So without that directive, it wouldn’t matter how well-written the rest of an ad’s copy was. Even if a recipient liked it, if they didn’t know to mail the card to subscribe, the campaign would be a waste.

Of course, this particular example is exclusive to print campaigns.

You’d never see a digital marketer requiring users to mail something to convert.

And I shudder to think of the abysmal conversion rates if they did.

Even so, there are three things that nearly all of the examples above include that are important for any call to action, regardless of format:

glamour-call-to-action

  • A no-obligation statement that removes or reduces risk. In many cases, they’re asking for a free trial rather than a purchase. In other words, “try us, you’ll like us.” This gives people the confidence to buy.
  • All of them contain some version of “Mail your acceptance card.” This is simple usability. You have to tell people what to do next. Today, it would read, “Click the button below.”
  • Encouragement to respond right away. That’s standard direct response. Don’t give people an option to wait and think about it.

Together, these three elements make for a simple, straightforward request that requires little of the consumer.

And for most businesses, that’s pretty ideal.

Now, let’s take a look at how these elements translate into digital campaigns.

Adapting Traditional Techniques for Digital Formats

When marketers first started using digital channels to reach their customers, it was a logical choice to simply replicate their print campaigns in a new format.

After all, why would they spend time rewriting and redesigning what already worked?

That’s why some of the earliest digital marketing campaigns and their CTAs perfectly mirrored old direct mail advertisements.

These ads were an almost identical approach to copy, and simply swapped out the “mail the enclosed card” directive for a link or button.

For example, take a look at this early email campaign from Stansberry Research’s Retirement Millionaire promotion:

call-to-action-example

Today, this might come across as dated and spammy.

But based on the three call to action elements we covered above, it checks all of the boxes:

  • No obligation: “TRY” is in all caps, the email offers a full refund.
  • Usability: Readers are directed to click “Subscribe Now.”
  • Immediacy: Copy includes the phrase “right away,” and the CTA button uses the word “Now.”

Again, this approach might not work today.

But the fact that many early digital campaigns were fairly similar to their print predecessors wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Consumers were used to direct mail advertisements, and keeping the content largely the same likely made them more comfortable with the shift to digital.

They were already familiar with this style of copy, so the only change was that they could now click a button instead of taking a more complex action.

For example, check out this ad from another early digital campaign for Prevention’s Dance it Off! series:

call-to-action-free-example

The graphic here makes the ad essentially look like a piece of direct mail, except that it instructs users to “click” instead of mailing something to respond.

Plus, keeping with the best practices above, it encourages readers to “try it free for 21 days!” instead of asking for an immediate purchase.

From here, some advertisers decided to simplify their calls to action as they shifted from print to digital.

W magazine, for example, relied heavily on the “why not” approach in their print campaigns.

The basic idea here is that by addressing readers’ concerns and removing all barriers to action, you create the sense that there’s no reason not to try a product or service. In theory, this increases the chances that potential customers will take action.

Here’s how they used this logic in an old direct mail piece:

“This offer may not last long. So order W now—and see what you think of your free issue. After all, with so much to gain—and with absolutely nothing to lose—shouldn’t you at least take a look?”

The effect they’re hoping to achieve here is clear. By promising that readers have “so much to gain” and “absolutely nothing to lose,” they’re aiming to create a sense that not taking action would be an illogical choice.

If you’re worried that your call to action isn’t compelling enough to make readers want to take action, this can be an effective strategy. It essentially aims to shift a user’s mindset from “why” to “why not?”

As W magazine shifted to digital, they continued to use this approach. But they adjusted it to take advantage of the immediacy that comes along with digital campaigns.

Just take a look at this advertisement for their 1-2-3 Shrink diet program:

call-to-action-shrink

Of course, a similar ad could’ve worked in print.

But instead of asking potential customers to pay $4.00, then wait a few weeks to receive the program, they’re offering it immediately following payment.

For a reader who’s already interested in this program, that’s a pretty low barrier to entry. They could have the diet plan within minutes, and all that’s standing in their way is a few bucks.

So, why not?

There’s no significant reason they wouldn’t want to take action.

And W magazine wasn’t the only brand to make full use of this ability to earn immediate responses.

Another magazine, Audobon , attempted to entice readers with something beyond a simple subscription in their CTAs. Here’s an example from one of their old direct mail pieces:

“To begin receiving AUDUBON at once and to enjoy all the other benefits of membership in the National Audubon Society, simply return the enclosed form.”

The ad makes a brief mention of “all the benefits of membership.” For a reader who was aware of what those membership benefits were, this might’ve been a compelling offer.

But even if they returned the subscription card right after they received this advertisement, it would be at least a week — and probably more — until they started seeing any benefits at all.

With digital marketing, that all changed.

Even without direct mail, advertisers gained the ability to make offers that presented immediate benefits to their target audience.

For example, take a look at this early “Off the Grid” promotion from Banyan Hill Publishing’s Sovereign Investor :

call-to-action-off-the-grid

In this case, the company encouraged users to reserve their spot “today!” and promised the first installment of an email series immediately.

This was a huge improvement over requiring potential customers to wait weeks for information. Plus, the idea of immediate gratification is much more compelling for most of us.

The ad also promises that there’s “no obligation,” includes a clear directive to “enter your email address below,” and encourages readers to take action “today” — meaning it checks all of the boxes for an effective call to action.

It’s also worth noting that in many cases, digital advertisements can convey much more information in a smaller space.

That’s because they don’t need to spend as much time spelling out complex directives.

For example, take a look at the copy from an old Earthwatch promotion:

“Got some free time? A week? A month? A summer?

Come volunteer for a conservation project in the wilds, an environmental project in the tropics, an archeological dig abroad.

Or if you’re busy now, cheer us on from the sidelines.

If our organization sounds like something that you too would take pleasure in being a part of — whether by participating actively or cheering us on from the sidelines — I urge you to send in the order form at your earliest convenience…so your adventures can begin with the very next issue of EARTHWATCH.”

The copy here is fairly compelling. After all, who doesn’t get at least a little excited about the idea of embarking on an adventure in the tropics?

Plus, it does a nice job of offering a few different options.

Spending a week, a month, or a summer on a conservation project or an archaeological dig abroad simply isn’t a viable option for many people. So it’s wise for Earthwatch to also encourage readers to take the simpler action of subscribing.

Still, it’s a lot of copy for what it’s asking. If the same offer had been presented in a digital campaign, it likely could’ve been a lot more concise.

For example, take a look at this email campaign from Early to Rise:

call-to-action-early

There’s still a fairly large chunk of copy here, but it’s all relevant to the campaign’s goal of enticing readers to click on either of the links.

It explains exactly what they can expect to gain by clicking, and why the company is qualified to be offering the promised information.

Of course, many of today’s consumers would be skeptical of a company offering the “one secret of multi-millionaires.”

And rightly so.

But remember, this is a campaign from the early 2000s — back when most people weren’t quite as skeptical of everything they read online.

In that context, this email worked and was likely very effective in driving clicks. And readers who did click either link were directed to this dedicated landing page:

call-to-action-context

There’s nothing on this page but a CTA and a field where readers can enter their email address to gain access to the company’s so-called “secret sauce.”

So once a reader makes it this far, they don’t need to spend time reading lines of complex copy. There’s one simple question — and if the reader’s answer is affirmative, they know how to take action.

A call to action this simple likely wouldn’t have worked in a traditional campaign because it doesn’t fully explain what, exactly, the product is, or how it benefits the user.

But with digital campaigns, where users are already familiar with a product and just need to be encouraged to take a final action that offers immediate results, simplicity works.

In fact, at this point, saying that simplicity works might sound like stating the obvious. But this wasn’t immediately clear to many of the first marketers making the shift from print to digital.

There was a clear learning curve as the industry shifted.

For example, another issue that many traditional marketers found challenging when they first switched to digital campaigns was striking a balance between weak and strong CTAs.

Today, most people are familiar enough with digital marketing that they know what’s expected of them when they arrive on a landing page. Most of us naturally know to look for large, brightly-colored buttons with a clear call to action, since they’re now a common landing page staple.

If your page doesn’t include an obvious call to action, you risk losing potential customers.

For example, take a look at this landing page for Rich Dad Education.

call-to-action-rich-dad

What, exactly, does this page direct visitors to do? What’s the call to action?

The only real directive on this page is “Pick your city.” But what’s the benefit of taking that action? What does it require of the user? And is there an immediate return?

It’s hard to say — because the page doesn’t include those details around this directive. In this case, I’d argue that the page doesn’t have a call to action at all.

There’s nothing compelling, risk-reducing, or benefits-oriented. So there’s little here to compel anyone to respond.

This makes it an ineffective landing page. Or, at the very least, not nearly as effective as it could be with a clear CTA.

But on the flip side, some digital marketers also make the mistake of making their CTAs too strong. I don’t mean that they present too many benefits, or make it too obvious what a reader stands to gain. That would be extremely difficult to do.

Instead, they attempt to force users to convert by making it the only action they can take on a page.

For example, check out this old popup from Joss & Main:

call-to-action-joss

If a user lands on this page and is ready to join (or is already a member), this is likely extremely effective at converting them.

But what if a visitor isn’t ready to take that step? What if they just want to browse the site and see what the company has to offer before becoming a member?

Well, that’s too bad — because the pop-up blocks the rest of the content on the page until they share their email.

This means the user is stuck if they don’t want to respond. They can either “Join Now,” or leave.

This call to action example is a little too high-pressure .

It makes sense to encourage new visitors to sign up, but this ultimatum-style popup likely cost the company at least a few customers who would’ve signed up if they’d been given the opportunity to make that choice on their own.

Fortunately, many companies have learned to strike a balance where they guide visitors to take action without forcing them to do so.

Now, let’s take a look at how Joss & Main earns new members today. Instead of requiring visitors to enter their email upon arrival, they let them freely browse their products without a popup in sight. Users can learn about what the company has to offer and determine whether they’re interested in buying at their leisure.

They can also add various items to their cart as they browse. Then, when they click the cart icon, presumably to start the checkout process, they’re directed to the following page:

call-to-action-joss

Here, they’re required to enter their email address to make their purchase.

But for a user who’s already prepared to spend money and complete a transaction, this isn’t a huge request. In fact, it’s a necessary step in the ecommerce sales process, since customers typically receive order confirmations and shipping updates via email.

By moving this requirement to a later point in the sales process, the company eliminated a barrier that likely cost them a significant amount of customers early on.

Of course, this is just one of many lessons marketers needed to learn in order to effectively shift their campaigns to the new digital landscape. We are sharing great call to action examples for sales on this article. So use them in your favor!

And while some of it might seem obvious in hindsight, that’s simply because many of us already know the standard “best practices” involved in creating online campaigns.

Call to action placement

What Makes a Good Call To Action? 3 Things That a CTA Must Present

From the days of magazine mail-in cards to now, marketers have been able to boil an effective CTA down to three elements:

  • A no-obligation statement
  • Some updated version of “mail your acceptance card”
  • sense of urgency around responding right away.

Let’s look at some call to action examples for each of these elements.

A No-Obligation Statement That Removes or Reduces Risk

Care.com’s CTA lets you know right away that you can search their site for free. That means website visitors don’t have to commit before they assess whether or not Care.com is the right portal for them.

call-to-action-care

All of Them Contain Some Version of “Mail Your Acceptance Card”

The call to action text for Litworth gets straight to the point. Sign up with them (i.e., mail in the acceptance card) and a writer will find paying publications.

For those of you who don’t know, not all publications pay, so this is a pretty attention-grabbing CTA. They continue to entice by listing all the benefits of signing up. Then you find out it’s all free. You’re in.

call-to-action-we-send

Encouragement to Respond Right Away

Disney World is the master of creating a sense of urgency. Like most vacation destinations, they run deals throughout the year.

If you respond before a certain date (in this case, October 8) you get a discount on your stay. That looming date is enough encouragement to get a website visitor to view the details and browse vacation options, at the very least.

call-to-action-stay-with-us

Call to Action in Writing: Copywriting Techniques For an Effective CTA

We’ve come a long way from those early days of digital marketing. Still, the general approach that many traditional marketers took in their print campaigns can serve as a starting point for writing effective online copy .

And when combined with all of the advantages that digital marketing offers, they can be even more successful in driving results.

So with that in mind, let’s jump into five ways you can use a traditional marketing mindset to improve your online campaigns.

1. Emphasize Low Risk

The first of the three common elements in the traditional CTAs above was a focus on a lack of obligation or risk on the customer’s part.

From a consumer’s perspective, this makes perfect sense. The less you stand to lose from an action, the more comfortable you’ll be with the idea of taking it.

And even as the marketing industry evolves, this concept hasn’t changed a bit. Take a look at this CTA example for Amazon’s Prime Video service:

call-to-action-primer

A free trial alone is enough of an incentive for many people to test the service. But beyond that, this call to action emphasizes that users can sign up “risk free” and “cancel anytime.”

If a visitor has any hesitations after initially landing on the page, these details can ease their fears about committing to the service. The knowledge that they can cancel at any time is likely compelling for users who are worried about forgetting to take this step at the end of the 30 days.

Plus, like every other digital campaign (and the remainder of the examples we’ll cover on this page), this ad gives visitors the option to take immediate action by clicking a button .

In this case, the user can start streaming content from the platform immediately.

And with no risk at all, that’s a fairly appealing offer.

2. Strive For Clarity

You can have the most beautifully designed landing page in the world, with stunning graphics and an impeccable advertising strategy in place for attracting traffic.

But if the copy on that page doesn’t tell visitors why they should take action, it’s useless.

Copy is what connects with visitors, and convinces them that they want to take action. It does this by explaining what they stand to gain by doing so.

Of course, there’s tons of room for creativity within marketing copy. An experienced copywriter can make even the least “exciting” products sound interesting.

But as you develop your CTA copy, remember to be as clear as possible about what you’re offering.

Innovative copy is great for spicing up a page and grabbing visitors’ attention. But if it creates any confusion about what that page is offering, it’s counterproductive.

That’s why the most effective CTAs are extremely straightforward.

For example, take a look at this email from Buffer.

call-to-action-proven

To kick things off, it highlights the importance of Instagram for businesses . If a user isn’t sure why they should be interested in learning about the platform, that uncertainty is addressed within those first two sentences.

From there, the offer is completely benefits-oriented. The copy offers free information, asking for nothing in return.

The reader doesn’t even need to provide an email address or fill out a form. All they have to do is click a button!

And the button itself is more than a vague, uninspiring “click here” command. Its bright blue shade immediately stands out from the rest of the email’s content.

Then, its copy reinforces exactly what a reader will gain (growth tips) by clicking it. And its use of the action verb Get is a great way to inspire a sense of action.

If you’ve ever researched ways to optimize your CTA buttons, you’ve likely heard that it’s considered a “best practice” to incorporate action verbs .

And that’s true.

But if you think back to the traditional CTA examples above, you’ll realize that’s by no means a new concept in the marketing world. Each of the direct mail examples includes some variation of the directive “send,” “mail,” or “return.”

This is simple usability! You need to tell people what you want them to do in order for them to do it.

And although the exact verbs we use today are a bit different, the basic idea remains the same.

So even when using the three principles above, based on traditional campaigns, this Buffer email measures up.

It includes the same basic techniques that work for direct mail, but improves on them, because there’s no bulky paragraph with complex instructions for responding.

Instead, they use that valuable space to clearly explain what they’re offering — so that by the time the user reaches that simple button, they know exactly why they should click it.

3. Highlight Immediate Benefits

As I’ve mentioned a few times already, one of the biggest advantages digital marketing has over its traditional predecessors is the potential to deliver immediate gratification.

You can give your customers downloadable resources, access to tools, and premium services all within seconds of their conversion.

That’s pretty incredible!

Of course, it’s not quite as straightforward for all industries. SaaS companies, for example, can offer instant access to their full product — while ecommerce retailers and service-based businesses typically have a bit of a waiting period.

Still, almost any business can offer immediate payment processing and order confirmation.

And who doesn’t love knowing that they’ve successfully ordered a product to their home, without ever leaving the couch? (That’s a rhetorical question.)

But regardless of industry and business model, any company can offer their customers some type of immediate gratification. Even if it’s not in the form of their main product or service, they can give a lead or prospect something for converting.

Today, one of the most popular ways of doing this is offering free downloadable content.

For example, take a look at this CTA for Optinmonster’s guide to converting abandoned site visitors into subscribers.

call-to-action-optinmonster

If you’re unfamiliar with Optinmonster, it’s important to note that content like this is not their main product. The company sells tools for helping site owners increase their conversion rates and generate more leads.

But most people won’t be ready to sign up for a monthly plan during their first visit to the site.

In order to keep those first-time visitors interested, the company offers this free guide that’s directly related to its product, and highly relevant to anyone who’s considering purchasing a subscription to CRO tools.

After all, if someone is prepared to spend their marketing budget on a product designed to convert site visitors, why wouldn’t they want free information on accomplishing that same goal?

Including this option on their site gives the company the ability to offer all of their visitors an immediate reward for engaging with their content.

And this is a strategy that almost any business can replicate.

Just take a look at this pop-up offer on Rascal Rides:

call-to-action-free-bike

The site caters to parents shopping for bikes, bike accessories, and safety gear for their kids. So it makes perfect sense that their visitors would be interested in a children’s bike shopping guide.

Even if a visitor isn’t ready to select and purchase a product right away, the site still offers something they can access immediately. Parents can start learning about the factors they need to consider while shopping within seconds of providing their email address.

So as you develop your CTAs, look for ways to provide immediate value to your visitors.

The sooner they can start seeing the benefits of taking action, the more compelled they’ll be to do just that.

4. Include Secondary CTAs

In the previous section, you likely noticed that the examples showing instant gratification weren’t for those companies’ main products or services.

That wasn’t by mistake.

Although your site is likely designed with one specific, high-value action in mind, that shouldn’t be the only action you give users the option to take. You might want all of your visitors to immediately make a purchase — but unfortunately, that’s unrealistic.

And when you limit your site to one call to action, you essentially give your visitors an ultimatum: Take that action, or leave.

When you add some extra options into the mix, however, you reduce odds of a visitor leaving simply because they’re not ready to take your main offer.

The first way to do this, as we covered in the previous section, is to come up with additional “offers” visitors can take advantage of for free.

The second is simply to highlight ways that a user can stay engaged with your content.

For example, take a look at this landing page from T.C. Pharma.

call-to-action-TC

The main CTA button tells visitors to contact the company to learn more.

But if someone doesn’t want to take that action, they’re presented with a clear alternative. The button immediately to the right of the main CTA lets them view the company’s products.

This way, they’re not driven away from the site just because they aren’t far enough along in the buying process. They’re encouraged to stay and learn more — which could help them get closer to a conversion.

5. Establish Credibility

Many digital advertising platforms today offer advanced targeting options that help marketers reach people that are likely to be part of their target audience.

This allows brands to focus their campaigns on website visitors that could be qualified leads and customers. It’s a significant improvement over traditional options, which were typically limited to a particular TV channel or radio station’s target demographic. However, the one advantage of that old-school marketing approach was name recognition.

After all, ads on a local radio station are likely for businesses within a 20-mile radius of you — so there’s a higher chance you’ve heard of those businesses than the ones advertising to you on Facebook today.

So as you create ads for digital platforms, it’s important to remember that even members of your target audience may be unfamiliar with your brand.

And you have a limited amount of time in which to establish your credibility. Even if you’re advertising a free trial or another low-risk offer, you need to show your audience why they should trust you enough to take that step.

For example, take a look at this call to action example on this Facebook ad for a free trial from Pipedrive:

call-to-action-pipedrive

First, it’s important to note that this ad is intended for a target audience that’s already familiar with the concept of a CRM. This alone means that they need to set the rest of their targeting options fairly broad — beyond the other local businesses in their area.

And they show people who may be completely unfamiliar with their brand that they’re trustworthy by including important credentials.

They emphasize that over “50,000 sales teams” use their product to stay organized, and highlight the fact that the platform was “built by salespeople for salespeople.”

If a reader is interested in trying out new CRM software, this is plenty of information to get them interested in the free trial, even if this is their first interaction with the brand.

They know they’re by no means the first to try the tool. And if 50,000 other companies already use and like it, there’s no reason not to at least test out the free trial.

How Do You Know if Your CTA Is Working Well?

Once you’ve created your calls to action, whether they be in email, pop-ups or sprinkled throughout your blog posts, you’ll want to make sure they’re performing for you.

You can double check using website visitor analysis tools.

Understand How Website Visitors Are Interacting With Your Calls to Action

First, use heatmaps and scroll maps to determine whether people are responding to — or even seeing — your CTAs.

A scroll map shows you how far people scroll down your page before they leave. If they’re leaving before they scroll all the way to, say, a call to action at the end of a blog post, you might want to make the CTA a callout toward the top of your post.

A heatmap will let you see how often people are interacting with your call to action. If your CTA button beckons readers to learn more by clicking, the button should be a glowing, warm red, not a cool blue.

You can also use visitor session Recordings to see why users are interacting with your call to action the way they are.

A recording will show you how someone moves about the screen in real-time. Watching one will help you answer questions like, “Are people getting stuck somewhere in particular? Does it seem like they’re confused about the next steps with my CTA?”

A/B Testing Your Call to Action Buttons Is a Must

Once you’ve figured out what you think is the problem with a call to action button, it’s essential that you A/B test a solution. An A/B test will let you publish two versions of the same CTA to see which one performs better.

If your CTA button seems to be in the wrong place, for instance, you can test various placements to see which is more effective.

Start Using Crazy Egg Tools

Look at your CTAs and ask yourself, “What goal am I trying to achieve, here? How is my CTA message encouraging my website visitors to achieve that goal?”

Once you’ve answered those two questions, usability and testing tools can help you create the best CTAs possible.

Marketing has changed a lot over the past few years, but the ultimate goal has remained the same. You need to drive consumers to take action.

CTAs are essential for making this happen. So as a marketer, it’s critical that you learn to write effective ones.

As trends shift and new platforms emerge, the principles of writing effective CTA copy have remained consistent:

  • Emphasize a low barrier to entry
  • Include a clear directive
  • Encourage immediate action

Make your website better. Instantly.

Keep reading about copywriting.

call to action for essays

Best Creative Writing Courses Compared

Taking a creative writing course will help you to become a better writer. It will teach you how to tell a story, write descriptively, and…

call to action for essays

Want to entice your readers to buy? Or maybe draw more subscribers to your newsletter? Or maybe watch your conversion rates explode? All you need…

Basecamp Copy

Copywriting – Beginner’s Guide

Copywriting has become one of the most in-demand skills of 2020. In fact, copywriting jobs can pay upwards of $100k per year. Why? Every business…

call to action for essays

How to Create Winning Headlines in 9 Simple Steps

In any ad, everything depends on the headline. It’s why some copywriters are known to spend 50% of their time on just the headline. As…

sales letter

The Five Sales Letters Every Marketer Should Know, Hands Down

If you want your visitors to buy, instead of bouncing off your site like a basketball… Ask yourself: What’s missing from my funnel? What’s missing…

content marketing

15 Habits of Website Visitors That Will Completely Change the Way You Write Website Content

For the most part, website visitors are quite predictable. This gives you, a business owner, a huge advantage. Why? Psychology!

lies in copywriting

The Biggest Lie in Copywriting

I am an artist. Or at least that’s what 90% of the people I speak to think when I tell them what it is I…

ask questions increase conversions

How To Increase Your Landing Page Conversions by Asking a Question

It’s believed that it takes users (who have no idea of what your site does) exactly three seconds to orient themselves and make up their…

newspaper copywriting social media

Copywriting For Social Media Ads: It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It

Many might say that social media ads are interruption advertising in a modern form. However, there is definitely something less abrasive about a sponsored tweet…

16 helpful copywriting articles

16 Helpful Copywriting Articles To Launch You Into Web Writing Greatness

We all need a little help… from time to time. Actually, as online copywriters striving for greatness, we need all the help we can get….

62 words that will help you sell

62 Power Words That Will Help You Sell

Have you ever read a landing page, sales letter or even blog post which has unequivocally sold you on a product? The type of content…

how to become a better copywriter

How to Become a Better Copywriter: 21 Tips from the Experts

Want to get better results from your web pages? Then you have to get the copy right. Whether you’re writing landing page copy or tweaking…

Forget the CTA

How To Increase Conversions By Forgetting The CTA

Your target customer has zero interest in your CTA. He/she doesn’t particularly care about the call, the signup, or even the purchase. He/she isn’t really…

20 copywriting lessons from Stephen King

20 Copywriting Lessons from Stephen King

Shock! Horror!  That’s what Stephen King’s name calls to mind. But it’s not all he writes. In my opinion, Stephen King has written one of…

call to action for essays

Oops! Are You Applying The Right Advice To The WRONG Headlines?

Whether we’re discussing copy, conversions, landing pages, SEO, content marketing, etc., headlines nearly always come up as a crucial piece of the puzzle. But not…

Over 300,000 websites use Crazy Egg to improve what's working, fix what isn't and test new ideas.

Business growth

Marketing tips

16 call to action examples (and how to write a CTA)

A hero image with an icon of a cursor clicking a CTA button and a line graph

What comes to mind when I try to think of a powerful CTA (call to action) is the one my dad expertly executed daily by bellowing at me to get a job . Fresh from a college experience that promised the world but mainly delivered a mountain of student debt, I was under the assumption that adulthood was supposed to be full of quirky adventures and unexpected meet-cutes, not unsolicited career advice from a man who still struggles to connect to Bluetooth.

Eventually, his CTA successfully motivated me to become a productive member of society. And  that's the magic of a compelling CTA—it jolts you out of your passiveness and into action. In my case, I got a job despite a lifelong belief that work is something to avoid unless absolutely necessary. (Look at me now, Dad!) 

Just as personal CTAs can lead to transformative life decisions, marketing CTAs have the potential to significantly impact user engagement and conversion. Want to craft your own magnetic calls to action? Keep reading for tips and examples of what makes great CTAs, well, great.

Table of contents:

Why calls to action work

How to write a call to action, how to design a call to action, call to action testing and iteration, 16 call to action examples (and why they work), what is a call to action.

A call to action is a prompt or message, usually formatted as a button or link, that encourages the audience to take a specific action. 

CTAs are commonly used in marketing and sales contexts to guide users toward the next step in their journey, whether that's purchasing a product, signing up for a newsletter, or forwarding that chain email to all of their friends to avoid eight years of bad luck.

I know what you're thinking: "I'm a human adult with a brain. I'm not going to let a shiny button on the internet tell me what to do." But the reality is that the psychology behind CTAs taps into our innate desires and instincts, making us more inclined to follow through. Remember that one time you got lost down a YouTube rabbit hole, and six hours later, you're watching a documentary on bioluminescence in deep sea creatures? You have a few "Watch next" or "Smash that like button!" CTAs to thank.

Types of CTAs

You should calibrate your call to action with the relevant stage of a customer's journey. From the curious browser lured in by a "Learn more" button, to the nearly convinced shopper beckoned with a "Why choose us?" link, and finally to the ready-to-purchase consumer presented with a decisive "Buy now" directive—you want to ensure the user is always met with a suitable and enticing invitation, guiding them seamlessly down the funnel. Here's a primer on some of the most common types of CTAs.

The effectiveness of a CTA depends on its copy, design, placement, and relevance to the user. The choice of words can significantly impact user engagement, as phrases like "Snag your copy" might resonate more than a generic "Download now," depending on your audience. Identify which action(s) will bring the most value to your business, then use your CTA to steer users in the right direction.

an illustrated cheatsheet with examples of popular CTA buttons on the lefthand side and catchy alternatives on the righthand side

As a user of the beloved internet, you've absolutely seen calls to action that were pushy or patronizing, begging the question: "do I really need someone to tell me where to click?" But just like the difference between an aggressive sales rep and a sales rep that actually listens, a CTA that's written with care can get you a conversion without the negative connotations. 

Why? Because having a strong CTA in your online sales pitch fits the psychology of your visitors. 

For starters, having a clickable link or button coincides with the Action > Reward system our brains love so much. It's the extension of the childlike joy in pressing an elevator button: humans crave interaction, and our curiosity alone is often enough for us to push and click things. 

But more than that, a call to action—like any good sales closer—acts as a climax to the pitch. It serves the same function as a joke's punchline, and without a CTA, the visitor is left in a sort of directionless limbo. 

A CTA on SurveyMonkey's home page that says "Create survey"

A good CTA not only signals that the pitch is over; it also recommends the next course of action. One core tenet of digital design is Steve Krug's rule : don't make the user think. By providing a suggestive call to action, the user doesn't have to wonder what to do next. They see the next step in front of them, and all they have to do is take it. 

All in all, the call to action is the best online equivalent we can get to a personalized, face-to-face sales closer. We may not be able to tailor our final pitch to a particular customer, but we can use the same techniques and strategies on a broader, more inclusive scale. And therein lies the art of writing a CTA. 

A CTA on Sprout Social's home page that says "Start Your Free Trial"

Your calls to action should be unique, specific to where it's featured as well as your particular audience and targets. That said, the best CTAs do share some characteristics that you can apply wherever they may be. 

If you're looking for one secret to effective CTAs, here it is: give them a reason to click, share, or hand over their email address . More important than the wording, placement, or color of your CTA is the underlying incentive a person has to follow it. How will answering your call to action help them? 

A good call to action restates its benefit bluntly and succinctly. 

If you're offering a discount, remind them what percentage. 

If they're getting a free PDF, mention the words "free" and "PDF." 

Here's where you can borrow from traditional sales techniques, such as adding urgency with a time limit or bringing up the pain point they're trying to avoid. Just remember the CTA shouldn't be too wordy, so stick to the highlights and keep it brief. 

If you're using a standard link, typically you write the incentive in your CTA's anchor text (the clickable text). In the case of social media posts and ads, you should reserve the last line in your message for your call to action, so mention any benefits there.

A CTA on Goodtimer that says "Reveal Promo Code"

If you're using a button CTA, you have to limit the number of characters you use, so it's better to add secondary text. While the button can say something basic like "buy now," nearby you should include a line or two to remind visitors about the advantages to clicking. 

Transparency

One of the biggest reasons CTAs fail is because people don't trust them. Most web users have a healthy suspicion when clicking links online, especially on new or unfamiliar sites. You can mitigate this fear, and increase conversions, by being open and honest. 

For starters, say exactly what will happen when you click. Remove all mystery with specifics. For example, saying "start your download automatically" is more descriptive than "click here to download." (For button CTAs, with limited space, you can include secondary text nearby.)

You want to acknowledge any user doubts and assuage their fears. If visitors are worried about security, they're not going to click, so reassure them that you understand their concerns. One of the big fears, in the case of email signups, is spam. You might want to gently remind visitors that you won't share their information and that you'll only email them once a week, twice a month, or whatever the case is, to keep their imagination in check.  

A CTA on the Allbirds website to sign up for their newsletter, with the button text "SIGN UP"

You can build trust just by being upfront about everything from the beginning. You'll find people are more receptive to your CTA pitches when they know precisely what to expect. 

Command and wording

Don't be shy about calls to action! Some people soften their language to avoid being pushy, but CTAs should be strong and unapologetic. After all, if you followed rule #1 (incentive), then what you're offering is beneficial to the visitor. 

That's not to say you should be rude or demanding (please don't); there's a perfect balance somewhere in there between a strong suggestion and a forceful command. Above all, the reader must always feel they have a choice; your call to action is there to convince them of the choice you think they should make. 

In practical terms, calls to action should be imperative sentences , which is the grammatical term for commands. A best practice is to start CTAs with an actionable verb :

Share this post

Join our newsletter

Subscribe for more deals

This makes the statement sound stronger, and at the same time, clearly communicates what the user should do. 

Likewise, avoid wording that weakens your call to action, including "please" (no matter what Grammarly tells you) and modifiers like "could" and "would." There's a time and place for gentle language, but calls to action are not one of them.

A CTA on the Drift home page that says "SEE DRIFT ON YOUR SITE"

Word choice is important to CTAs, not only for making a persuasive argument, but also for fitting the space allotted.

So which words should you choose? The consensus among professional copywriters is that certain words work better than others for sales and persuasive writing. And while there's no official collection, the words below generally end up on most copywriters' lists: 

A CTA on the Pack'd home page that says "FIND YOUR FAVOURITE"

They're not foolproof, but in my experience, these words tend to improve CTA performance and the effectiveness of most sales copy. And because most of them are short, you should have no problem fitting them into your CTA space. 

An illustrated chart titled "click-driving call to action formulas" with common formulas on the lefthand side and an example of each on the righthand side

Now that we've covered the writing, let's talk about how your CTA should look. The design, layout, and typography of your call to action all play major roles in its success. 

CTA design best practices

If you're placing your call to action on a web page or other content you design yourself, you want to place it at the top of your visual hierarchy. Your CTA should be the most noticeable element on the page. To achieve this, you want to pull out all your design tricks:

Contrasting colors: CTAs should generally contrast with the rest of the page's design. Visitors shouldn't have to work to find what to do next. Use a vibrant color for your CTA, especially against a dull background. Can you spot it from six feet away? Good.

Optimal size: Make the button and text larger than the surrounding elements but not so large that it overwhelms other content. It should also be easily clickable, especially on mobile devices.

Clear typography: Use a legible font that complements your brand. Ensure the text is large enough to read but doesn't crowd the button. You can play with typography to emphasize key words. Commonly, operative words like "free" are set in a different color or sometimes even a different font to attract more attention.

Negative space: Surround your call to action with plenty of negative, or empty, space. Setting your CTA apart from the other elements makes it more noticeable and gives it more importance in the eyes of your visitors.

Emoji use: Some brands find success with emojis, but if you choose that approach, remember that a little goes a long way.

Consistent styling: While CTAs should stand out, they should still align with your brand's overall design aesthetic. Consistency in design builds trust.

Last but not least, you should evaluate how successful your final call to action is and identify room for improvement. Creating your CTA may feel like a lot of guesswork and shooting in the dark—because it is. Testing it is much more clear cut. 

To get a basic idea of your CTA's performance, take a look at your analytics. Compare the page traffic to the number of conversions, and see what percentage of your total visitors clicked. 

Don't be alarmed if your conversion rate percentage feels low. Although there's no universal figure that applies to everyone in every industry, a reliable general metric is around 4% . If your conversion rate is higher than 4% but you're still not hitting your goals, try focusing on improving traffic to the site or page rather than tweaking the call to action. 

If your conversion rate is significantly lower, it's worth doing an A/B test on your design and copy. Try two different versions of your call to action, experimenting with different phrasing, colors, or fonts, and see which one performs better with your target audience. It's the most efficient way to reveal what works and what doesn't with concrete, empirical data, ensuring your CTA resonates with the target audience and drives the desired action.

Let's dissect some real-life CTA examples to learn how to use strategic copy, design, and placement to transform an ordinary CTA into a magnetic, can't-resist-clicking force.

1. JD + Kate Industries

Screenshot of a JD + Kate Industries CTA that says "Wait you forgot to buy hundreds of candles" and a place to enter an email address

CTA placement: Exit intent popup

CTA type: Lead to purchase

What it does right: Attention-grabbing, offers a valuable incentive, humorous and lighthearted

The brazen use of "WAIT" isn't a gentle suggestion; it's a command. Like someone grabbing your elbow just as you're about to duck out without a goodbye. It's intrusive, but in a way that makes you think, "Alright, what did I miss?"

Combine that with the sheer audacity of telling someone they've forgotten to buy not just one candle but HUNDREDS of candles. It's dramatic, it's over-the-top, and frankly, it's memorable. With copy like that, it's hard to resist giving away your email address because one can only wonder what their emails would be like.

2. Giftwrap.ai

Screenshot of a giftwrap.ai display ad where the reader can select categories for Valentine's Day gift ideas

CTA placement: Display ad

CTA type: Lead generation

What it does right: Engaging, personalized, visually appealing

It's refreshing to see something that doesn't pretend to know you better than you know yourself. Instead of telling you what your significant other might want, it's asking you to fill in the blanks. A little bit of personalization without the personal touch. Clever, really.

As for the CTA button, the emoji is a nice touch. Plus, the use of "show" rather than "buy" or "see" is like a little magic trick. "Voila! Here are your gift options."

3. Who Gives A Crap

Screenshot of a Who Gives a Crap Facebook ad with a purple background comparing competitor brands to Who Gives a Crap toilet paper

CTA placement: Facebook ad

What it does right: Benefit-oriented language makes the CTA more appealing to users and encourages them to take action 

By comparing "Us" and "Them," they're not only offering a quantitative argument (385 sheets versus a paltry 299), but they're also injecting a bit of humor. And while I've never been one to count sheets, if you're telling me I get more for my money and it'll look cute next to my collection of HUNDREDS of candles, I'm sold. Also, describing the competitor as "objectively very boring" is a sentiment I've often used to describe my social life, but to see it on toilet paper? Well, that's something.

"28% cheaper than Charmin," followed by a "Shop Now" button isn't just a call to action; it's a call to revolution! A revolution of, well, saving on toilet paper and perhaps bringing a touch of flair to a decidedly unglamorous aspect of life.

Screenshot of the header on Ahrefs' homepage that says "Everything you need to rank higher and get more traffic" on a blue background

CTA placement: Homepage header

What it does right: Creates curiosity, addresses pain points, social proof

There's something oddly reassuring about a direct, no-nonsense headline promising exactly what every website on this overcrowded internet wants: visibility.

The name-dropping of heavy-hitter customers serves as a strong endorsement. It's not saying, "Look who trusts us," but rather, "Look who you'd be in company with." And that "17,961 users joined Ahrefs in the last 7 days" is a nice touch. It's not boastful, but it's certainly not modest. It's a subtle prod to the undecided that says, "While you're contemplating, thousands have already decided."

This CTA is a perfect blend of self-assuredness, social proof, and just the right amount of peer pressure.

5. Ruggable

Screenshot of a Ruggable email that says "Final hours to save until Black Friday" on a black background

CTA placement: eCommerce email

CTA type: Limited-time offer

What it does right: Straightforward, creates a sense of urgency, sparks curiosity

There's something unapologetically direct about this ad. "Final hours to save until next week Black Friday"—it's not asking you, it's telling you. Time's running out, and if you're the type who thrives on the thrill of a last-minute decision, this is your moment.

The CTA is a master class in suspense. That "% OFF" lurking behind the button is like when someone says they've got news, but they'll tell you later—except instead of being left alone with your intrusive thoughts, conjuring up worst-case scenarios, you get a sweet discount on a cute, machine-washable rug.

Screenshot of Hey's homepage header that says "Email's new heyday" on a white background

CTA type: Product demo

What it does right: Solution-oriented, benefit-driven, relatable

"Email sucked for years. Not anymore—we fixed it." You mean that thing everyone's been complaining about since the dawn of the internet? It's about time, and I'm all ears.

The rest of the copy succinctly addresses customer pain points and aspirational desires. It paints a picture of a world where checking your email might feel more like reading a postcard from a friend rather than sifting through a pile of bills.

The CTA button, "See how HEY works," is straightforward. No flowery language, no over-the-top promises. Just a simple invitation.

7. Big Blanket Co

Screenshot of a Big Blanket Co. Facebook ad showing someone lying on a red, white, and blue blanket

What it does right: Creates a sense of urgency, visually appealing, reassuring

The urgency of "limited quantities available...Reserve yours now before it's too late" is classic retail psychology. It's both an announcement and a challenge, like when a kid hears the whistle signaling the end of adult swim and races to be the first one to cannonball into the pool.

The "Limited Restock [Massive 10'x10' Blankets] 100 Night Guarantee + Free Shipping" is the clincher. It promises a combination of rarity, quality, reliability, and convenience, like a call to action Megazord.

Screenshot of Airhelp's homepage header that says "Did you have a delayed or canceled flight?" on a white background

What it does right: Addresses pain points, benefit-oriented, actionable

The genius of this homepage lies not just in its promises but in its initial question—a direct prod at the pain point of its target audience that immediately evokes a visceral response. Most, if not all, travelers will mentally answer "yes" to this, recalling their own airport nightmares. It's a calculated reminder of a situation everyone wants to avoid, making the solution they offer even more enticing.

"Get up to $700 compensation per passenger, no matter the ticket price." The clarity here is commendable. They're not promising the world, but a very tangible, specific amount. And the Trustpilot rating is a nod to credibility. It's like a friend vouching for a restaurant they swear by, but in this case, it's 157,892 friends.

The two fields for the departure and destination airports are a clever touch. It's interactive, pulling me in, like when a quiz promises to tell me which '90s sitcom character I am based on my questionable life choices. (I'm George Costanza.) The button, with its sharp contrast to the rest of the page, effectively captures attention while still aligning with the brand's colors and aesthetic. "Check compensation" offers an inviting, low-effort action, subtly guiding users toward their potential relief without overwhelming them.

In a world where we're constantly sold solutions to problems we didn't know we had, this CTA addresses a very real grievance with a straightforward promise. And in the often convoluted world of travel woes, that's a breath of fresh, cabin-pressurized air.

9. Crazy Egg

Screenshot of Crazy Egg's homepage header that says "Make your website better. Instantly" with a blue box where users can enter their email

What it does right: Actionable, benefit-oriented, simple

Crazy Egg's CTA isn't trying too hard to impress. It's just good—well thought out, concise, and to the point.

First, the headline: "Make your website better. Instantly." A rather bold proclamation but commendably straightforward. Its use of the word "instantly" suggests that Crazy Egg has the answers, and they're not going to waste your time.

The "Show me my Heatmap" CTA button is, once again, admirably direct. It's not pleading for a click or asking for a moment of your time. It's telling you, in no uncertain terms, what's on the other side of that click.

Screenshot of a Zappos email that says "Daily deals at 50% off for a limited time only"

What it does right: Clear and concise, visually appealing, strong call to action verb

First off, big ups to Zappos for not making me do math. Half off? I'm already intrigued and haven't even seen the shoes yet.

"Reveal today's deals" feels like a game show moment. What's behind door number one? A pair of boots? New house slippers? It's that momentary thrill, like unwrapping a gift—even if you end up paying for it yourself.

In an endless sea of emails screaming for attention, this one from Zappos does what it needs to do: it grabs you, shakes you gently by the shoulders, and says, "Hey, want something good for half off?" And in this economy, who can say no?

Screenshot of Uber's landing page header with three different tabs: drive or deliver, eat, and ride

CTA placement: Landing page header

What it does right: Interactive and dynamic, personalized, sparks curiosity

By providing three clear choices (drive or deliver, eat, and ride), Uber shows that they understand and cater to the diverse needs of their users. This personalized approach instantly makes the user feel valued and attended to, whether they need a ride to the airport or just want to stuff their face.

The interactive nature of this dynamic content creates a sense of empowerment and involvement for the user. Even the tens of people unfamiliar with all of Uber's offerings will be intrigued by the distinct options, sparking curiosity and potentially leading them to explore other services beyond their original intention.

12. CareerBuilder

Screenshot of Career Builder's homepage header that says "Find your next job...fast!" with a place to search jobs and upload a resume

What it does right: Clear and concise, click-worthy secondary CTA

"Find your next job…fast!" Who are you, my dad? Although I suppose if someone's clicking their way onto a job-finding website, they're there for one reason: to snag a job, and preferably one that doesn't make them want to put a campfire out with their face.

CareerBuilder doesn't dilly-dally—they allow you to type in your wildly specific and/or desperate job requirements. And who's going to turn down the resume help offered in the secondary CTA? Talk about a lead magnet.

13. Airtable

Screenshot of an Airtable landing page header where readers can input their contact information in exchange for a free ebook

CTA type: Gated content

What it does right: Social proof, sneak preview, clear and concise

You may be wondering why I included a very basic "submit" button in a CTA showcase, but pairing a straightforward button with great supporting elements like the headline, social proof, and sneak preview, is like sipping top-shelf wine from an old jelly jar. Sometimes, the simple stuff just ties everything together.

The large headline is as direct as my comments on whether a hotdog is a sandwich. (It's not.) Aimed at the so-called professionals in campaign planning, it speaks to a certain crowd, much like literally anything speaks to Swifties looking for Taylor's latest Easter egg.

The mention of leading companies like Shopify, Time magazine, Spotify, and Hearst adds credibility and trustworthiness. It's basically saying, "If these giants trust us, maybe you, in your comparatively minuscule existence, should, too."

The bullet list detailing what's inside the eBook provides clarity on the content, letting users know exactly what to expect, including insider tidbits from recognized brands. So, not only do you get smarter, but you also get to casually name-drop at the next girls' night. "I've been implementing campaign planning strategies inspired by Equinox and Taylor Guitars. NBD."

Screenshot of a Max landing page header showing three categories (news, entertainment, and sports) with images of Anderson Cooper, Ketel Marte, and Margot Robbie with Ryan Reynolds

CTA type: Closing the sale

What it does right: Showcases diverse selection, clear and concise, highlights affordability

Max presents an impactful CTA through the Neapolitan ice cream of hero images, featuring Anderson Cooper, Ketel Marte, and Margot Robbie with Ryan Gosling. Collectively, these three flavors depict a panoramic view of Max's offerings, emphasizing a wide variety of choices only rivaled by the Cheesecake Factory menu. 

In a world drowning in content, they've managed, quite succinctly, to sum it all up with "It's all here. Plans start at $9.99/month." The ensuing "Sign up now" button invites visitors to subscribe, anchoring the CTA by providing a straightforward pathway to accessing all the consumable content your heart desires.

15. Adobe Stock

Screenshot of an Adobe ad on Google Search that says "Adobe stock images: Free trial - find the right image faster"

CTA placement: Google Search ad

CTA type: Free trial

What it does right: Benefit-oriented, actionable, relevant to the target audience

This paid search ad nails the CTA with a clear and easy-to-understand message. The headline "Free trial - Find the right image faster" immediately grabs attention by offering a low-risk way to experience the service. It also addresses a common pain point for users, highlighting the platform's efficiency. 

In very few words, Adobe found a way to combine attention-grabbing language, address user concerns, highlight the platform's strengths, and offer a valuable deal, making for a cleverly crafted CTA. If I were into such things, I might even click on it. But I have people for that.

Screenshot of a Zapier email that says "ZConnect is here" with buttons to register

CTA placement: Email

CTA type: Event promotion

What it does right: Multiple engagement opportunities, attention-grabbing, personalized

Much like the free sample stations at Costco, the strategic placement of three CTA buttons ensures the reader has multiple opportunities to engage, regardless of how far they wander (or scroll).

The header image immediately grabs attention with its vibrant graphic detailing key event highlights. This provides a quick snapshot of what to expect and builds anticipation.

Personalizing the body of the email to address readers by name creates a sense of intimacy. Instantly, they're all ears and feeling special.

Improve your CTAs now, free! 

While my dad's approach might have lacked the finesse of a well-designed button or the allure of clever copy, the sentiment was clear. And that's the heart of every good CTA. Whether you're nudging a visitor to make a purchase or nudging your offspring out of the nest, the principle remains the same. CTAs are about engaging your audience, prompting action, and, occasionally, a very pointed reminder to update your LinkedIn profile.

Now it's our turn to practice what we preach— try Zapier for free !

Related reading:

How to write great copy

eCommerce email marketing: A beginner's guide

How to write better

How to treat and prevent common marketing copy maladies

Get productivity tips delivered straight to your inbox

We’ll email you 1-3 times per week—and never share your information.

Allisa Boulette picture

Allisa Boulette

Based in New England, Allisa is a content marketer and small business owner who hopes to make the internet a more interesting place than she found it. When she’s not working, you can find her lying very still not doing anything.

Related articles

Hero image for TikTok app tips with the TikTok logo on a green background

8 essential tips for maximizing TikTok ads ROI

8 essential tips for maximizing TikTok ads...

Hero image of an envelope on a light blue background to illustrate emails

The best marketing newsletters in 2024

A hero image for Google Ads app tips with the Google Ads logo on a blue background

11 Google Ads examples (and how to use their strategies)

11 Google Ads examples (and how to use their...

A hero image with an icon representing AI writing

How will AI change SEO content production?

Improve your productivity automatically. Use Zapier to get your apps working together.

A Zap with the trigger 'When I get a new lead from Facebook,' and the action 'Notify my team in Slack'

How To Write a Call to Action That Works [Tips + 6 Examples]

Ready for your marketing campaigns to actually drive results? We’ll show you how to motivate your audience with a killer call to action.

cover image

Table of Contents

You know how they say a closed mouth doesn’t get fed? If you want someone to do something, you gotta ask for it. Writing a killer call to action (CTA) is one strategy to get what you want.

Whether you’re trying to get people to buy your products, sign up for your emails, or join your cult, crafting the perfect call to action is essential for success.

But how do you write a call to action that stands out from the crowd and actually drives results? In this blog post, we’ll show you how to motivate with some powerful examples of moving calls to action and tips on writing them yourself.

Bonus: Download a free guide to social advertising and learn the 5 steps to building effective campaigns. No tricks or boring tips—just simple, easy-to-follow instructions that really work.

What is a call to action?

A call to action is a word or phrase that prompts action. It is a marketing term to describe urging your audience to act in a certain way.

A call to action can appear as a clickable button or simply as a piece of text. Call-to-action buttons and phrases can appear at any place in the user journey that you want to direct your audience.

Let’s say you’re trying to sell a pair of shoes on Instagram, and you’re crafting clear social media CTAs . You might have a call to action at the end of your social post caption that says, “Click the link in our bio.” The link in your bio could lead to a product page with information about the shoes on it. The call to action on this page would be an “Add to shopping cart” button.

CTAs aren’t just for social media. They can also appear in emails for an email marketing campaign, on paid ads, at the end of a blog post, and on landing pages.

CTAs are common in print marketing, too — think billboards or flyers that scream “Call Now!”

Examples of common CTAs

You’ll see plenty of CTAs around, but there are a few tried and tested phrases on repeat.

These common CTAs are uncomplicated phrases that tell your user exactly what to do and what they can expect once they follow through. There’s power in simplicity, which is why you’ll see these words used over and over again.

Some of the most common CTAs are:

  • Try for free
  • Add to cart
  • Get started

Why is a good CTA important?

A well-crafted call to action serves as a bridge or a well-lit path. It guides your user where you want them to go. Which, if your business plan is in the right place, will be toward your goals.

A strong CTA will grab customers’ attention and incentivize them to take the decisive step necessary to achieve their goals. Effective CTAs give customers confidence in your business. They can communicate security, trustworthiness, and convenience, all of which can increase conversions or drive traffic where you want it to go.

Calls to action can also combat decision fatigue. When someone has too many options, they can become overwhelmed by choice. CTAs can help cut through decision confusion by giving your reader a direct command. Now, go read the best practices for creating effective CTAs.

Best practices for creating effective CTAs

Much like cutting your bangs, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about creating CTAs. You’ll need to consider things like copywriting, design, visuals, and placement on a webpage.

It might seem like a lot, but we’ve got you covered with the handy best practice list below!

Make it concise and clear

The CTA should be concise and lay out a clear request for the customer, whether that be for them to join a mailing list or purchase a product or service. Don’t write your reader a paragraph with the CTA buried within it; you want them to be able to immediately know where they should go.

Squarespace curious candles get started call to action button

Source: Squarespac e

Make it visible

People don’t scour your web page. They don’t read every word, and they certainly don’t like searching for something. If your CTA isn’t immediately obvious, you will lose your viewer’s interest in seconds. Remember, a competitor is likely doing the same thing you are, and your customers are spoilt for choice.

Make your call-to-action buttons or phrases clearly visible on your page. You can tailor your imagery or site design to point to the CTA for added visibility. Take Fashion Nova, for example. Here, the banner model’s body points toward the Shop Now CTA.

Fashion Nova up to 70% off sitewide

Source: Fashion Nova

Use white space

A great way to make sure people can see your CTA is to surround it with white space.

Don’t be scared of white space on your website! It allows your viewers to breathe in between content and can highlight important information.

Surrounding your button CTA with white space makes it pop.

shop west elm Canada site with white space

Source: West Elm

Use contrasting or bold colors

Stop signs are red for a reason. They pop out among cityscapes or the countryside because that bright, arresting red isn’t at risk of blending in. Do the same for your CTA button colors.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t veer away from your brand colors. A secondary brand color can do the job well. (And if you want to know more about brand colors and a consistent style guide , we’ve got you covered.)

McDonald’s crispy savory waffle fries order now

Source: McDonald’s

Have well-considered page placement

Where you place your call-to-action buttons matters a great deal. You want to consider the natural flow of your user’s journey. You’ll have some users who immediately want to get shopping or head to the next page, and you’ll have users who want to scroll through your landing page before moving on.

A call to action should be placed under your header and at the bottom of your page. You want to capture people immediately (if they’re willing) and give those who need a bit more time another opportunity to hit that CTA at the bottom.

Squarespace all you need to power your ecommerce website get started

Source: Squarespace

Write benefit-forward supporting text

Supporting text is the content that comes before or in between your CTAs. It can be blog content, email body copy, the text on your website, or any copy that supports your CTA.

This extra information is your opportunity to show your audience the benefit that befalls them when they click your CTA.

ecommerce websites that stand out browse templates and learn more

For example, maybe you’re trying to get an audience to sign up for your email newsletter. If you want to convince people to hand over their email addresses, you’ll have to tell them what that newsletter will do for them.

A copywriting newsletter might say something like, “We sift through thousands of copywriting samples and pull only the best for you to repurpose for your own use. Plus, we tell you exactly why they work, so you don’t have to spend time puzzling through strategy. Impress your clients, save time, and look like an expert. Sign up today.”

The supporting copy highlights benefits so the call to action feels extra compelling. The reader knows exactly what to expect when they sign up for the email newsletter and how it will benefit them.

Create thoughtful copywriting

Aside from benefit-forward supporting text, the rest of your copywriting needs to be on point. Everything, from your site headers to your social posts, needs to be in your brand voice and speak directly to your audience.

Don’t forget to pay attention to the language you’re using both in and around your calls to action. Powerful words strike a chord with your audience’s emotions. White-hot CTA copy is an explosive way to skyrocket your ROI. (See what I did there?)

That being said, don’t confuse your audience. While your surrounding text can be full of powerful language, your CTAs need to be clear so your audience knows where they are headed. “Take the Quiz” or “Shop Now” gives your audience everything they need to know about where the button leads.

feeling fatigued? order today and get your energy back learn more and take the quiz

Source: Qunol

Test, test, and test again

The only way to really know if you’re using the best version of your CTA is to test it. Running A/B tests on your calls to action will show you which strategy performs the best.

It’s a simple method: You change one element (like your copy, placement, or colors) and let it run for a set amount of time. Then, see how it compares to the previous version.

6 great call-to-action examples

Now that you know what to do, it’s time to check out what others are doing! Get inspiration for your next CTA from the examples below.

Oh, how we love a good mystery! Whether it’s a cheesy crime drama or a surprise gift from a company, there’s something about not knowing what you might get that is just so enticing.

Glossier’s “It’s a mystery!” CTA makes us itchy to click that button just to see what’s on the other side.

What's that? a special offer for you first order It’s a mystery! CTA

Source: Glossier

Article uses color to its advantage with the website’s call-to-action buttons. Their secondary brand color is a bright coral, which you can see is used for the “Add to cart” CTA button.

It’s clear, eye-catching, and concise, everything a great CTA button should be.

Article beta cypress green left chaise add to cart CTA

Source: Article

Coco & Eve

Coco & Eve’s email marketing campaign uses a discount code as a CTA. Who doesn’t love saving money? Incorporating your discount code into your CTA is a clever way to get people to click.

take an extra 20% off sitewide discount code

Source: Coco & Eve’s email campaign

While this strategy worked well in Coco & Eve’s email campaign, they ran into CTA limitations on other platforms, like Facebook. If you’re advertising on LinkedIn or Facebook, you’ll know that the apps force you to use a set of standard CTA copy on the buttons.

While this poses some limitations, you can still add supporting text that motivates your audience to click. Below, Coco & Eve included the discount code on the imagery instead, which is just one of many clever ways to go about Facebook advertising .

friends and family sale

Source: Coco & Eve on Facebook

Twitter’s “Tweet” CTA uses its own brand-specific language. Before the rise of social media, if you had told someone to tweet something, you’d be met with a blank stare. (We’ve come since 2006, truly.)

To do this yourself, just create a globally-used platform that makes birdsong synonymous with snippets of thought. Easy.

Twitter homepage with Tweet CTA

Source: Twitter

Tushy uses social proof as supporting text in its Instagram story ad . The “100,000+ 5 Star reviews” statement below serves to motivate others to grab a Tushy. Social proof is one of those marketing tactics that just works. People look to other people to determine what’s hot and what’s not.

Social proof works a lot like the bandwagon effect , a kind of cognitive bias. The bandwagon effect is pretty much exactly like it sounds; when a majority of people like or endorse something, it’s often picked up by others. And, with 100,000 5-star reviews called out, Tushy is using the bandwagon effect to its full advantage below.

Tushy free shopping on bidets

Source: Tushy on Instagram

NatGeo dangles a free trial in its Instagram ad, one of many effective call-to-action ideas you can shamelessly steal. Although, when so many people are doing it and finding success, is it really stealing?

redeem free trial for National Geographic online

Source: NatGeo on Instagram

Save time managing your social media presence with Hootsuite. From a single dashboard you can publish and schedule posts, find relevant conversions, engage the audience, measure results, and more. Try it free today.

Get Started

Do it better with Hootsuite , the all-in-one social media tool. Stay on top of things, grow, and beat the competition.

Become a better social marketer.

Get expert social media advice delivered straight to your inbox.

Colleen Christison is a freelance copywriter, copy editor, and brand communications specialist. She spent the first six years of her career in award-winning agencies like Major Tom, writing for social media and websites and developing branding campaigns. Following her agency career, Colleen built her own writing practice, working with brands like Mission Hill Winery, The Prevail Project, and AntiSocial Media.

Related Articles

cover image

How to Write a Great Social Media Call to Action

If you want your audience to do something, you can’t just hope and hint. You need a good social media call to action.

facebook ad conversions

11 Tips to Improve Your Facebook Ad Conversions

Facebook is the number one social media site for driving conversions, which makes creating effective Facebook ads an integral part of your social media strategy. Follow these 11 tips to convert your next Facebook campaign into a success.

cover image

17 Social Media Metrics You Need to Track in 2024 [BENCHMARKS]

Pin down the social media metrics that really matter and learn how to track them to build a winning social media presence.

cover image

24 Gen Z Statistics That Matter to Marketers in 2024

Craft your next marketing strategy with these Gen Z statistics. Find out who they are, where they are online, and what they want from brands.

Hootsuite Offer

5 Steps To Writing an Effective Call to Action (With Examples)

5 Steps To Writing an Effective Call to Action (With Examples)

Table of contents

call to action for essays

Laura Jane Bradbury

An effective call to action (CTA) encourages content engagement, converts visitors into leads, and helps people discover your business. It should offer value to the reader and explain what to expect from taking action. 

If a CTA doesn't have a clear message, feels too generic, or isn’t aligned with your audience’s concerns, readers won't act. This could cost you potential customers and income. 

As a professional copywriter with six years of experience, I’ve helped many small businesses reach their goals through calls to action. Here, I'll share the best practices for writing persuasive CTAs.

Key Takeaways

  •  A call to action encourages readers to engage with your content, purchase a product, and learn more about your brand.
  • It should be short, direct, and enticing. Use action verbs to motivate people to act.
  • Ensure you clearly explain the value your audience will get from following your CTA.

Examples of great CTAs and why they work

Below are five CTA examples from high-profile businesses. We'll look at why they work, and what techniques you can apply.

Semrush: Use persuasive language

Cta: “get a free trial” .

call to action for essays

Blog posts are a great place to put a CTA, as readers are already interested in the topic and more likely to respond to your suggested action. Engaging and relevant content can also lead to higher clickthrough rates, helping more readers learn about and interact with your business.

Semrush provides a great example of how to write a good call to action in a blog post. After sharing a detailed guide on search engine optimization (SEO) for blogs, they suggest readers sign up for a free trial to begin implementing SEO. Putting the CTA at the end of the post lets readers consume valuable information before discovering how to apply it.

The CTA works because:

  • It includes the action verb “Get” — grabbing the reader's attention.
  • The CTA is clear and eye-catching: The yellow box separates it from the post's content, while the purple highlights the specific action to take.
  • The CTA text highlights the value for the reader immediately : The trial is "free" and Semrush conveniently provides "everything" in "one" place, so busy entrepreneurs and marketers don't need to jump from tool to tool.

Here are some action words and phrases (in bold) to consider for your own CTA. Play around with them and see what works best: 

Common CTA action words

LOOKFANTASTIC: Create urgency

Cta: “hurry, this offer is for today only”.

call to action for essays

There are many CTAs you can use on social media . If you want to increase engagement, for example, you can ask people to comment on, like, or share a post. In this case, LOOKFANTASTIC wants to encourage its followers to shop a specific brand on its site.

  • It offers an incentive — 25% off. 
  • The use of "Hurry" and “TODAY only” creates urgency : This motivates customers to take advantage of the offer before it's too late.
  • LookFantastic addresses the concerns of its customers : The text highlights that the products are "skin-loving."

Career Contessa: Offer an incentive 

Cta: “i’m so in”.

call to action for essays

Email newsletters can build customer relationships, drive sales, and be an effective digital marketing channel. However, people are increasingly less willing to share their email addresses.

To encourage people to subscribe, Career Contessa has created a signup form in the middle of its homepage. This gives readers a chance to see what the newsletter is about and what type of content they can expect.

Notice how the CTA banner is clear and concise, explaining what people will receive by signing up.

  • It uses language that's relatable to its audience: The site’s young, female readers will identify "Level up" as advancing their careers.
  • It makes people feel included : "I'm so in" creates the feeling of joining an exclusive group or club.
  • There’s an incentive to join : The text offers readers "a shortcut to success." 

Uniqlo: Consider the buying stages

Cta: “learn more” .

call to action for essays

Customers want to know what they’re signing up for before downloading an app. Uniqlo knows this and tells their customers exactly what to expect from their new app. So, rather than telling people to “Download now,” the CTA suggests readers “LEARN MORE.” 

  • It’s short and direct , making it easy to understand and follow.
  • Customers understand the value — the accompanying illustrations and copy convey the benefits of the app.
  • There’s lots of action verbs — “Get”, “Download”, “Sign up”, “Scan + Shop”.

Tip: Before adding a CTA, consider where your customers are in the buying stages. While a regular buyer may instantly click to “shop now,” a new customer may need more information. New products might also require additional context in order to help customers understand their value.

New York Magazine: Use bold visuals

Cta: “subscribe now” .

call to action for essays

Most consumers prefer a brand to contact them via email . New York Magazine is a great example of how to write a call to action for email,. You’re immediately drawn in by the newsletter’s image emphasizing that it’s the “LAST CHANCE” to take advantage of its offer. 

This encourages readers to take action by triggering the fear of missing out. The publication then describes all the benefits of joining — including its free tote bag — to entice users to click the “SUBSCRIBE NOW” button.

  • It creates urgency: “SUBSCRIBE NOW” emphasizes that you should take action immediately.
  • The accompanying text is descriptive: “award-winning,” “exciting,” “fresh,” “sharp.” These adjectives suggest the content is unique and high quality, helping convince readers that the magazine is worth investing in. ‍
  • The CTA is visually bold: The black button stands out against the white background and contrasts with the colorful main image.

5 key elements to include in your CTA:

Based on the above examples, here are five critical aspects of a great CTA to include in your own:

1. Use simple and direct language

‍ This ensures people understand the desired action. For example, “Subscribe now” is easier to follow than “You can subscribe now by clicking this link.” Make sure the accompanying text promoting your CTA is clear and easy to read .

2. Provide value to your readers

‍ Who is your target audience and how can your CTA solve their concerns? Will a discount code save them money, or can you offer useful expertise and advice? Demonstrate exactly what your CTA will deliver and how.

3. Create a sense of urgency

‍ Include phrases like “limited time offer” and “for today only” to motivate users to act. Pair these with action-oriented words like “subscribe” and “download” to encourage a particular action.

4. Consider your target audience

‍ While “Visit this link” may suit a formal, professional audience, “Check out this link” works for a younger demographic. Be sure to use language and a tone of voice that your customers will understand and relate to.

5. Make your CTA stand out

‍ Your CTA should be eye-catching and easily noticeable so your audience doesn't scroll past it. Use contrasting colors, emojis, bold fonts, and buttons to draw people in.

How AI can help you write better CTAs

Now you know how to write a great call to action, let’s look at how Wordtune’s AI tools  can speed up the process.

Shorten text without losing the meaning

A call to action needs to be short and direct, succinctly telling the reader what action to take. Many CTAs are also written on a button, meaning you can only use a few words.

Using the Shorten button in Wordtune Editor can help you create a punchy CTA.

call to action for essays

Get Wordtune for Free > Get Wordtune for Free >

Click on the sentence you would like to edit, and press Shorten . The Editor instantly generates alternatives. Notice how Wordtune’s suggestions are more direct, making them easier to understand. 

Find alternative words

Whether you’re stuck on which action verb to use or you want to make your CTA’s benefits more descriptive, Wordtune can provide suggestions. 

call to action for essays

To find alternative synonyms, highlight a particular word and click Rewrite , Casual , or Formal . In this example, I wanted a casual tone for social media, so clicked Casual to generate a list of alternative, informal words.

Use prompts to generate text

Wordtune's Create tool can help you brainstorm and plan your CTA copy.

To generate text, click Create and type in your prompt — no more than 1,000 characters.

AI Prompt: Create persuasive copy to entice customers to download our app to receive 10% off, with a direct call to action.

Using this prompt, Wordtune quickly created an enticing paragraph for me: 

call to action for essays

Wordtune can generate a specific CTA — “Download our app now” — which can be made into a CTA button. It can also create accompanying text to entice readers. Using the AI-generated copy, you can choose individual sentences to include such as, “With just a few clicks, you can browse our wide selection of products.”

Adjust tone of voice

In addition to suggesting synonyms, Wordtune’s Casual and Formal buttons can alter sentences to match your desired tone.

call to action for essays

Here, I clicked the Formal button. In response, Wordtune removed the contraction “you’ll” and made its suggestions more direct, precise, and easy for readers to consume. 

Conclusion:

A powerful call to action encourages readers to act, whether that’s by engaging with your content, buying your products, or learning more about your services. This can increase website views, sales, and bookings.

Keep your CTA short and direct, explaining in simple language how it will provide value. Ensure the tone aligns with your target audience, and create a sense of urgency to motivate readers to act quickly. Help your CTA stand out against your text by using contrasting colors, emojis, and bold fonts. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be writing eye-catching CTAs in no time.  

Want to learn more? Check out our guides on how to create an effective tone of voice to reach your target audience and how to boost readability to write clear, succinct CTAs.  

What type of content should include a call to action?

Any content can be an ideal opportunity for a CTA. From social media and blog posts to landing pages, ads, emails and videos. 

Where should you place a call to action?

Calls to action are typically placed at the top, bottom, or side of a webpage. Take into account what your readers need to know before acting to find the best placement. For example, place a discount code at the top of your homepage. Or, if you want readers to share your content, it’s best at the end of the page. 

Can you use multiple calls to action on a webpage?

With care, multiple calls to action can be used on the same webpage. For example, ask people to subscribe to your email list via a button while also adding a link to download an ebook. The key is to ensure your calls to action are spread out and organized in a way that doesn't overload the reader. 

Share This Article:

How to Properly Conduct Research with AI: Tools, Process, and Approach

How to Properly Conduct Research with AI: Tools, Process, and Approach

What’s a Double Negative? + How To Fix It

What’s a Double Negative? + How To Fix It

The Official Wordtune Guide

The Official Wordtune Guide

Looking for fresh content, thank you your submission has been received.

How to Write Incredible Calls to Action (with Examples)

call to action for essays

What if I say, “Subscribe to our email newsletter at the end of the article?” Probably, you’ll skip it and forget when reaching the subscription button. Why? Because a compelling call to action is not only about using action words. CTAs should appear at the right place and contain the right words to lead to conversion.

A CTA is a suggestion to people to perform a certain action: subscribe, download an ebook, schedule a call, etc. Website owners place them in various parts of the page, depending on the goals, such as:

  • above the fold;
  • in the middle of an article;
  • next to the lead form;
  • in the right rail and many other places. 

How should you arrange CTAs to encourage the audience to do what’s expected? This post will enumerate some helpful tips for successful call-to-action writing and show real-world examples from various spheres.

call to action for essays

Image credit: Freepik

7 Proven Tips for Crafting Effective CTAs

Choose the right action verb.

CTAs usually appear precisely at the end of the message. It’s the last opportunity to reach out to consumers and point them in the right direction on their purchase journey. Where can you see them? On buttons, ads, banners, pop-ups, slide-ins, or at the end of videos. In any case, you have limited space for them. That’s why the CTA should be short, concise, and punchy.

Use a command verb at the beginning of the CTA copy. Compare the following variants and think of what will be more effective:

  • Start your 14-day free trial period now.
  • A 14-day trial period is available.

The first option is the clear winner because it tells the audience what to do. Remember that a strong call to action eliminates as much thought as possible. Choose the needed verb to match your situation and purpose, such as:

  • sign up, subscribe, register now/get access
  • download, start free trial;
  • learn more, click here;
  • buy/purchase, shop, order.

Use Power Words and Emotional Triggers

Another crucial component of call-to-action writing is power words . These are words that appeal to emotions and trigger the desire to click. While action verbs tell readers what to do and what will happen after clicking a link, power words subtly nudge people to the desired page. They rely on people’s emotions as a motivation to proceed, such as:

  • fear : mistake, nightmare, painful, crisis, danger;
  • encouragement : amazing, astonishing, life-changing, astounding, effortless;
  • lust : thrilling, pleasurable, mouthwatering, compelling, engaging;
  • anger : misleading, diminish, infuriating, annoying;
  • greed : double, profit, explode, quadruple, extra, reduced;
  • safety : proven, risk-free, moneyback, secure, refund;
  • curiosity : lost, never seen before, unconventional, invitation only, confidential.

A strong CTA is the one people feel , not just comprehend. For example, “Secure your spot for the concert of a lifetime now,” will elicit a different response from viewers than, “Get your tickets for the concert now!” due to phrases like “lifetime” and “secure”. Another way to evoke enthusiasm is to leverage punctuation like an ellipsis or an exclamation mark.

Create Urgency and Scarcity

As most purchases are emotional rather than rational, another motivator can be a fear of missing out (FOMO). It’s one of the most widely-used tactics in e-commerce, where sellers show the number of remaining goods or the time left until the discount expires. So you can do it in the CTA.

The more people think, the less likely they will buy, remember? A sense of urgency/scarcity encourages people to act without much consideration. You can also find FOMO in social proof. If someone uses this product or service, others will be interested in joining the crowd. You can employ this idea in the CTA. Find a problem that your audience is experiencing. Emphasize it, show people they are not alone, and provide a solution.

Highlight the Benefits and Value Proposition

There is hardly anything more persuasive than a benefit . It works as simply as suggesting some perks for clicking the button. In other words, what are consumers going to gain from it? Will it enable people to perform their jobs more effectively, get in shape, or save money? You can add a tangible benefit like a discount or promotion. To show readers the value of clicking, start the CTA with words like “save” or “redeem” like “Save 15% by calling today!”

Or you can combine a USP and CTA in a single statement to persuade potential customers to take action. By highlighting what makes your product or service unique and motivating the user to take a specific action in line with that USP, you can increase the chances of converting them into leads or customers. Here’s an example of a USP/CTA mash-up:

“Get the best deals on luxury vacations - Book now and save 50%!”

Here you mention the action you expect users to perform (“ book now” ) and bring up a reason to do it ( “save 50%” ).

Personalize the CTA for the Target Audience

Personalization is one of the easiest ways to elicit emotions. It shows users that you value them and take a genuine interest in guiding them through the purchase journey smoothly. That’s why personalized CTAs can be so effective. According to Hubspot, tailored CTAs outperform standard CTAs by 202% .

Suppose a new website visitor, John, adds some products to the cart but leaves without buying them. You can show an exit-intent pop-up before he closes the tab with a personalized advertising call to action, such as: “John, get 10% off your first purchase! Plus, free shipping on orders over $50. Shop now and start saving!”

But if it was your existing customer, Rebecca, you could show her another pop-up, such as: “Welcome back, Rebecca! As a valued customer, we’d like to offer you 15% off your next purchase. Take advantage of this exclusive offer by making your purchase right away!”

Consider your audience when crafting your message, and address them specifically. You can segment people by age, gender, profession, level of proficiency in using your software, and other traits to offer the most relevant products and services.

Apart from writing a tailored message in your CTA, personalization can also be achieved by using new tools for sales documents creation. If you go with an interactive sales deck or proposal, you can add an impactful CTA by embedding your own calendar in the message, so that your potential customer can book their next meeting simply by reading your proposal.

Include Numbers If Relevant

Numbers catch the readers’ attention because they stand out on the page with text. So it’s another way to persuade people to click. Numbers also provide information that audiences want, like phone numbers, pricing, or advantages. For example, “Learn a new language in just 30 days with our intensive course.” It’s easy to spot the numbers, so viewers will immediately grasp the possible advantages of responding to your CTA.

You can also include a price in the ad copy and CTA. Why should you do it? On the one hand, you may scare away users from clicking the button and reading more about the product. On the other, if people deliberately respond to the ad knowing about your pricing, it shows their interest in the offer. It reduces the chances of bouncing from the landing page, increasing the return on ad spend.

Test and Optimize the CTA

Calls to action are tricky since you won’t know how effective they are until you put them to the test in real life. An idea that seems terrific on paper may not work well in practice. Thus, you need to understand why the CTA performs poorly and what doesn’t appeal to viewers. But how do you determine the need to change something? Through A/B testing.

A CTA is one of the most accessible and suitable page elements for the A/B test. A small change in word choice can have a significant impact. A/B testing lets you find the best option not only in terms of wording but also in placement, colors, size, etc.

Examples of Incredible CTAs

Now that we know the best practices for organizing CTAs, let’s examine how different companies do it. We’ll analyze call-to-action examples of online stores, SaaS companies, and nonprofit organizations.

E-commerce CTAs

call to action for essays

Screenshot taken on the official Converse website

The first example under consideration is from Converse, a renowned lifestyle brand. The company uses several tips mentioned above:

  • the language is simple to comprehend;
  • numbers are showing the benefits of performing a particular action, such as 15% off the next order for signing up;
  • the CTAs stand out from the rest of the content because they are bold or contrasting.

Ulster Weavers

call to action for essays

Screenshot taken on Ulster Weavers

In this example from Ulster Weavers, we see the emphasis on FOMO. The bag is at a lower price, but only one item is available, so the retailer leaves us less time to think but to click the “Add to Cart” or “Buy it now” button.

call to action for essays

Screenshot taken on the official Kusmi Tea website

Kusmi Tea decided to play with words and use the CTA “Enjoy now” instead of a basic “Click here” or “Shop now”. Don’t be afraid to get creative, as Kusmi Tea does in this screenshot. You can also notice that there is a lot of space around the button. This trick and the contrasting black color on the orange background make the CTA more visible.

Service-Based Call-to-Action Examples

call to action for essays

Screenshot taken on the official Salesforce website

Here we can see several CTAs. Salesforce directs the viewer’s attention to them in the following ways:

  • “Start free trial” is in the hero section of the website and is filled with color. So we understand it’s more important than the “Watch demo” button next to it.
  • “Try for free” is filled with a contrasting green color for more emphasis. It also denotes no obligation to pay at the moment of clicking.
  • The “Let’s chat” button is also noticeable. The photo on it aims to create a personal connection with the visitors and increase the likelihood of them engaging in a chat.

Time Doctor 

call to action for essays

Screenshot taken on the official Time Doctor website

When adding creativity to your CTA, be careful with misleading users. For example, the screenshot from Time Doctor illustrates two CTAs on the exit-intent pop-up: 

  • “Yes, help me increase my team’s productivity.”
  • “No, I don’t need insight on what my team is doing.”

Unfortunately, they lack information about what will happen after choosing each. While you may guess the second button will close the pop-up, the first one may be confusing. Will I schedule a call, download the app, or get to the checkout page? No idea.

call to action for essays

Screenshot taken on the official Exabytes website

This screenshot from Exabytes demonstrates a personalized approach. The CTA contains a personal pronoun, “My”, creating a sense of ownership and exclusivity in the customer’s mind.

Nonprofit CTAs

Elevation church.

call to action for essays

Screenshot taken from the newsletter from the official Elevation Church website

It’s an email from Elevation Church. We can see that the organization displayed creativity in its “READY. SET. SHOP” advertising call to action. What may be the reason for that? It can be a powerful way to reach younger generations and differentiate an email from other generic promotions.

African Wildlife Foundation

call to action for essays

Screenshot taken on the official African Wildlife Foundation website

Another nonprofit with impactful calls to action is African Wildlife Foundation. They are one of the first things you notice on the page. CTAs are concise and inspire supporters to learn more about the organization or donate immediately.

Over to You

Calls to action are indispensable elements of web forms , ad campaigns, emails, and social media content. What are the tips for designing them? We’ve looked at the top seven strategies, including:

  • beginning with a powerful verb;
  • appealing to emotions;
  • leveraging numbers;
  • offering benefits;
  • instilling a sense of urgency;
  • personalizing CTAs according to user preferences, behavior, and types;
  • testing various aspects of CTAs thoroughly.

These tips will help you amplify your conversion rates and find the key to your audience.

call to action for essays

Kate Parish

Related posts.

call to action for essays

How to Use AI and Machine Learning to Improve Ad Targeting

call to action for essays

7 Ways to Improve Your Google Ads Click-Through Rates

call to action for essays

AI search results threaten brand terms, Google > ChatGPT, the new Amazon ad library, and more

call to action for essays

Enhancing Search Marketing Strategies With Generative AI

See why brands have relied on marin to manage over $48 billion in spend.

creativewritingedu.org logo

What Is a Call to Action in Writing?

call to action for essays

Written by Rebecca Turley

call to action

How do you inspire readers to take action?

A Call to Action (CTA) in writing is your opportunity to motivate readers to take some type of action. Can your writing and accompanying CTA be compelling enough to motivate your readers to take the next step, make the next move?

That’s the million-dollar question.

Call to Action: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How to Successfully Use It in Your Writing

So, what exactly is a Call to Action and how can you best utilize it as a writer?

A CTA in writing is a clear and direct message that should elicit a strong response from readers to do something . In marketing lingo, this something is called a “conversion” – turning observers into doers.

Think of it as a “hook, line, and sinker” moment – you want to inspire the reader to do what you want them to do. Maybe it’s subscribe to your online newsletter, book a service, or buy a product—a CTA is a one-liner that gets the job done. It can be an outstanding marketing tool that keeps your reader engaged and ready to act.

It may be a small, two-word phrase or as long as a sentence, but its goal remains the same: to provide your reader with direction on what to do next. You provided them with compelling, interesting text; now’s not the time to leave them hanging! Finish it off with a great CTA and you’ve accomplished your goal.

CTAs are most often used to make a sale by providing a direct path to the product or service you want them to buy. But they can also be helpful for building your customer base and generating leads for future sales. Most CTAs are used as hyperlinks that take the reader where you want them to go, but they can also motivate the reader to make a phone call, download a brochure, or complete a similar activity.

creating a call to action

Creating an Effective Call to Action

Once you understand the goal of the CTA, it becomes rather easy to write one yourself. But there are some tried-and-true rules to follow to ensure your CTA is everything it can be.

A CTA is NOT:

  • Overly wordy

Start your CTA with a strong action verb .

A CTA doesn’t take time to get to the point. It accomplishes its goal by telling the reader exactly what to do.

Think “authoritative” when choosing your words for a CTA. Those action verbs should inspire and convince the reader to do something, so now’s not the time to underwhelm them. When choosing that action verb, think about how best to direct your reader:

Use words that excite and motivate the reader.

Get them motivated and curious to make the move. Think about persuasive language here, about intriguing your reader to want to know more or make a move. Persuasive language speaks to saving them money, saving them time, or improving their lives in some way:

  • Sign up to join the millions of others who are taking steps to save the planet!
  • Click here to start saving money today!
  • Call today to book your dream vacation!

Create a sense of urgency.

You can create a sense of urgency in a number of ways. Add an adjective, make a promise, or elicit FOMO.

  • Order yours today, while supplies last!
  • Get free shipping for a limited time!
  • Lose weight in just 4 weeks!
  • Call today and enjoy 50% off your purchase!

Eliminate wordiness.

You have one opportunity to capture their attention and motivate them to click. Don’t waste it by overloading your CTA with unnecessary words or confusing text. Think straightforward, clear, concise, and to the point.

If you aren’t getting the response you hoped for, switch it up.

You never really know if your CTA is going to be effective unless you give it a whirl. If you aren’t getting the response you hoped for, it never hurts to try another tactic. Remember that CTAs are not a one-size-fits-all approach, so you may need to experiment to find one that works best for your audience.

pow

Need a little inspiration to create the perfect CTA? Here are popular CTA phrases designed to boost your conversion efforts.

Do you want customers to sign up or subscribe to something?

  • Subscribe now
  • Don’t miss out
  • Get started now
  • Stay up-to-date
  • Remain in the know

Do you want customers to keep reading your content?

  • Find out more
  • Discover more
  • Become part of our community

Do you want customers to take advantage of a deal or discount?

  • Claim your offer
  • Claim your discount
  • Redeem your discount
  • Start your free trial now
  • Start shopping now
  • Claim our limited time offer

Adding a Secondary Call to Action: Another Tool in the Writer’s Toolkit 

busy office

A secondary CTA is not simply reciting the primary CTA twice or rewording the primary CTA. It serves as another option for the reader.

Here’s a good example:

Primary CTA: Donate now to help save endangered white rhinos!

Secondary CTA: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on conservation efforts for the endangered white rhino.

The primary CTA is a great example of providing the reader with an immediate opportunity to act. But not all readers may be ready to pull out their wallets and make a donation. That’s there the secondary CTA comes in. You’ve captured the interest of the reader enough to inspire them to sign up for your weekly e-newsletter, which could translate into a donation somewhere down the road. Secondary CTAs provide the reader with another opportunity to take action, thereby allowing you to boost your conversion rate.

The secondary CTA should be featured less prominently than the primary CTA because you ultimately want the reader to click on the primary CTA. Remember: The primary CTA should be the most desired action you want your reader to take. A secondary CTA shouldn’t compete with the primary CTA; it should complement it.

But the secondary CTA is certainly an excellent option for those who don’t find the primary CTA appealing. The secondary CTA captures that reader who may have moved on from your website or blog without taking any action at all (i.e., lost conversions). By keeping your reader engaged and returning to your site with the secondary CTA, you’re naturally increasing your chances of enticing the reader to act on the primary CTA in the future.

Secondary CTAs may also be used to simply grow your social reach. A great example of a secondary CTA in this case is to simply encourage the reader to follow you on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. You can also encourage the reader to share your article or blog on their social media platform of choice. Either way, it’s a great way to boost your social media presence.

call to action for essays

  • How to Write ____

How to Write a Great Call to Action

Avatar photo

Table of Contents

Persuasive content writing—website pages, blogs, marketing campaigns, newsletters, and digital ad copy—all have one thing in common. They demand the perfect call to action. If you need more subscribers, sales, or a jumpstart to your leads-to-conversion rates, then it’s time to use a great call to action! And learning how to write a call to action is easier than you might think. Let’s get started.

What Is a Call to Action?

A killer call to action does two things: It tells the reader what you want them to do, and it provides the motivation to do so. It is basically a few words or a phrase that you use to convince the reader to take action and do it now!

Use Action Words

Your goal is to motivate the reader to DO something, to take action. Think of the CTA as a verbal command—you are telling them what to do next and why it is essential. Therefore, you will need to use action words to do the job. Check out these CTA examples that start with an action verb:

  • Get It Today
  • Join For Free
  • Buy It Here
  • Watch It Now
  • Send Me Specials

Convey a Sense of Urgency

Knowing how to write a compelling call to action is one thing. Knowing how to add a sense of urgency to it is taking it to the next level. When something is time-sensitive, we tend to pay more attention to it. We reread it because we don’t want to miss out by being late. A call to action that employs urgent words or a reminder that time is running out is an excellent way to get the reader to click on the CTA button quickly.

Here are some examples of CTAs that suggest a feeling of urgency:

  • Save 15% Today!
  • Time Is Limited
  • Claim Your Free Trial
  • We Need Your Help!
  • Limited Edition
  • First Order Free—Shop Today!

Short and Sweet

Keeping the call to action short and sweet is the key. Strive to be concise, not too wordy. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with having a call to action that is a full sentence. Or maybe even two. But, in most cases, a shorter, direct CTA is the best bet. Focus on what is most important in your message. Keep it brief and straightforward. Too many words, too many options may spell too many chances for the reader to get distracted and leave the page. So, opt for a succinct, easily identifiable call to action. For example, try these CTAs:

  • Sign Up Free
  • Get Started

Use a CTA Button

A clickable call to action button is simple to use. It clearly stands out on the page, and the reader knows exactly what to do. Keep it to less than five words. Otherwise, it just looks crowded and messy on the button. Use a contrasting color to grab attention. And avoid using “Click Here” for a CTA button. It’s outdated and will make your marketing look amateurish. Instead, opt for a simple CTA button like these:

  • Discover More
  • Sign Up and Save 20%
  • Start Your Free Trial Today
  • Donate Here

Use Hyperlink Text in a Long Form CTA

A call to action can also effectively be used in anchor text—the blue, underlined clickable text in a sentence containing a hyperlink. You may need to offer more incentives or reasons behind why you want the reader to take action. Offer a little backstory. Present an example. Explain how you can help. Check out these examples:

  • Ready to build your new home? Let’s start this journey together. Give us a call today .
  • When you’re ready to start the application process , we will walk you through it line by line.
  • Want to provide food and shelter to an animal in need? Donations to our shelter can save a life. We appreciate your support!

Find Out What Works

It’s important to find out what works… and what doesn’t . Just because you’ve come up with a great call to action doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right call to action for your ad campaign. Some CTAs rank lower than others in terms of conversion rates. Marketing campaigns often run experiments to see which types of CTAs are more successful than others. For instance, “Sign Up” doesn’t do as well as “Learn More” in some settings. Apparently, users associate “Sign Up” with entering their credit card or ending up on a mailing list. In comparison, “Learn More” doesn’t carry the connotation of commitment.

Therefore, you may have to experiment with a few different CTAs until you find the one that gets you the most clicks.

Writing a great call to action is easy once you understand the basics. Aim to create a CTA that is strong, well-crafted, and geared to your specific audience.

call to action for essays

  • Business Communication

How to Write an Executive Summary

call to action for essays

Writing Your Year-End Performance Review

A picture of a computer with a window open and the words: A conclusion paragraph.

How To Write A Great Conclusion Paragraph

call to action for essays

  • Frequently Asked

How to Write an Address

call to action for essays

How To Write a Whitepaper Document

Business Proposal Structure

How to Write a Business Plan

Join the thousands who have sharpened their business writing skills with our award winning courses..

Copyright © 2024 Businesswritingblog.com.

Conversion Rate Optimization Blog

Call to Action Examples - Featured Image

31 Call to Action Examples + How To Write an Effective CTA

call to action for essays

Are you looking for the best call to action examples?

As a marketer or eCommerce business owner, you know the importance of a strong call to action (CTA) in driving conversions and achieving your marketing goals. But with so many options and strategies, creating a CTA that stands out and gets results can be challenging.

In this call to action guide, we will share 31 effective call to action examples to inspire your own marketing efforts. While at it, we will also teach CTA meaning and how to create the perfect call to action from scratch.

What Is a Call to Action?

Five common types of ctas, call to action examples for ecommerce websites, call to action examples for lead generation, call to action examples for social media, call to action examples for landing pages, call to action examples from popular brands, how to create a call to action.

By the end of this post, you’ll be able to write effective CTAs and boost the click-through rates of your marketing campaigns .

For now, let’s begin with the basics.

Call to action Definition : A call to action (CTA) is a marketing term that refers to a prompt or instruction that encourages a person to take a specific action

In the context of digital or eCommerce marketing , a CTA is typically a button, link, or message that prompts the user to take some kind of action, such as purchasing a product, subscribing to a newsletter , or signing up for a service.

CTAs can be found in various marketing materials, including email campaigns , landing pages , social media posts , and eCommerce websites.

CALL TO ACTION

Their purpose is to guide users toward a desired action and help businesses achieve their marketing objectives.

Effective CTAs typically use action-oriented language, create a sense of urgency, highlight the benefit to the user, and are visually prominent.

But it’s important to remember that not all calls to action are created equal. Some are strong, powerful, and persuasive.

Others are weak, boring, and uninviting.

We’ll learn how to create the perfect call to action for your website and content in a moment. Before that, though, let’s check out five common types of CTAs and where you can use them.

Whenever you create a piece of content , you likely want to insert a call to action. This is true for blog posts, YouTube videos, social media posts, podcast episodes, and more.

But here are five of the most common places you’ll see CTAs online:

  • Web page buttons
  • Optin campaign buttons
  • Anchor texts in blog posts
  • Buttons or text in emails
  • Text in social media posts

Let’s quickly look at each type.

1) Web Page Buttons

This is one of the most common placements for a call to action. If you’ve ever been to a webpage, you’ve seen them before. In fact, we’ve already seen one this article:

When done well, CTA page buttons will be large and stand apart from the rest of the page.

You’ll notice in the image above, OptinMonster’s call to action has a bright green background and is supported by a compelling headline with subheader text.

The web copy leads your eyes down to the call to action, Get OptinMonster Now .

Also, the button is easy to click because it’s so big. This is particularly helpful for mobile users who navigate your page with their fingers (not a mouse cursor).

2) Optin Campaign Buttons

When you show an optin campaign (like a popup , slide-in box , floating bar , and so on), your copy will be essential. It needs to be short, catchy, and persuasive.

But most importantly, it needs to lead to a powerful call to action button:

Call to action example for optin campaigns

The image above is from a popup campaign built with OptinMonster in under 10 minutes.

The call to action was modified to show the offer in the button, Get My 40% Off Code .

This works because many website visitors won’t take the time to read every word on your optin campaign. Instead, they’ll browse to the spots that catch their attention the most.

When their eyes land on the button, they’re tempted to click because they instantly see the benefit of doing so.

3) Anchor Texts in Blog Posts

In many blog posts, you’ll see a call to action written out with a link embedded somewhere in the text. You may have noticed these in OptinMonster’s blog:

OptinMonster blog post call to action

In the image above, the part in blue is the clickable link that redirects users to another tutorial. But the entire sentence (starting with “Check out our tutorial”) is the call to action.

In-text CTAs can help improve user experience (UX) . You can invite your readers to go read related posts, look at other tutorials if they’re confused about a concept, or go follow you on social media.

The most important call to action, though, is when you ask users to signup for or buy your product. These CTAs are usually placed somewhere early in the content and at the end of your post:

OptinMonster CTA in the post

You can test where your CTAs function best in your blog with your target audience.

4) Buttons or Text in Emails

You can also use CTAs in email marketing . We see these every day when we get emails asking us to:

  • Read the full article
  • Download a resource
  • Take advantage of a discount or freebie
  • Get more information about the subject of the email

Here’s an excellent example from our Customer Success Manager, Angie:

OptinMonster call to action in an email

Notice the color of the call to action is a huge contrast to the white background. That draws your attention and makes the CTA impossible to miss.

5) Text in Social Media Posts

If you use social media as part of your content marketing strategy , you know how important a good call to action is.

You need to make the call to action in your social media post incredibly clear. That’s because other things will always be fighting for your users’ attention on social platforms.

But you want them focused on your offer or CTA.

Take this example from an OptinMonster post on Facebook:

OptinMonster call to action from FB

The call to action is Read this and then get to it! That’s about as straightforward as it gets.

This helps readers understand what the next step is to reach whatever problem you’re helping them solve.

Now that we’ve seen the types of CTAs you can create, let’s jump to our list of the most effective call to action examples.

eCommerce websites often rely on CTAs to encourage visitors to make a purchase. Here are some CTA examples for eCommerce:

  • “Add to Cart” button : This is a classic CTA for online shopping, and for a good reason. It’s simple and straightforward, making it easy for users to add items to their cart and continue shopping or proceed to checkout.
  • “Buy Now” butto n: This CTA is more direct than “Add to Cart”, as it takes the user to checkout. This can be effective for products with lower prices or time-sensitive sale promotions .
  • “Shop Now” button : This CTA is broader than the previous examples, as it encourages users to browse and explore the website. This can be effective for websites with a wide range of products or for users still in the early stages of the buying process.
  • “Subscribe and Save” option : This CTA is often used for subscription-based products, such as meal delivery services or pet food. By highlighting the potential savings that come with a subscription, this CTA can encourage users to make a long-term commitment.
  • “Limited Time Offer” banner : This CTA can create a sense of urgency and encourage users to make a purchase before a promotion or sale ends. It can also help to increase the perceived value of the product.

Lead generation is the process of capturing information from potential customers, such as their name, email address, or phone number. Here are some effective CTA examples for lead generation:

  • “Download our free guide” button : This can be a compelling call to action for websites that offer educational resources, such as white papers or ebooks. This CTA can attract leads interested in your industry or products by providing valuable content in exchange for contact information.
  • “Register for our webinar” button : Webinars can be a powerful tool for lead generation , as they offer an interactive and engaging way to share information. By requiring registration, this CTA can help to capture contact information and build a list of leads .
  • “Sign up for our newsletter” button : Newsletters can be a great way to stay in touch with leads and customers, providing them with updates and promotions. By making it easy to sign up, this CTA can help to build a subscriber list .
  • “Get a free quote” button : This CTA can be effective for service-based businesses, such as insurance or home improvement. By offering a personalized quote, this CTA can help to capture contact information and provide leads with a clear next step.
  • “Request a demo” button : This CTA is often used for software or technology products, as it allows users to see the product in action before making a purchase. By requiring a request, this CTA can help to capture contact information and provide leads with a personalized experience.

Social media is the most popular medium for engaging your target audience with your brand and routing traffic to your website. Below are some handy CTA which you can use on your social platforms.

  • “Follow us on Twitter” button : This is a simple CTA to increase your social media following and keep your audience engaged with your content. The “Follow us on Twitter” button can be placed on your website or in your email signature, and it encourages visitors to connect with you on this popular platform.
  • “Like us on Facebook” button : This CTA is similar to “Follow us on Twitter” but is specific to Facebook. The “Like us on Facebook” button can be placed on your website, blog, or other digital channels, and it encourages visitors to become a fan of your Facebook page and receive updates on your latest news and offers.
  • “Subscribe to our YouTube channel” button : This CTA is ideal for businesses that create video content and want to grow their YouTube audience. The “Subscribe to our YouTube channel” button can be placed on your website, email signature, or video descriptions, and it encourages visitors to subscribe to your channel and receive notifications when you upload new videos.
  • “Share this post” button : This is a great call to action to increase the reach and visibility of your content. The “Share this post” button can be placed on your blog or social media posts, encouraging visitors to share your content with their followers and friends.
  • “Join the conversation” prompt : This CTA is a more open-ended way to engage your target audience and encourage participation. The “Join the conversation” prompt can be included in your social media posts, blog comments, or forum discussions, and it invites visitors to share their own opinions, feedback, or questions.

The whole idea behind a landing page is to make sure the user converts. The following call to action examples can help you achieve that goal.

  • “Fill out this form” button : This CTA is crucial to lead generation and conversion optimization . The “Fill out this form” button prompts visitors to provide their contact information in exchange for a specific offer or benefit, such as a free trial, consultation, or demo.
  • “Start your free trial” button : This CTA is ideal for SaaS businesses or other subscription-based models. The “Start your free trial” button encourages visitors to sign up for a limited free access period to your product or service and experience its benefits firsthand.
  • “Get your free quote” button : This CTA is similar to “Get a free quote” but is specifically tailored to landing pages. The “Get your free quote” button prompts visitors to fill out a form and receive a personalized quote or estimate based on their specific needs and preferences.
  • “Book a demo” button : This CTA is similar to “Request a demo” but is more focused on landing pages and conversion optimization. The “Book a demo” button encourages visitors to schedule a live or recorded demo and learn more about how your product or service can help them solve their problems.
  • “Schedule a consultation” button : This CTA is ideal for businesses that offer professional services or consulting. The “Schedule a consultation” button prompts visitors to book a one-on-one session with your team and receive personalized advice and recommendations.

The following CTA examples are used by high-converting brands that nailed their calls to action. Let’s dive in!

Crossrope is a fitness brand that gets people in shape through their jump rope programs. In one of their optin campaigns, they include a clever CTA:

crossropecom

Using the play on words Show Me the Ropes , they were able to boost conversions .

Crossrope actually built this campaign (and others) with OptinMonster. Then they saw a  900% increase in their email subscriptions .

Shockbyte, a game server host provider, used this exit-intent popup to capture abandoning visitors. Their call to action focuses on providing value:

Shockbyte call to action

The message is clear: “click here to save money.” That makes this CTA particularly powerful.

In fact, Shockbyte used campaigns just like this to more than double their sales conversion rate .

  • Singularity University

Singularity University helps leaders, organizations, and entire industries grow. They often hold virtual summits. One of the challenges they face, though, is making sure people remember to attend.

They have an excellent optin campaign to remind visitors about their summits:

SIngularity_FullScreen

Their call to action, Remind Me! , is a great message that lets users know why they’re signing up: to get notifications ensuring they don’t miss any valuable content.

As a result, Singularity University got over 960 new leads from that one campaign .

Cracku helps students prepare for upcoming exams. On an offer they ran, they used a countdown timer to build a sense of urgency:

Cracku call to action

Then they reinforced that with the call to action, Enroll Now .

The word “Now” inspires readers to act fast. It’s no surprise that Cracku used this campaign to increase conversions by 300% .

Bulkly is a social media tool for Buffer. It automatically reuses your social media updates and sends them to Buffer to make scheduling posts even easier.

They offered a free email course with the following campaign:

bulkly_fullscreen_course

Notice that they did 2 things with their call to action:

  • Told users exactly what they would receive (the lesson)
  • Made the alternative sound off-putting

If you use a  Yes/No campaign , you can make your “No” option reinforce your call to action. Bulkly makes their “No” option, No thanks, I like doing repetitive tasks .

Since most people wouldn’t agree with this statement, more visitors will click on the “Yes” option.

This was so effective that Bulkly increased their free trial signups by 135% .

  • OptinMonster

We’ve already seen a few calls to action from OptinMonster, but here’s one from an email campaign that did particularly well:

OptinMonster email CTA

Notice there’s no button, just an anchor text and a link. This call to action invites users to learn how to create Facebook ads that convert .

Since our email lists are properly segmented , the email could be personalized to the right audience. As a result, a clear call to action like this will drastically boost conversion rates.

  • Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

Brevo is one of the best email service providers on the market. They coupled their homepage CTA with eye-grabbing animation effects of a person driving away in a car:

Sendinblue CTA

Brevo’s animation reinforces the light-hearted CTA copy, “ Take a free test drive!”

This message is clear, inviting, and focuses on value (with the word “free”).

  • RafflePress

RafflePress is an awesome online giveaway plugin . It helps your contests go viral so you can:

  • Grow your followers
  • Make more sales
  • Increase your site traffic

And much more. We love their homepage CTA:

RafflePress homepage

This is an effective CTA for 2 reasons:

It’s a huge button that makes the CTA nearly impossible to miss. This is great for mobile users who are less accurate when they click CTAs and need larger buttons.

The color is another component that makes it stand out. The website’s background is light grey, but the button color is bright orange.

As soon as you land on this page, your eyes immediately see the call to action, and you’re tempted to click.

SEMrush is a great tool to help with your digital marketing strategy. When you land on the homepage, they get straight to the point:

SEMrush call to action

SEMrush immediately invites you to start using their services. They don’t offer to let you “learn more” or “explore products.” They take a more direct approach.

You simply enter a domain name, keyword, or URL that you want to explore. Then the CTA follows with Start now .

The color contrast between the background and button also helps strengthen this call to action. But the clear and concise message gets users excited to dive into the program.

Grammarly is a spelling and grammar checker that works for all your documents, including emails. It makes sure your writing is effective and mistake-free.

Here’s a call to action from their Twitter account:

Gramarly call to action

This CTA works because it uses the same kind of language as its users. Because their target audience consists of writers, Grammarly creates a powerful call to action, inviting users to Tap into their creativity .

Notice that their entire tweet is a call to action. This is a good lesson for social posts proving that sometimes less is more.

This is an excellent example of a clever CTA for social media. This Facebook Ad does 2 things:

WordStream Call to Action

  • Creates curiosity with a question
  • Offers to resolve that curiosity if you click the CTA

By using action phrases like “ Find out” to start their call to action, they leverage FOMO (fear of missing out). It makes users want to get on the inside of this secret.

Now that we’ve seen the types of CTAs you can create, let’s look at how to make them. Here are five actionable tips you can start using today to make the perfect call to action.

Here are five actionable tips to make sure you’re writing strong calls to action that will increase your click-through rate.

1. Use Action Words

The best CTAs use action words that let viewers know the specific action they should take next.

Here’s an example of a popup campaign built with OptinMonster:

Demo for Animated Popup

Notice that the CTA is clear and tells the user exactly what to do: Join the Webinar Today !

Plus, it uses the action verb “Join” to motivate people to signup.

Struggling to come up with the right words for your CTA? We’ve got you covered. You can use power words to evoke an emotional response and create more persuasive calls to action.

Here’s a helpful list of over 700 power words to get you started.

2. Focus on Value

Some CTAs focus on the value they offer. This is usually accomplished by adding the word “Free” or “Risk-Free” to your calls to action.

Here’s an example from TrustPulse’s homepage:

Get started free CTA by TrustPulse

This CTA button is very tempting to click. Letting your users know they can get something for free (or at a discounted rate) directly in the CTA will boost your conversions.

3. Foster Curiosity and Anticipation

A good call to action relies on psychology , combining curiosity with anticipation .

A great way of building curiosity is through gamification. If you turn your optin forms into a game, you’re more likely to get people to click your CTA.

OptinMonster offers a  Coupon Wheel optin that can be used to gamify any promotions you run:

Try Your Luck CTA OptinMonster

By providing multiple prizes and using the CTA Try Your Luck , many visitors are anxious to sign up and play.

4. Design Your CTA Buttons

Design is also an important part of getting the CTA right.

But how do you make your call to action stand out? Let’s take a look at a few key CTA design elements.

Most marketers agree that you should:

  • Use white space effectively so your button stands out
  • Ensure that your CTA button contrasts with the colors on the rest of the page
  • Frame the button to create contrast, if necessary
  • Pay attention to the size of the button because it has to be large enough to click but not overwhelming
  • Optimize the CTA button for mobile

Again, we try to check off all these boxes here at OptinMonster:

Call to action pricing page of OM

Notice that in the image above, two things are happening:

  • Each pricing plan has its own CTA (to stay organized)
  • Each CTA stands out from the background

We use a bright color on the CTA button as a way to draw attention to it. With that bright green button over a white background, our call to action is hard to miss.

If you need some design help, check out this article on 16 web design principles you should start using today.

5. Test Your Calls to Action

It’s not enough to create a call to action and trust your gut about how to write and design it.

You need data to see how your CTA is working.

Some professional copywriters struggle with writing good calls to action every day. So don’t get discouraged if it takes you some time to find the right one. How do you know when you’ve found the right one, though?

The data will tell you. 🤓

The best way to do this is by split testing . You can experiment with button color and size, button text, text links, form, page design, and CTA placement. Start with one design and quickly create an A/B split test in your OptinMonster dashboard:

Then change 1 element and run the test. When you’re done, choose the one with the highest conversion rate. Finally, rinse and repeat by changing 1 other element .

Why change only 1 element at a time? Because then you’ll know which specific parts are working with your target audience, and which ones aren’t.

Split testing is an essential part of creating the perfect CTA. To get started, see our list of A/B tests to run on your popups to get more subscribers.

And that’s it. You now know the fundamentals of writing the perfect call to action!

And there you have it. In this post, we covered the following:

  • What a CTA is
  • Five common types of calls to action
  • 31 great examples of powerful calls to action that convert
  • Five actionable tips for creating the perfect CTA

But remember, calls to action don’t exist in a vacuum. They usually require supporting text to strengthen them. To write better copy to reinforce your CTAs, we recommend the following posts:

  • 10 Expert Tips to Write Landing Page Copy That Converts
  • 69+ High-Quality Copywriting Templates Proven to Work
  • 21 Viral Headline Examples and How You Can Copy Their Success

Once you learn to write compelling copy with persuasive CTAs, you’ll see dramatic increases in conversions and sales.

Ready to put these call to action tips into practice? Sign up for OptinMonster now and start creating high-converting campaigns today!

1. What is CTA?

CTA stands for “Call to Action.” It refers to a prompt or instruction that encourages a user or reader to take a specific action, such as clicking a button, filling out a form, or making a purchase.

2. What is CTA in marketing?

In marketing, a CTA (Call to Action) is a directive or encouragement designed to prompt an immediate response from the audience. It often takes the form of a button, link, or graphic in digital marketing materials (like websites, emails, or ads) that urges the viewer to take a specific action, such as “Buy Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Learn More.”

3. What is a call to action in writing?

A call to action in writing is a statement or phrase that encourages the reader to take a desired action. It can be found in various forms of writing, from persuasive essays to marketing materials. In essence, it’s the part of the content that tells the reader what you want them to do next, whether it’s to believe a certain viewpoint, make a purchase, sign up for a newsletter, or engage in another specific behavior.

' src=

Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported. This means if you click on some of our links, then we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that we believe will add value to our readers.

' src=

Thanks for reading this article – I hope you found it helpful.

I wanted to let you know about our powerful Exit Intent® technology that converts abandoning website visitors into email subscribers and customers. Typically 70% of the people who visit your website will leave and never return, meaning all those marketing efforts to reach them have gone to waste.

OptinMonster’s Exit Intent® technology detects user behavior and prompts them with a targeted campaign at the precise moment they are about to leave.

You can unlock this powerful technology 100% free when you purchase our OptinMonster Pro plan.

Get started with OptinMonster today and see why 1,000,000+ choose OptinMonster to get more subscribers and customers.

Thomas Griffin President of OptinMonster

' src=

This is a very interesting read at a time I am building my website, although much of the content you discuss is new to me, you have explained it well.

working some of these ideas in around a wordpress – site may prove difficult.

Thanks Norman

' src=

Hi Norman, no matter where your site is, you can still use some of these tips. And if you ever move to WordPress.org , you’ll be able to use all of them. 🙂 Check out this article on building a list for your YouTube channel ; you might find it useful. And follow us on Twitter for more tips.

' src=

Great Post!

Add a Comment Cancel reply

We're glad you have chosen to leave a comment. Please keep in mind that all comments are moderated according to our privacy policy , and all links are nofollow. Do NOT use keywords in the name field. Let's have a personal and meaningful conversation.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Get More Subscribers & Customers NOW

Unleash the power of OptinMonster on your website today!

IMAGES

  1. 50 Call To Action Examples (and How to Write the Perfect CTA)

    call to action for essays

  2. The Best Call to Action Speech Examples

    call to action for essays

  3. 21 Call to Action Examples in Writing and 3 Rules for Effective CTAs

    call to action for essays

  4. Awesome Call to Action Terms To Enhance Results

    call to action for essays

  5. Call To Action, argument paper

    call to action for essays

  6. 20+ Best Call-to-Action Examples That Inspire and Bring Clicks

    call to action for essays

COMMENTS

  1. 21 Captivating Call to Action Examples to Steal

    A call to action is an invitation for a user to take some desired action. You often see call to action examples in persuasive writing. Once a brand has made its case in a blog post or video, for instance, they'll often include a call to action at the end. A political action group may write a piece on the importance of voting in the next ...

  2. The 36 Best Call to Action Phrases Ever (Real Examples +Tips!)

    21. Complete your (free) registration. Sometimes, plastering "FREE" all over your call to action copy sounds loud and pushy. I kind of like how DX summit saves it for the call to action button. Parentheses are powerful in copywriting, and this simple addition makes "Free" pretty front and center if you ask me.

  3. 16 call to action examples + how to write a CTA

    But more than that, a call to action—like any good sales closer—acts as a climax to the pitch. It serves the same function as a joke's punchline, and without a CTA, the visitor is left in a sort of directionless limbo. A good CTA not only signals that the pitch is over; it also recommends the next course of action.

  4. How To Write a Call to Action That Works [Tips + 6 Examples]

    A call to action is a word or phrase that prompts action. It is a marketing term to describe urging your audience to act in a certain way. A call to action can appear as a clickable button or simply as a piece of text. Call-to-action buttons and phrases can appear at any place in the user journey that you want to direct your audience.

  5. 7 Great Examples of Call To Action Writing

    5. Emma builds intrigue by keeping it concise. Often, the best call-to-action examples are those that are concise. This is an especially powerful technique when writing CTAs designed to promote downloadable content such as guides, ebooks, and checklists, as it can double as an intrigue-builder.

  6. 5 Steps To Writing an Effective Call to Action (With Examples)

    Demonstrate exactly what your CTA will deliver and how. ‍. 3. Create a sense of urgency. Include phrases like "limited time offer" and "for today only" to motivate users to act. Pair these with action-oriented words like "subscribe" and "download" to encourage a particular action. ‍. 4. Consider your target audience.

  7. How to Write Incredible Calls to Action (with Examples)

    Use Power Words and Emotional Triggers. Another crucial component of call-to-action writing is power words. These are words that appeal to emotions and trigger the desire to click. While action verbs tell readers what to do and what will happen after clicking a link, power words subtly nudge people to the desired page.

  8. What Is a Call to Action in Writing?

    A CTA in writing is a clear and direct message that should elicit a strong response from readers to do something. In marketing lingo, this something is called a "conversion" - turning observers into doers. Think of it as a "hook, line, and sinker" moment - you want to inspire the reader to do what you want them to do.

  9. How to Write an Awesome (& Effective) Call to Action: The Ultimate Guide

    Color contrast is a useful tool to increase readability and make your CTA stand out. 4. Keep Up to Date and Use the Right Tools. This is also a bit of a "duh," but just like step one, it's a crucial part of writing the perfect call to action for your business. Stay current with trends in your industry.

  10. How to Write a Great Call to Action

    Use a CTA Button. A clickable call to action button is simple to use. It clearly stands out on the page, and the reader knows exactly what to do. Keep it to less than five words. Otherwise, it just looks crowded and messy on the button. Use a contrasting color to grab attention.

  11. 31 Call to Action Examples + How To Create a Call to Action

    A call to action in writing is a statement or phrase that encourages the reader to take a desired action. It can be found in various forms of writing, from persuasive essays to marketing materials. In essence, it's the part of the content that tells the reader what you want them to do next, whether it's to believe a certain viewpoint, make ...

  12. Calls to Action in Writing: A Comprehensive Guide

    They studied the performance of calls to action that received at least 100 clicks over the past five months and found an average universal click through rate of 4.23%. Button-style CTAs had an average rate of 5.31%, compared to 3.35% for those with a distinctive design and just 2.06% for ones consisting of text alone.

  13. How To Write Powerful Call To Action Phrases: With 5 High-Converting

    Calls to action convince customers to act. Now that we understand how to write calls to action that'll convince customers to act, let's look at a few examples of companies using these 5 golden principles. 1. Crazy Egg 's Show Me My Heat Map. Crazy Egg sells a risk-free guarantee.

  14. How To Write A Call To Action With 54 Words + 6 Examples

    Put It All Together: How To Write A Call To Action With A Compelling Structure. No matter what motivation you use (fear or hope), there are some common ways that you should use when structuring your call to action. 1. Start with verbs. Verbs are the action words that make it clear to readers what you want them to do.

  15. 51 Effective Call-To-Action Examples (And Why They Work)

    Writing a powerful call to action (CTA) introduces someone to the idea of taking a specific direction, like visiting a website or reading your resume, and makes that action seem appealing. For example, marketing campaigns use calls to action so customers feel motivated to purchase a company's products or contract their services.

  16. What is a "call to action" in an essay?

    A call to action is a persuasive statement that encourages the reader to take action. It is the final part of your essay, where you tell the reader what they should do next. This statement should ...

  17. CTA Examples: 40 Call-to-Action Examples to Inspire You

    40 CTA examples to inspire you. A strong call to action can help you get more leads, email subscribers, and sales. Check out the 40 great call-to-action examples below. 1. Aesop - Discover supportive skincare. Aesop is a vegan and sustainable brand that takes an informed approach to skin care. By inviting the audience to "discover ...

  18. How To Use "Call To Action" In A Sentence: Proper Usage Tips

    When it comes to incorporating a call to action in your writing, using synonyms or alternate words can add variety and impact to your message. Here are four options to consider: 1. Entreaty. An entreaty is a sincere and earnest request or plea. While similar to a call to action, an entreaty often carries a sense of urgency or desperation.

  19. How to Write an Effective Call to Action

    Here are six elements to include in your CTA strategy: 1. Start with an imperative. The whole reason behind a call to action is to convince a person to do something. Start strong. Use authoritative language and action verbs that direct people, like "shop," "join," or "click.". 2.

  20. 17 Call To Action Examples (+ How to Write the Perfect Social CTA)

    For example, a call to action can encourage people to click on a link, leave a social media comment, visit an online store, make a purchase, etc. A call to action can take up different forms: Text link. Button. Plain text with no link. "Buy Now" or "Download Now" are typical examples of simple calls to action.

  21. How To Write a Good Call to Action (With Examples)

    Example 2: Call to action: Use eco-friendly straws Revised call to action: When you drink using plastic straws, you have a higher risk of using materials that pollute ocean life. Use eco-friendly straws to minimize the impact of pollution under the sea and worldwide. Learn how to write a call to action, including using action verbs and a unique ...

  22. 20 Call to Action Examples + How To Write a CTA That Converts

    Common call to action example includes "Buy Now," "Learn More," "Subscribe Today," "Download Your Free Trial," "Register for Our Webinar," "Join Our Mailing List," and "Contact Us Today.". These are all common types of CTAs that you've likely run into before and generally come in two types, both related to links.

  23. To Whom Would You Write an Open Letter?

    Open letters can also honor and thank someone, and call attention to the continued importance of their work. In 2017, at the end of Barack Obama's tenure as president, the rapper T.I. wrote him ...

  24. LSU coach Kim Mulkey threatens legal action against Washington Post

    LSU won 70-60. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU coach Kim Mulkey lashed out at and threatened legal action against The Washington Post on Saturday, saying the paper has spent two years pursuing a "hit piece" about her and that it gave her a deadline to answer questions this past week while the defending national ...