We all can name a website or two that doesn’t do much more than take up memory in cyberspace. It doesn’t engage visitors, and it doesn’t generate leads. It’s possible your current website isn’t rocking the web like it should either.
The majority of our clients at Rock Paper Simple need a website that’s designed to impress and drive results. One of the many ways we help our clients generate leads and create conversions is through effective call-to-actions on their website. Some websites don’t use call-to-actions, and if they do, they aren’t effective. All of our websites are designed with results in mind, which means more leads, conversions and sales for you. Would your business benefit from that? We thought so too!
What is a Call-to-Action?
A call-to-action is a line of text, usually placed in an image that prompts visitors to take action. The action you want the visitor to take could be anything – “Click here to schedule your 30-minute consultation now,” “Download our free e-book,” or “Get started today!”
Call-to-actions can also be placed in e-mails, at the end of a blog or a social media post. Of course in the non-web world, call to actions are also used on just about any type of media advertisement including printed pieces, radio, TV and more.
Five Tips for Effective Call to Actions
Writing a call-to-action that compels your web visitor to action doesn’t have to be this long, overwhelming process. In fact, these five tips will simplify the process and allow your website to kick your business into overdrive.
1. Alignment/Relevancy
Have you ever clicked on a call-to-action only for it to lead to the wrong page? How does that affect business? If you’re depending on your website to bring you leads, a disconnect will have the visitor more likely to leave than become a lead.
The call-to-action must align with the page it lives on and where it redirects. We have a call-to-action at the bottom of our web design page encouraging visitors to schedule their 30-minute consultation. Since this page educates the visitor about our services, this call-to action fits the page by giving them the option to find out more about our web design services, ultimately creating a visitor into a lead. However, if that particular call-to-action lived on “The Simple Team” page, the visitor may feel that we are pushing our services too soon.
2. Clear and Compelling Message
Before a visitor clicks on a call-to-action, they have to be convinced they will get value out of doing so. One way to communicate value is through a clear and compelling message that creates a sense of urgency.
First, every call-to-action created needs to answer what you want the visitor to do and why. No one is going to click on a call-to-action that doesn’t communicate the benefits up front. When writing a call-to-action, plan for results that will not only accomplish your goal but also the visitors.
3. Use Them-Centric Copy
The majority of your website’s copy, including call-to-actions, should be solid, benefit-based content that speaks to your target demographic. It’s likely your customer is visiting your website to learn how a product will benefit them. Vague descriptions, fluffy words and industry jargon are too hard for visitors to understand and should be avoided.
Here at Rock Paper Simple, we practice what we teach. Using them-centric copy is one of our seven steps to building a marketing-focused website. Our webpage has call-to-actions and messaging that speak directly to our clients and their needs.
4. Visibility
Seems kind of obvious, but if your call-to-action isn’t visible, it’s pointless. Whether the call-to-action is placed above the fold or below, we found that as long as it’s near strong, supporting information, conversions will take place. Size and design are also important elements to consider. Visitors won’t notice your call-to-action if it falls flat and blends in with the page. By changing the button’s design to a complementary color (we call this an action color) and an appropriate size, it’s likely the visitor will notice and take action.
5. Keep It Simple
One of our company’s favorite phrases is “Keep It Simple.” Too often, we see businesses over-complicate their websites and marketing strategies to get a lead, when in reality, they end up pushing consumers away. Simplicity is what consumers want. Focus on delivering compelling content that concentrates on the user’s benefit and interests. Keep it simple, and they will engage.
Call-to-actions are one of the many ways Rock Paper Simple helps your website work for you and kick your business into overdrive. Would your business benefit from increased engagement? Click here to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation now!
