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7 tips for a good Call to Action button for Internet Marketing

So we have done the hard work on getting the internet to our website, but sometimes we let them slip away with no call to action! 

Every website should have a call to action, a response you want users to complete. So how do you create an effective call to action?

Having an effective call to action is an essential part of any website. It is not just limited to ecommerce sites. Every website should have an objective of what it want the user to do, or complete filling in a contact form to request for information, signup for a newsletter or to request a demo.

A call to action provides...

• Focus to your site
• A way to measure your sites success
• Engage with the users of your website
• Direction to your users

So how do create a great call to action!

1: Why do they need it?

Like all sales there has to be a need, so has your site created a need that your call to action can fix?  So take this call to action found on HubSpot.com.  They have created the need with "Optimize your website to get found by more prospects and generate more leads".  Then by clicking on the call to actions, we can start the process of fixing issues and start generating more leads!

2: Offer a little more

Sometimes you may have to sweeten the deal to encourage users to complete a call to action.  In this case it is offering a change for an exclusive phone!  There has to be that reason to click now, and why.

3. Have a small limit of distinct call to actions

It is also important to be focused in your calls to action. Too many and the user becomes overwhelmed.   Studies in supermarkets have shown that if the shopper is presented with too many varieties they are less likely to make a purchase.  So why try and make the same error on your website.

By limiting the number of choices a user has to make we reduce the amount of mental effort. Effectively you guide the user around the site step by step.

For example if you look at the Skype home page, they only have 3 "call to action" buttons.

 

4: Use active and urgent buttons

A call to action should clearly tell users what you want them to do. They should include active words such as:

• Call
• Buy
• Register
• Subscribe
• Trial

All of these encourage users to take an action.

To create a sense of urgency and a need to act now, these words can be used alongside phrases such as:

• Offer expires March 31st
• For a short time only
• Order now and receive a free gift

Back to HubSpot, in their call to actions they have "Get Started" and "Register Now"

6: The position of you "Call to Action"

Another important factor is the position of your call to action on the page. Ideally it should be placed high on the page and in the central column.

Once again to the HubSpot home page, right in the centre and high on the page.

 

7: Try to have a call of action on every page!

Just think every page on your website as a chance to engage the user!  Look at the HubSpot website!