The Blitz

What is an effective Call to Action?

June 11, 2020 / jennykate /

Have you heard the term “Call to Action” and thought, uh what?

Well, you’re not alone.

Most people understand the term, but the confusion comes in when you have to decide which one and what to do with it.

In marketing terms, a Call to Action, or CTA, is simply a request for your reader. It’s something you want them to do.

In my mind, these are more Facebook buttons than effective calls to action. They used to be effective, but now they are overused.

But that’s ok, because we’re writers.

We can come up with something more creative, because these days the best calls to action aren’t quite so salesy.

On your Instagram bio. The link in the bio needs a call to action so the reader knows what they’ll get when they click.
In Facebook ads to entice the reader to either sign up for your email list or buy your book.
Do you have a landing page for email sign ups? You’ll need one there too.

As you think about where to put the CTA, also think about how you can create one that is clever.

Is yours subtle? The subtler the better.

When people don’t feel like they are being marketed to, they are more likely to click.

Always use action verbs.

And even though you’re being subtle, you’re also being very clear about what the reader will get.