Does your website have a Call-To-Action?

If not, you need one.

What is a call-to-action? This is a simple process of telling your user to take action. I always ask people when they contact me about their website, “What do you want people to do when they land on your site?”

The Call-To-Action is the thing that tells them what to do because ultimately, your goal is to get something from them, whether it’s their contact info, them to call you, or to subscribe to your newsletter. You have a goal and it depends on getting people to do what you want them to do. So you have to ask.

Examples:

For our own website, the main thing we want is for users to request a quote. We want that form filled out and submit, so you’ll notice that we have several CTAs for that. It’s a separate button above the main navigation, but we also have another request a quote button periodically throughout the site. Here are a few variations of the button we’ve had over the years.

We also want users to subscribe to our blog, so if you’re on our blog page, you’ll see this at the top of the page:

Or you might see this in a pop up box:

Don’t assume your website visitors will know what to do. Tell them in clear, simple terms.

Tips for getting a response on your call to action

• Offer up something for free. People love free stuff. Offer a free “guide to something I can do” or a free evaluation or free consultation if they contact you.
• Offer up a discount. Sign up for the newsletter and get 20% off in the store. If you online shop at all, you have for sure seen this pop up.
• Use a great pop up. If you are new to our blog, you’ll get a pop up box that asks you nicely to subscribe to our blog.

Give them a compelling reason to give you what you want. You have something that interests them, that’s why they are on your website. Don’t let them leave without offering them something to make completing that call to action something they want to do. You’ll get a bigger return on your investment with a great call-to-action.