Your Call To Action

A call to action seems obvious but it's often missed by a lot of online marketers.

We're often told that the best marketing strategy is to offer lots of good, free information and ideas that our readers can benefit from. I completely agree, but where most publishers go wrong is they don't first think about what they want to accomplish with their writing. 

Free information is great but it should be provided with some intention in mind.  For example, to request a sale, a lead, a subscription, a contact, whatever it is you should be shooting for an objective with everything you write, even if it's simply to get someone to sign up for your newsletter. That's where your call to action comes in. 

Of course, it's not always easy to get your readers to respond to your call to action the way you want them to, but there are a few things you can do to help you not only develop a compelling call to action, but help ensure they act on your call.

Use Deadlines or Price Increases

If you're promoting something, get your reader to act by appealing to their fear of missing out.  So for example, 'order today and receive…', or 'sign up by noon tomorrow and you'll get…'.

Similarly, no one wants to pay more than they have to, so appealing to their wallet is another incentive.  For instance, 'only 24 hours left before the price doubles' or 'On May 3 our free trial offer expires'.  Be specific with your times, things like 'ending soon' or 'only a few days left' is too general and won't be as effective. 

Extend only one call to action at a time

Give me too many options and I'm confused, that's really how it is for most people. Give them too many choices and they won't make any. 

For example, you may offer 3 or 4 books at the end of an article as suggested reading because you love them and found them relevant, but your reader is much more likely to act on your suggestion if you mention only one book as opposed to three.   

Make your call to action when your reader is most engrossed

Here's an example of what this means.  Let's say you have a free guide on your weight loss website for how to lose ten pounds in ten days.  Someone coming to your website for the first time isn't always guaranteed to sign up for your free guide.  But let's say you have a weight loss tips article on your site as well.  This is the perfect place to display your 'lose ten pounds guide' by placing it right in the middle of that article.

If they're engrossed in your weight loss tips, this is the time to call them to get your free guide; this is when they are most likely to take you up on your offer. This strategy works very well with paid offers too. 

Choose your words carefully

It's not always what you say, it's how you say it.  For example, I get a much better response when I say things like 'get $20 off' as opposed to 'get 10% off'. People like specifics, using percentages isn't as clear as saying you'll get 20 bucks off.  

Next, use words that prompt action, for example, words like free, easy and fast, are the most popular but they're way over used. Instead try using words like 'no cost', 'effortless', quick or accelerated. 

Depending on your target market and what they respond to best, here are some lesser used but very effective words to help you get your message across and your call to action written:

For Indicating authority use words like:

notable

trend setting

widely recognized

renowned

distinguished

trusted by

endorsed by

widely used

most talked about

authentic

For Uniqueness use words like:

unrivaled

one and only

exceptional

beyond compare

unparalleled

quality

extraordinary

unique

only one of its kind

matchless

unbeatable

trend setting

out of the ordinary

For demonstrating Ease of use:

uncomplicated

trouble free

smooth

straightforward

natural

clean or clean cut

down to earth

effortless

unadorned

without a hitch

precise

clear and explicit

minimal

For demonstrating Strength:

Powerful

critical

awesome

compelling

fundamental

explosive

splendid

vibrant

necessary

influential

noteworthy

superseding

indispensable

significant

vital  

dominant

paramount

superior

essential

potent

For demonstrating desire:

appealing

hopeful

sleek

remarkable

profitable

alluring

amazing

astonishing

astounding

fabulous

marvelous

spectacular

radiant

enchanting

have a tendency to

trust

mystical

glowing

dazzling

pleasing

striking

satisfying

tantalizing

eye-catching

lucrative

envious, keen

inclined to

insatiable

curiosity

Call To Action Phrases:

decide now

order now

buy now

act not

I invite you to

Right now, I invite you to…

hurry, before it's gone

get it now!

don't wait!

limited time only

limited supply

don't miss

now is the time

it's now or never

So here's my call to action for you, if you liked this post, please share it

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