7 Tips to Writing Effective Calls To Action

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase through the link, I get a small percentage at no additional charge to you. See my disclaimer policy for more info.

When you produce content for your virtual assistant business, do you invite your audience to connect with you? Including a call to action (CTA) can encourage your audience to take the next step with you.

Here are some examples of CTAs:

• leave a comment
• sign up for your newsletter
• schedule a call
• download your e-book
• make a purchase

But what makes your CTA compelling enough to get your audience to take the next step? Here are seven tips to help you write effective calls to action…CTAs that convert:

1. Keep it Simple

Your CTA should be clear and concise. Don't try to pack too much into it. Instead, focus on one key message you want your audience to take away or one simple step you want them to take.

By keeping it simple, they are more likely to remember what you want them to do. They will also be less likely to lose interest if they have to go back to your content to remember what you wanted them to do.

2. Make Your CTA Relevant

Your CTA needs to be relevant to the content of your article or blog post. If it's not, your readers are likely to be confused and may not take action.

For example, you’re writing about finding clients but your CTA invites them to buy a course about journaling. There’s no direct connection to encourage your audience to act.

3. Use Persuasive Language

Your CTA should use strong, persuasive language that urges your audience to act. Words like "free," "now," and "instant" or phrases like “this week only” or “for a few hours” can be effective in driving conversions. 

Also, use simple language and avoid using jargon or industry-specific terms that may confuse your audience.

4. Offer Your Audience an Incentive

Giving your audience an incentive to act can be very powerful. The incentive can be a discount code or a freebie. What you’re doing is offering them something of value that will increase the chances of them following through on your CTA.

5. Add a Relevant Image

Including an image with your CTA can be appealing to your audience. An image can help your CTA stand out and be more effective.

For example, if your CTA invites them to schedule a call, include an image of you on the phone.

If you are encouraging them to sign up for your course about productivity, use an image with items checked off on a list.

The key is to use eye-catching images that support your message and appeal to your audience. They will more likely entice them to take action.

6. Make Your CTA Easy to Take Action

Your CTA should be easy to follow and lead your audience to the next step without any confusion.

Use verbs like "download," "subscribe," "register," or "buy now" to create a sense of urgency and make the reader feel like they need to act now.

Make sure your links are working and that roadblocks do not prevent them from following through.

7. Test Your CTA

This step is one you don’t want to forget. You can write different CTAs to see which one converts the best. After you determine which ones are working for you, fine-tune them (if necessary) for better results. Also, consider A/B testing to determine what works best for your audience.

Final Thoughts

Writing a compelling CTA is essential to driving conversions. The next time you're creating content, think about the most effective CTA to include.

Place it in strategic locations, such as at the end of a blog post or in the sidebar of your website. This will make it easy for readers to find your CTA and take action.

Then assess the difference it makes by checking your analytics e.g. number of downloads.

Need help creating your CTAs? Get your hands on my 7-step action plan.