Compelling Call-to-Action Phrases and How to Use Them
Of course it feels good to have thousands of followers on Instagram and Twitter, but when it comes down to it, those likes and follows aren’t valuable unless they come with action. Whether it’s an Instagram post, blog article, or tweet, we will teach you how to inspire your audience to do something beyond just seeing it.
Words are very powerful and learning how to use the right ones in your call to action (CTA) phrases can dramatically increase your conversions. Crafting a strong CTA is part science and part art. Understanding why certain phrases are more effective than others and learning how to implement them into your content will make you a master at creating CTA’s that succeed.
- Phrase focus: Persuasion.
If your aim is to persuade people to choose your product or service, then try mixing these phrases into your CTA:
- You
- Guarantee
- Results
- Free
- Because
- New
The phrases above are among the most persuasive words in the English language – but why? Using the word “you” can completely change the tone of your writing. As a general rule of thumb for creating content that’s engaging, you should try to write in the second person (i.e. you and your) whenever possible. It makes your content much more conversational and personal. That’s why personalized calls to action do 42% better than generic ones.
If you had a choice between two weight loss programs (one that guaranteed results and one that didn’t) which would you be more likely to try out? The words “guarantee” and “results” are effective because they eliminate the risk of trying a product or using a service. To the customer/ client, they would see no reason not to use your business.
- Phrase focus: Urgency.
Creating a sense of urgency gets customers to take action immediately instead of holding off on the purchase. More often than not, if someone doesn’t sign up for your service on the spot, chances are, they will not be coming back to you tomorrow – or ever. The sooner you can get people to take action, the better. Here are some effective CTA phrases that will create urgency.
- Only X days left
- Limited supply
- Closing soon
- While supplies last
- Today only
- Last chance
- Offer ends on “date”
- Hurry
- Immediately
- Now
Creating a sense of urgency or scarcity also makes people take action out of the fear of missing out on a good deal. It boils down to “loss aversion” which is a theory that implies people are more emotionally drawn to losing things than gaining them. It makes you more likely to jump on a good deal to avoid losing out on the opportunity.
- Phrase focus: Exclusivity
There is a sense of community to these phrases, as people are drawn to being part of a special or exclusive group. Try some of these phrases to convey that message.
- Members Only/Subscribers only
- Only available to X
- Pre-register/Pre-order
- Limited spots
- Exclusive access
All of these phrases imply that if someone doesn’t take action right now, they’re going to be left out of a special group or club. By signing up, making the purchase or filling out a form, they’ll be a part of a closed group that others cannot access.
What are some effective call-to-action techniques, phrases, or tactics YOU use in your marketing? Leave us a comment below!
