All business websites need a call to action, which is a course of action that you want visitors to do. So, what’s the best way to get your website visitors to do this? How do you produce a call to action that really works?

Have you run out of ways to get your business to grow? Are you stumped at what you should be doing with your website? Do you require some advice from someone new?

You must have an efficient call to action as a crucial section of any business website. It’s not just business websites that need a call to action, as it should be a part of all sites where there is something you want your visitors to do such as signing up for your newsletter or email or filling out some kind of form, etc.

A call to action does the following:
• Provides a Focus on your website
• Provides a reliable method to determine a site’s success
• Provides visitors a sense of direction

So, what’s the best way to produce a call to action that really works? Take a look at the following 4 methods:

1. Set up the deal
Before a website visitor is set to react to your call to action they must recognize there is a need for doing so. For example, TV commercials know how to do this. They show the problem, tell viewers how their product will solve it and then show the product. A Call to Action has to help the viewer or reader to know what your product is going to do for them or how it can solve their problem. What will they get for reacting to your call to action?

One example is how Skype sells is VOIP phone service. Right beside their website download button to get the program, they tell visitors to “Make phone calls from their Internet capable device, as Skype makes these calls free to other Skype members, as well as cheap to other people worldwide.”
The idea is to explain what your customers will get by reacting to your call of action like Skype explains that if people download their program they get free calls to Skype members and cheap calls to others all over the world.

2. Give them a bonus or freebie
Another way to get a visitor to your site to react to your call to action is to give them a bonus for doing so. This could be thing like coupons, discounts, a contest entry or a free gift like an e-book or product sample.

3. Don’t make your call to action too complicated
It’s also vital to make the call to action easy to understand and accomplish. If you make it too complicated the person won’t want to do it. For example, make it something easy to understand like filling out a form to get your newsletter or adding their email to your email list. You need to guide them through each step of the process and not make too many steps to get the call to action answered.

4. Stay away from passive language
Your call to action should also be direct and use active voice. Encourage them to take action by telling them things like “register” or “subscribe” or “Donate.” Also be sure to make it urgent for them to do so immediately by using phrases like “limited offer” or “for a short time” or “order now and get a free gift.”

To create a sense of urgency and a need to act now, these words can be used alongside phrases such as:
The bottom line is that an effective call to action is the cornerstone to having a successful business website and to get one you must have an easy to navigate site, with a good attractive design, and up to date and relevant content. If you do this, you will have a good return on your investment and get the visitors to do the things you want and react to your call to action. Contact me and I will audit your website and come with some free advice how you can improve your website and drive more business.