Think about this … you’ve just written an amazing piece of content. You added research and statistics, you put emotion into it with stories, you put good energy into it as you sat down to write it. You know this piece of content will help people; it will be useful for people.
You put it out there and … never hear anything about it again from anyone!
It’s a common scenario for all business owners. But 99 percent of people have forgotten the most vital step … an awesome call to action!
What do you want people to do after they have read your content? Take action, right?
Yet, so many business owners, coaches, and course creators who write their own content don’t finish it off with a call to action that makes people want to take action!
There’s many reasons for this, it’s “salesy”, they don’t want to be annoying, they forget, or they don’t know what to put as their call to action.
So in this blog, I’m going to help you write an awesome call to action that actually makes people want to take the next step with you!
What is a call to action?
A call to action (CTA) is a marketing term to prompt an immediate response or encourage an immediate sale. A CTA most often refers to the use of words or phrases that can be incorporated into sales scripts, advertising messages, or web pages, which compel an audience to act in a specific way. (Source: Wikipedia)
Do you put a call to action on your content? And is it that call to action aligned to your business goals and objectives?
While this is the last step of the content writing process … because it’s one of the last things people read … it should actually be your first thought!
What’s the goal of the piece of content you have created and where are you directing people?
How does your goal relate to your call to action?
GOAL = Call to action
An awesome call to action: There are 2 types
There are two types of calls to action: Subtle and strong.
Subtle: Usually more casual and short, for example, book, buy, join, sign up or download. <you must have the link!>
Strong: The above, but with something more urgent. Usually, a number or time works a treat!
EXAMPLE:
For one of my book launch events … we started with the subtle call to action: “You can get your book launch tickets here on this link <insert link> or buy the book here <insert link>.”
Then we ramped it up to a strong call to action: “Only 20 tickets left. We’ve had 80 confirmed RSVPs and tickets sold already. Get your tickets TODAY so you don’t miss out<insert link>.”
NOTE: You would only use the correct number and not make it up … If you don’t have 20 tickets left, for example, you can use a time-based call to action. For example, there are only 24 hours left or I’ve only got 5 to give away.
Content is getting more and personal
As the push to create content for your audience gets bigger, so does the need to share personal content of your own within your business.
One of the big trends in recent years in content writing is to be more personal and this is the same for your calls to action.
When you are writing your awesome call to action, all you need to do is talk to your business bestie, and you do it in a way like this:
“If you are a small business owner who loves fashion and beauty, but you just don’t have the time each morning to “do your face”, why don’t you sign up to my free makeup styling session where I’ll give you all the hot tips on applying your makeup in 5 minutes. You can do that here, with the link.”
For my business, I would simply say: “If you’re a small business owner, coach or course creator and you would like to learn how to write online content that rocks and get results, but you just find it too time-consuming and you lack confidence in putting yourself out there, come and join me at one of my workshops where I’ll take you through a simple writing structure that will change your business and your life (hello, more leads, clients and opportunities!). You can book your spot here.”
By understanding your ideal client and audience, you can write copy that they can identify with and that they are more likely to take action on.
HOT TIPS ON CALLS TO ACTION:
I recommend not having something that just says, “for more information, call me on this number or email me at blah”.
- First, not a lot of people like to pick up the phone these days.
- Second, if you give an email address, they may or may not click on that because they don’t know what to say to you yet. Plus you can get a lot of spam from putting your email address out there online.
Your best bet is to use the above example so you can speak to your potential clients through your content and calls to action.
Want free copywriting tips?
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