What is a call-to-action?
A call-to-action – or CTA – is a phrase or statement that encourages a reader or visitor to take the next desired step. Common examples of calls-to-action include things like ‘Buy Now’, ‘Learn More’, or ‘Sign up’. They help to clearly guide people to the next stage in their journey, often towards a conversion.
Effective calls-to-action are not only used at the end of a page, they’re often also subtly included throughout a page, article or post to maintain engagement. The key is not to make them too frequent or ‘pushy’, however. The aim is to guide a person to naturally want to take the next step in their journey with your brand.
Most common types of CTAs.
Examples of calls-to-action extend beyond conventional text. They can exist in many different formats, even within copy itself. Here are a few key types of CTA you could use across your campaigns:
Buttons are used to drive immediate action (e.g., ‘Buy Now’, ‘Get Started’), often at the end of a paragraph, section, or page – or above the fold. They stand out among copy and are designed to be bold and eye-catching. They are best used at key conversion points, like on product landing pages or within sign-up flows.
Things to keep in mind:
- Use contrasting colours for visibility
- Keep text action-oriented and concise
- Place above the fold and at decision points
- Ensure they’re touch-friendly on mobile.
Form CTAs are used to collect user data such as email addresses, feedback, or payment details. They're most effective for lead generation, newsletter sign-ups, and purchases. A well-designed form puts user experience first, prioritising ease of use to encourage completion.
Things to keep in mind:
- Only ask for essential information
- Use clear field labels and questions
- Break into steps if it’s long or complex
- Include trust signals (e.g. a ‘No spam’ notice).
Banners.
Banners are often used to highlight time-sensitive promotions, updates, or important announcements without disrupting the flow of content. Positioned at the top or bottom of the page, website banners offer a subtle but effective way to guide users towards an action.
Things to keep in mind:
- Keep copy short with one clear CTA
- Use a bold yet non-intrusive design
- Make them dismissible with a clear ‘close’ button
- Ensure they’re mobile-responsive.
Contextual links.
Contextual links are placed naturally within content to encourage further action, such as reading more, signing up, or buying a product. They feel organic and provide value without interrupting the reading experience.
Things to keep in mind:
- Use descriptive and natural anchor texts
- Style links clearly but subtly
- Place links where they feel relevant and helpful
- Avoid link stuffing – it can feel spammy and too pushy.
Pop-ups.
Pop-ups are overlay elements designed to capture attention quickly – often used for newsletter sign-ups or special offers. They interrupt user browsing, so they should be used selectively and only triggered based on user behaviour.
Things to keep in mind:
- Trigger based on scroll, time delay, or exit intent
- Keep messaging short with a strong headline
- Always include a visible ‘close’ option
- Avoid repetitive or frequent use.
Slide-ins.
Slide-ins appear from the side or bottom of the screen and are often a less disruptive alternative to pop-ups. They can be used to offer help, advertise promos, or highlight relevant content to users.
Things to keep in mind:
- They should be triggered after scroll depth or time on page
- Keep content concise and targeted
- Avoid covering essential content – just extra information
- Include a clear way to dismiss, similar to pop-ups.
QR codes.
QR codes are a physical type of CTA that connect offline and online content. When scanned using a smartphone camera, they can direct users to digital content, like a website or an app. They’re commonly used on things like posters, packaging and business cards to help drive digital engagement from ‘real world’ touchpoints.
Things to keep in mind:
- Link to mobile-optimised content
- Include a short, clear call-to-action – e.g. ‘Scan to get 10% off’
- Make sure the code is large enough to scan easily
- Test on multiple devices and in different lighting conditions.
Action words to use in your calls-to-action.
Action words, as the name suggests, encourage people to take immediate action – often sitting at the beginning of the CTA. Typically verbs or ‘doing’ words, they’re emotive and practical, telling readers exactly what the next step is, and how to do it. Some good CTA action word examples include:
- Discover
- Learn
- Click
- Read
- Start
- Try
- Join
- Learn
- Explore
- Subscribe
- Find
- Watch
- Save
- Shop
- Access
CTA buttons can help capture users’ attention and work well above the fold or as prompts at the end of sections. Discover some great examples of call-to-action buttons below.