In marketing a call-to-action (CTA) is an instruction we incorporate in our content to provoke an immediate response from our audience. For example, “buy now” or “call now” are two common call-to-actions you may see or hear regularly in relation to marketing.

Politicians are experts in call-to-actions, especially around election time. Take Labor Party head Bill Shorten in the recent Australian elections, declaring that we need to “act now” before Turnbull’s Liberal government privatises Medicare. But we’re all aware that when it comes to politics, truth often gets in the way of a good story!

While CTA’s are vital in marketing to prompt audiences to take that next step to purchase, or find out more about a product or service, it’s important to be selective in the options you choose for your campaigns.  Because not all CTA’s result in an itchy click through trigger finger!

To help you select the right CTA formulas to get the best audience response, I’ve outlined 5 tried-and-true alternatives below. If you struggle to develop effective marketing campaigns with CTA’s for your business, find a marketing specialist to assist you.

#1 START YOUR FREE TRIAL NOW

“Start your free trial now” is a great CTA formula, as offering free services always attracts a large following. By adding the word “now” to the end of the CTA, you’re also creating a sense of urgency. The best part of offering a free trial to your audience, is once they have an opportunity to use your service, getting them to pay for it is easy!

#2 SUBSCRIBE NOW

While this CTA is quite common, having your audience subscribe to your company newsletter, website, or blog is an effective long-term marketing tactic, as it ensures you have their emails on file for future email marketing campaigns. It also encourages them to make a decision to buy or subscribe.

#3 LEARN MORE

By incorporating this simple and direct CTA in your marketing, it allows your audience the option to discover further information about a product or service at their leisure, while funnelling them toward making a decision to buy or subscribe.

#4 BUY NOW AND GET THIS FOR FREE WHILE STOCKS LAST!

Adding value by offering an additional product or service in your CTA is a popular drawcard for consumers. If you use the words “while stocks last” at the end of your CTA you’re also prompting buyers to act rapidly.

#5 ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER AVAILABLE. BUY NOW!

If you use the words “limited number” or list a specific number of products available, your audience will feel compelled to buy, rather than wait for a better offer, for fear they will miss out!

Quality call-to-actions can often be the difference between a marketing campaign being successful or having an average response rate. For help developing effective marketing campaigns with CTA’s for your business, speak to the marketing experts at Ad On Digital. Specialising in social media, television and digital marketing, the professional team can help make your business or brand stand out from your competitors. Call them today on (07) 5586 1400 or send them an email if you’d like to find out more!