You want your business to grow. You have done all the things that are necessary to bring guests to your website – SEO, link bait, branding and more. And now that people are on your website, you want your guests to become your customers and clients. To do this, an effective call to action button is necessary. A successful call to action button prompts a user to take the next step, which results in conversions for a blog or website.
If you have yet to add a Call to Action button to your site, or perhaps are considering some changes to the one you currently have, there are several aspects to keep in mind in order to garner the results you desire:
Size
The bigger the button the more noticeable and more conversions you will typically have. If you increase the size of the button, be sure to increase the size of the text as well. A good rule of thumb is to use title case for 1 or 2 words and sentence case with 3 or more words. However, be careful not to have a call to action that is so large that it detracts from the site content.
Contrasting & Complementary Colors
There have been numerous studies showing how people respond to color. As a result, certain colors are known to have specific psychological reactions. For instance, soft blues and greens are soothing, while bold blue and green are often associated with strength or trust. Red is typically equated with power or action, while white is paired with purity or sterility. With the psychology of color in mind, decide on the color for your call to action button.
For larger buttons choose a color that is not too bold, smaller buttons do well with brighter colors. In addition, be sure the color does not detract from the overall design. Another consideration when selecting a color for your call to action is how it will be seen by a person who is colorblind.
Position
Position your call to action above the fold as that is where visitors first look and then decide where to go next. However, you may also want a CTA at the bottom of the page as a reminder. Other elements to consider in the placement of your call to action button are:
- The overall look of your page, remember that less is often more so distractions should be kept to a minimal
- Use white space; this will help your call to action stand out.
- Typically, the eye moves down the page from left to right when reading. A button at the top right of the page will have fewer conversions than one in the middle or beneath the left column of text.
Shape/Contours
Your call to action buttons should look real and be well designed. This is accomplished by using gradients, drop shadows or rounded corners. These touches add professionalism. Another great way to encourage your site guests to press the call to action button(s) is a 3-D look. But as with any visual flare,use moderation in any effects you use.
Provide Information
Let people know a bit more information before they click on something. Be brief, but if you can include a few details on the button, do it.
Choose Your Wording with Care
Rather than saying “Buy now” say “Learn more”; not “Register” but “Sign up”, say “Receive updates” or “Stay connected” as these alternate phrases are less scary for your guests. However, when appropriate, word like “Now,” “Today”, “Instant” or ‘Quick” are ideal for encouraging action.
Give the Call to Action Button a “Hover” Feature
This is just a simple way to let site guests know that it is a button. Whether the button changes colors or just gets brighter, having a hover feature makes your Call to Action button more recognizable.
Number
Don’t have too many call to action buttons; in fact, there should not be more than 2 primary call to action’s. Keep in mind that the more buttons you have the less impact the call to action button will have. You should think about the purpose of your website and tailor the call to action around it.
Your call to action button is an important element of your website. As such, you want to use it to the full potential available. If you are unsure how to implement a call to action button, talk to the designers here at Page Progressive. We want to see you be successful. Call us today if you have questions regarding a CTA or any other webpage design elements.