Why CTAs Are A Must Have For Websites
Keeping internet users on a webpage is easier said than done. The realm of the World Wide Web is huge and limitless, and with that in mind, it can be said that in order for websites to continually nab their audience's attention, they pages, content, and offered user experience must be unique. As an avid user/visitor of the internet, I can say that this thought does ring true. Although I do enjoy reading articles or posts that are filled with extensive and complicated information, I easily get bored once I have reached a certain number of words. Once my interest meter drops, I instinctively open up a new tab, search for another subject to read, and unceremoniously close the previous one. That is why I do appreciate websites that keep me entertained with their short and sweet (and sometimes even elaborate) posts, because my mind is constantly learning something new. However, this kind of method does not work with all websites – especially to those who cannot help but post long winding information. Personally, I think that the best way websites can keep their users glued to their pages is by forming a bond through interaction; and one great way to do it is by placing a call to action in the content.
What is a Call to Action (CTA) Button?
The call to action button has been on most websites for a very long time. Be it a banner or a hyperlinked text, the goal of this button is quite simple: to encourage internet users click them. In the perspective of the internet user, these elements make it easier and more manageable to navigate through the site. However, in the terms of SEO, the call to action button has more than one role.
Helps Boost Content
CTAs bring users to other pages that exist within a website. The ultimate goal is to lengthen the audience's retention span, this nifty button will lead them to content that they have never seen, and at the same time, increases the traffic of the website.
Generates Conversions
Since these buttons are quite difficult to ignore, it is highly likely that interested users will click on them once they get a chance. From closed and/or potential leads to an increase of site traffic, CTAs will definitely give websites the conversions they need.
Entice their Users to Click
For websites that are business in nature, CTAs give them the opportunity to promote themselves to their audience. Be it an event that they are hosting or a once in a lifetime promo, it will be certain that once their users are interested with what is offered, they will click away.
How to Create the Perfect CTA Button
With the many benefits CTAs have to offer, a lot of companies have utilized this tool to improve their website's design and performance. However, the formula for creating the perfect button is not that simple. There are many factors web designers must consider when creating a call to action button, so, after the website has been created, they must look into these following aspects.
Level of Persuasion
CTAs are not supposed to be boring. They are supposed to evoke the audience's interests, but at the same time, present the material in a fun and energetic manner. No one wants to be bossed around in a mean or rough voice. So, in order to create a persuasive CTA, the button must have the following characteristics.
Must be Compelling
Presents a Sense of Urgency
Action-Oriented
Written in First Person (for a more personalized touch)
Color
Although web designers have access to every shade and hue, it does not give them the freedom to mix and match every color palette imaginable. Some colors, like red, are not as inviting as the color blue, while writing the message with a bright color, like yellow, and placing it over a white background is impossible to see. Color is an important aspect when it comes to CTAs. So, when it comes to choosing the shades, designers should consider using tones that complement one another, or consult the color palette of their clients.
Size
Of course these buttons need to be seen. However, it should not overcrowd the webpage nor should it be too small and become seemingly invisible. The main purpose of these CTAs is for it to be clicked by the users, so sizing up the button, just enough for the targeted audience to notice, should be enough.
Location
Depending on what the website offers, the location of the CTA will matter. For example, users who love to shop online need to be able to see the "shopping cart" image/button to confirm their orders. This CTA should not be placed near the products because shoppers can accidentally click on it and purchase the item without even knowing it. It is better to place it below or above the shopping window, so that they will be able to see it before and/or after they have picked their items.
Content
CTAs only reveal a certain amount of information to the audience. If they say too much, then the purpose of it being on the webpage is voided, while saying too little will confuse the users. Keeping it short and sweet but, at the same time, informative, will give internet users enough material to know what exactly they are getting themselves into.
With the help of CTAs websites will be able to operate in their full potential. Because of its interactive, witty, and yet, straight to the point nature, internet users will be able to stay on the sites longer because they know that what they are looking for is somewhere within the website's contents. It will give internet users an easier time to navigate within the pages, which translates to better leads and higher traffic rates. Finally, by having these buttons displayed in the webpages, internet users will feel a sense of immediate interaction between them and the site thus, generating a very unique internet experience.
