A website without strong Call-To-Actions (CTAs) is like a shop without a door. People may admire it from the outside but won’t step in. CTAs play a key role in guiding visitors to take the next step — whether that’s subscribing to a newsletter, sharing a post, placing an order, or leaving a review.
Many businesses, especially eCommerce platforms, rely heavily on CTAs to convert website visitors into buyers or subscribers. However, not every CTA works. It’s not about adding a button; it’s about making that button meaningful, timely, and user-friendly.
Let’s explore six powerful CTAs that can make any website more engaging, along with examples, real benefits, and strategic advice on where and how to use them.
1. Blog-Based CTAs – Invite Readers to Stay Longer
Many businesses publish blog content to inform and attract new visitors. But what happens after a user finishes reading? If there’s no clear CTA, they simply close the tab.
Blog-based CTAs offer options like:
- “Subscribe for more tips”
- “Leave a comment below”
- “Download our free eBook”
- “Get weekly updates”
These CTAs are placed at the end of blog posts or within the text body, nudging the reader to take action while they’re still engaged.
Why it works:
- Keeps visitors on the site longer
- Starts building an email list
- Turns casual readers into loyal followers
Pro Tip: Use a contrasting button color and simple language like:
“Get Instant Tips – Subscribe Now”
Also, don’t underestimate the power of asking questions in blog CTAs. Phrases like “What’s your opinion?” or “Have you tried this method?” create space for conversations, which Google also rewards through increased time on site and interaction.
2. Follow/Share CTAs – Turn Users into Brand Promoters
Social sharing is a free and fast way to promote your brand, but you have to ask people to do it. Follow/Share CTAs are simple buttons like:
- “Share this with your network”
- “Follow us on Instagram”
- “Tweet this tip”
These CTAs are best placed:
- Beside blog titles
- In thank-you pages
- At the end of service pages
- In website footers
Why it works:
- Builds social proof
- Increases brand visibility
- Drives referral traffic
Use recognizable icons (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp) and keep the text short. You can also embed these inside pop-ups or sticky bars on mobile.
Example CTA button: Follow Us for Daily Offers
Don’t forget to open links in a new tab so users aren’t pulled away from your website.
3. Surprise CTAs – Add a Touch of Delight
Sometimes a CTA does not need to be boring or predictable. Surprise CTAs are unexpected but relevant. Instead of a generic “Click here,” use CTAs like:
- “Grab your free bonus”
- “Spin to win a coupon”
- “Reveal today’s deal”
- “Pick a mystery offer”
These CTAs often work well for eCommerce, subscription services, or landing pages running limited-time offers.
Why it works:
- Increases click-through rates
- Creates emotional excitement
- Gives users a sense of exclusivity
Best Practice: Show surprise CTAs in modals or floating bars, but keep timing smart. For example, trigger them:
- After 20 seconds of engagement
- When a user scrolls 70% of the page
- Right before exit intent (mouse movement to close tab)
These are good places to use interactive tools like spin wheels, countdown timers, or scratch-to-reveal animations.
4. Fancy CTAs – Bring Fun to Function
Fancy CTAs aren’t just about looks. They use creativity and movement to grab attention. Think of buttons that:
- Animate slightly on hover
- Use emojis
- Change text when clicked
Example:
“Yes, I want this!”
“Unlock My Discount”
These are ideal for brands targeting younger or visually-oriented audiences like:
- Fashion
- Tech gadgets
- Food & beverages
Why it works:
- Captures user attention quickly
- Creates brand recall
- Looks modern and engaging
Warning: Avoid overuse. Don’t make every button bounce or flash. Use fancy styles only where it adds value without slowing the page speed or looking amateurish.
Also, make sure the buttons are accessible. Use alt text, clear font contrast, and test on both mobile and desktop.
5. Sidebar CTAs – Stay Present Without Disturbing
Sidebar CTAs are great for persistent visibility. They are usually placed on the right or left side of the webpage and stay visible as the user scrolls.
They can include:
- “Book a Free Consultation”
- “Live Chat Support”
- “Contact Sales”
Sidebar CTAs are especially useful on:
- Long blogs
- Case studies
- Service detail pages
Why it works:
- Always visible, no matter where the user scrolls
- Not intrusive
- Perfect for complex content where users might need help
Advanced Tip: Use sticky sidebars that adjust based on scroll behavior. On mobile, turn them into bottom bars for better UX.
Also, use chatbots or contact forms in sidebar CTAs to give users direct action options.
6. Review-Based CTAs – Let Customers Speak for You
One of the most powerful CTAs is the one that asks your users to share their experience. Review-based CTAs help build trust and allow you to gather feedback.
CTA examples:
- “Leave a quick review”
- “Share your experience”
- “Rate your purchase”
Place these on:
- Order confirmation pages
- Post-service emails
- Product pages
Why it works:
- Builds credibility and trust
- Improves search rankings (especially on product pages)
- Increases return visits
Showing even negative reviews with a genuine response increases transparency. Visitors are more likely to trust a brand that handles criticism professionally.
Use star rating plugins or integrated tools like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or Yotpo to display reviews with CTA links.
Extra Tips to Make CTAs Convert Better
Let’s now look at important features and strategies that boost CTA success:
Button Size and Color
- Use bold colors that contrast with your website background
- Ensure buttons are large enough to tap on mobile
Clear and Action-Based Language
- Don’t say: “Click Here”
- Instead say: “Download Free Guide” or “Start My Trial”
Use Scarcity or Urgency
Example:
“Offer ends in 2 hours!”
“Only 3 seats left!”
Personalization Boosts Clicks
Use smart CTAs like:
- “Hey Alex, get your exclusive discount”
- “Because you liked our blog on SEO, here’s a free checklist”
Test. Then Test Again.
Use A/B testing tools to try different button texts, sizes, or placements. What works for one audience may not work for another.
Tools for CTA testing:
- Google Optimize
- Hotjar
- Optimizely
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes is as important as applying the right strategy.
Mistake | Why It’s Bad |
---|---|
Too many CTAs on one page | Confuses users, leads to no action |
Vague button labels | People won’t click what they don’t understand |
Not mobile-friendly buttons | Hard to tap = lost conversion |
Missing analytics tracking | You won’t know what’s working or failing |
Generic, boring language | Doesn’t connect or motivate action |
Final Thoughts
Your website may have great design and content, but without proper CTAs, visitors may leave without taking any valuable action. CTAs are the real triggers that help you build relationships, collect leads, drive sales, and improve engagement.
From Blog-based CTAs that encourage subscriptions to Review-based CTAs that build trust, each type has a role to play. By adding visuals, testing their placements, and writing better copy, you can turn any basic CTA into a powerful conversion tool.
Start small, measure results, and always ask yourself:
“If I were a visitor, would I click this?”
If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.