Running a business means getting people to take action—whether it’s calling you, filling out a form or booking a service online. But here’s the thing: you’ve got to tell them exactly what to do and you’ve got to make them want to do it. That’s why you need a strong call to action (CTA). In this article, we give you the formula to create one.
Imagine this: Your roof is leaking. Water is starting to drip through the ceiling and you need help, fast! What’s the first thing you do? You pull out your phone, open Google and type “roof repair” into the search bar. Within seconds, a list of local businesses pops up.
Now, like most people, you’re probably clicking on the first few results. But here’s where the real decision happens—what makes you call one business over the others? It’s not just about who ranked first or even who had the best reviews. No, often, what really grabs you is a strong offer. Maybe it’s “Call Now for Same-Day Roof Repairs” or perhaps “Get 10% Off Emergency Roof Services Today.” It’s clear, urgent and gives you a reason to act right away.
That’s exactly what a Call to Action (CTA)—this simple (usually fairly short) phrase that tells people what action to take next—does. It’s the final push that gets potential customers to choose your business over the competition.
Driving potential clients to your site isn’t enough though—you actually need to turn those visitors into customers! Without a strong CTA, all your (and Olly Olly’s) hard work in getting found online could go to waste.
Because yes, even people with roof leaks are looking for a good deal!
Why a Strong CTA Matters for Your Business
A clear and strong CTA can be the difference between someone just browsing your site and actually becoming a paying customer. It makes it easy for people to know what to do next, like scheduling a service or asking for a quote.
And we’re not making it up, studies back this up too:
- According to Unbounce, having a clear, no-nonsense CTA can increase conversions by up to 80%.
- WordStream found that a well-placed and well-designed CTA can boost click-through rates (CTR) by as much as 371%.
Without a solid CTA, you could be missing out on business that’s right there for the taking….
Ok, now that you know why a strong CTA matters, let’s dive into the specifics of how it should be crafted to help you get more business:
1. A Strong CTA Gets People to Act Now
You’ve probably noticed it yourself—people usually don’t have a lot of time to think things over. Because life has a tendency to get in the way…!
So if someone’s checking out your website or seeing your ad, they’re likely busy, distracted or just scrolling through. So, your CTA needs to get them to stop and act right away.
Take a look at this example:
- Weak CTA: “Learn More About Our Pool Remodeling Services”
- Strong CTA: “Get 20% Off Your Pool Remodel – Call Now for a Free Consultation!”
See the difference? The first one says “learn more,” but doesn’t give any good reason to act. The second one not only gives them a clear action—call now—but also offers something that catches their attention: a sweet 20% discount.
This combination of a clear action and an enticing offer is what makes this CTA strong.
2. Show Them “What’s in It for Them”
People want to know what they’ll get if they do what you’re asking. That’s why a strong CTA includes a benefit—something that makes it worth picking up the phone or clicking that button.
Here’s a comparison:
- Weak CTA: “Contact Us for HVAC Services”
- Strong CTA: “Get a Filter Cleaning and System Check-up for Only $65! Call (123) 456-SOCO Today!”
In the first example, the customer doesn’t really know what they’ll get from contacting you. It’s simply too vague… But in the second, it’s crystal clear—they’re getting a service for a specific price.
A good CTA gives people a reason to act and makes that benefit super-duper obvious.
3. Give people a reason to act fast
Ever felt like you were going to miss out on a great deal? That’s exactly how you want your customers to feel when they see your CTA. A sense of urgency—like a limited-time offer or a seasonal deal—gets people to act quickly, instead of putting it off until later (which often means… well… never).
Here’s how urgency works:
- Weak CTA: “Get Started with Our HVAC Services”
- Strong CTA: “Summer Special: Free Estimates on System Installations – Call (123) 456-SOCO Now!”
The weak CTA doesn’t push the customer to act right away. The strong one ties the offer to a specific time (Summer Special) and throws in a bonus—free estimate. This sense of urgency taps into people’s fear of missing out (FOMO), a powerful motivator that often leads to quicker decisions because they don’t want to lose an opportunity.
CTA Examples: Tailoring Your Offers to Create Action
Sometimes, the best CTAs are the ones tied directly to service packages or promotions. Offering clear, value-driven packages can turn casual visitors into paying customers.
Below are a few CTA ideas based on different service offerings that could be customized to fit your business:
Option 1: Nice ‘N Easy Package
“Book Our Nice ‘N Easy Package for Just $270 – Includes 2 Annual Inspections and 10% Off System Upgrades!“
This CTA clearly communicates value—2 inspections plus a discount on upgrades—while emphasizing a straightforward price. By including specifics, you make it easy for potential customers to see the benefit.
Option 2: Full Season Package
“Get Year-Round Coverage with Our Full Season Package – 4 Inspections & 10% Off Upgrades for Only $470! Call Today!“
Here, urgency is built into the message, encouraging customers to secure ongoing service now. It also highlights long-term benefits, making it appealing for clients who value extended service.
These are just a couple of examples of how you can present service packages in a compelling way. By aligning your CTA with a clear value proposition, you’re making it easier for your audience to say “yes.”
4. Use Words That Push Them to Act
The words you use in your CTA matter more than you might think. Active, direct language gets people to act, while passive phrases don’t give them the little push they need.
Let’s break it down:
- Weak CTA: “Let Us Help You Remodel Your Pool”
- Strong CTA: “Refresh Your Pool for Less – Call Today and Get $300 Off!”
In the first version, the CTA is not giving people a strong reason to act now. But the second version? It’s full of energy. Words like “refresh,” “call today,” and “get $300 off” make the offer feel more exciting and urgent.
5. Show why you’re the best choice
Let’s face it—people have options. And you’re just one among many businesses out there offering similar services. A strong CTA helps you stand out AND grabs attention, making your offer more memorable than your competition’s.
For example:
- Weak CTA: “Contact Us Today For Pool Remodeling”
- Strong CTA: “Transform Your Pool into a Backyard Oasis – Call Us Now for a Free Consultation!”
The weak CTA is just a plain statement, but the strong CTA paints a picture of what they’ll get—a transformed pool—and offers a clear next step: call for a free consultation.
6. Address the Pain Points of Your Audience
Do you know what’s one of the best ways to make your CTA truly stand out? By addressing your target audience’s key pain points. For example, if you know that most of your clients have issues with an aging pool tailor your CTA to mirror those challenges.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Weak CTA: “Let Us Help You Remodel Your Pool”
- Strong CTA: “Tired of Cracks and Stains? Let Us Restore Your Pool’s Beauty! Call Now!”
By targeting the specific problems your customers are facing, you show them that you really understand their needs—and that your business is the solution they’ve been looking for.
7. Personalize Your CTA with Seasonal Offers and Deals
There’s one more way to make your CTA even more powerful: tailoring it to the time of year or a special occasion. For industries affected by seasonality—like pool remodeling or HVAC maintenance—timing your CTA around key seasons or holidays can increase urgency and relevance.
For example:
- Weak CTA: “Get Started with HVAC Services”
- Strong CTA: “Summer Special: $75 Off HVAC Tune-Up and Free System Check! Call (123) 456-SOCO Today!”
This seasonal approach works because it taps into the customer’s immediate needs or interests. And if you’re open to holiday promotions—like Black Friday, Christmas, or Mother’s Day—these limited-time offers can create even more urgency. People love to feel like they’re getting a deal tied to a specific event.
Holiday-based CTA example:
“Black Friday Sale! 20% Off Pool Remodeling. Book Before It’s Too Late!”
8. Coupons and CTAs – The Power of the Right Words (Bonus)
Coupons are a great way to attract customers, but the right CTA can make or break their effectiveness. A well-crafted CTA can turn a coupon from just another offer into an irresistible reason to take immediate action.
Let’s break down what makes a CTA for a coupon strong—and what doesn’t, by looking at an example:
Early Bird Fur-Fur-Furnace
Tune-ups now available!
Beat the fall rush & book your early bird furnace check today.
$109
Valid through: 9/15/2024
Limit one coupon per transaction.
Claim Now
Why it works: This CTA is clear and direct. It uses action-oriented language (“Claim Now”) that creates urgency. Plus, the offer itself—an early bird furnace check—addresses a seasonal need. Customers know exactly what they’re getting, how much it costs and the benefit of acting fast (before the fall rush). All of this encourages immediate action.
How to Create a CTA That Works
The bottom line is you’ve got to give them a reason to want to do it—and to do it now. If you want people to take action, that is. A strong CTA can be the difference between someone scrolling past your ad or site and someone picking up the phone to call you.
Want to make sure your CTA is up to par? Here’s a quick checklist:
- Be clear: Tell people exactly what to do.
- Give them something valuable: Give them a reason to act—like a discount, free consultation, or seasonal special.
- Make it urgent: Show why they need to act now, not later.
- Use active language: Words like “Call Now,” “Get,” and “Claim” get people moving.
- Stand out: Your CTA should make your business shine, especially compared to competitors.
If you’re ever unsure about your CTAs or want a second opinion, just give your account manager a shout! They’re always happy to help.
Not an SEO services client yet? Call 877-Olly-Olly today and we’ll make sure your business not only gets found by the right people but also chosen!
Our Commitment to You
At Olly Olly, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We know that marketing can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve got a business to run. That’s why we make it easy for you by focusing on what really works. Our team is here to help with everything from fine-tuning your CTAs to improving your SEO website, so you can focus on what you do best—serving your customers.
We’re not looking for shortcuts. We won’t overcharge you. We’re here to get you found!
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
||||
