For small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sole operators, the thought of being “salesy” can be a real concern. You want to attract and retain customers, but at the same time, you don’t want to drive them away with an overly pushy attitude. This is where call to actions (CTAs) come in.
A call to action is an invitation for a potential customer to take a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or requesting a quote.
When first starting my business, I found it quite hard to ensure that I was using a call to action as it really didn’t feel right…it just felt a bit ick. However, I quickly realised that by not using one, people who wanted to use my services weren’t really taking that next step…it was only when I started to use them that I started to see a change…does it still feel funny? From time to time, yes it does, but it is an important strategy to ensure your business grows.
In this blog post, we’ll look at why using CTAs is not salesy (or icky), but instead, a smart business practice.
CTAs are transparent and honest: One of the reasons CTAs are not salesy is because they’re transparent and honest. Instead of hiding your intentions or manipulating customers into a purchase, you’re giving them a clear offer and asking them to take action. Customers appreciate transparency and honesty, and CTAs provide that.
They provide value: CTAs are not just about getting a sale; they’re also about providing value to customers. By offering a free resource, a discount code, or a consultation, you’re showing customers that you care about their needs and want to help them. It’s a win-win situation: customers get something they want, and you get a new lead or sale.
CTAs help customers make decisions: In today’s overloaded digital world, customers are bombarded with choices (just take a look at how many emails you get daily!). CTAs can help customers make a decision by offering a clear path forward. They provide guidance and a nudge in the right direction, making it easier for customers to take action.
They fit seamlessly into your marketing strategy: CTAs are a versatile tool that can fit seamlessly into your marketing strategy. Whether you’re using email marketing, social media, or your website, CTAs can be tailored to fit the medium and audience. They help you achieve your marketing goals without feeling pushy.
CTAs create urgency: Finally, CTAs create a sense of urgency that can encourage customers to take action. By setting a deadline or highlighting a limited time offer, you’re giving customers a reason to act now rather than later. This can lead to higher conversion rates and increased sales.
Call to actions do not need to be pushy; they’re a smart business practice that can help you attract and retain customers. By being transparent, providing value, helping customers make decisions, fitting seamlessly into your marketing strategy, and creating urgency, CTAs can help you achieve your marketing goals without feeling pushy or salesy. So don’t be afraid to use CTAs in your marketing efforts; they’re a powerful tool that can help you grow your business and build relationships with your customers.
Do you need help to use CTAs on your website, email marketing or social media channels? Why not purchase my CTA cheat-sheet to help get you started with a list of easy to use call-to-actions.
Jo
