We’ve all heard the advice: Online content should have a clear call to action.  The advice makes sense, but figuring out an effective CTA for your audience and your content can be a challenge.

Why a Call to Action

Asking people to do something – take some action – generates more engagement with your online content.  It moves your reader from passive reading to active engagement.

CTAs generally fall into these categories:

• Learn more
• Share
• Tell us what you think
• Take action

CTA Ideas

Learn More CTAs are great to drive traffic to your website. You share a tidbit and then link to your website where the reader can learn more.  In addition to Learn More you can use Read More, See Why, Explore, and Discover.

Share CTAs encourage readers to involve people they know, giving you greater reach. You can use Share, Tell Your Friends, or Spread the Word.

Tell Us What You Think CTAs invite your audience to share their thoughts. Since many people read and don’t instinctively comment, asking them directly can help spur action. Try Tell Us What You Think, Tell Us Your Story, or We Want to Know…

Take Action CTAs are most effective with engaged audiences. This is good to ask for sign ups, a donation, or a purchase. Try “Donate now to provide…”, Buy Now, or “Pledge to…”