Call-to-Actions are an important part of marketing, especially on social media. It helps to get your audience engaged and get a conversation going, which is essential to any marketing strategy. So, how do you create an effective Call-to-Action for social media?
First, What is a Call-to-Action?
A Call-to-Action is a phrase or question that will encourage viewers to act upon it. According to Google Dictionary, it is “a piece of content intended to induce a viewer, reader, or listener to perform a specific act, typically taking the form of an instruction or directive (e.g. buy now or click here).”
In content such as blogs or social media posts, it tends to be a question that encourages the target audience to leave a comment responding to it, or it’s something they can sign up for to get something such as more content.
Make Sure It’s Relevant
Your Call-to-Action needs to be deeply connected and very relevant to the content it is associated with. When it is, audience members who are very engaged in your content and intrigued to learn more or get involved will have a tool to do that. It benefits both you and them.
“In your Instagram caption, it should be directly related to whatever the post is about. For example, in this post about the “Most Important People Skills Needed for a Thriving Remote Culture” from the Like A Voss Instagram, at the end of the caption a CTA was placed. It said, “What are some other people skills you would add to this list?” This is both directly related to the content posted as well as asked a compelling question that people answered in the comments.” – Like A Voss
The Importance of Word Choice
Writing a Call-to-Action isn’t as simple as just asking your audience to do something. An effective Call-to-Action takes word choice and clarity very seriously.
It is important that you use strong words and present a sense of urgency in your Call-to-Action. You can do this by picking strong and instructive verbs such as “Comment,” or “Sign up.” Words such as that also make it very clear as to what the viewer is supposed to do. What sounds better, “Sign up today!” or “Complete this form to join our newsletter.” Although they’re both exactly the same thing, the first one sounds much more appealing. The more complicated it seems, the less likely they are to do it. Simplicity is key in your Call-to-Action.
Make it Urgent!
A sense of urgency increases the chances that your audience will actually do what the Call-to-Action says. Even if it’s not something they have to do “now or never,” you really do want your audience to do it now. If not, they tend to forget.
“Limiting time usually entices users to respond more to CTAs. “Call us today” implies immediacy and urgency much more than just “Call us.” “Register for your spot in our naked skydiving workshop—before it fills up!” instantly makes the experience feel exclusive. Call it the FOMO principle. But don’t MO on trying this trick yourself.” – Hootsuite
Call-to-Actions benefit any content they’re put in, especially on social media, a place where engagement is vital for success. So what are you waiting for? Start including effective Call-to-Actions in your content TODAY!
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