If you are tired of seeing the same primary call to action “Click Here” here is how to optimize your links for people and search engines. Seeing the same call to action being over used can become boring and even unmotivating to use. As a user when you come across a “Click Here” button after researching a product or service it can seem repetitive and a no brainer. In order to get our users to become more motivated to engage with call to actions we must understand three aspects first.
It all begins with first knowing your users goals and behaviors. Having an understanding of what your users are thinking as they move through your webpages is a good place to start. Establishing trust also ties into the performance of your call to action. Lastly, there should be no confusion when users are moving through your website. Having clear accessible instructions that inspire action is key. Let’s dive into how this can be accomplished.
Compelling Content
The trick to optimize call to action is to present the action at the appropriate time. The correct time to present is when your website visitor is at their peak level of interest. If a user is met with a call to action when there has not been any information presented there is little to any hope for conversions. There needs to be compelling content proceeding the link, as well as a accurate description of the landing page. Trust can be lost fast if the landing page is not what the user expected when they clicked on it. This can be critical to your user clicking on any other link or pages in the future.
First Date Links
When the user is ready to take action they must feel confident that the link is worthwhile, constructive, and credible. When you are presenting a new offering there should be nothing obstructing the user from seeing it immediately. Stay clear of using big offerings with vague images and little description. This will confuse new website visitors especially if they do not know the company well before landing on the page. ‘First Date Links’ are fun, engaging, and sly call to action strategy.
Adding specific promotions for your loyal and even new customers will help with building up trust with your customer base. When users are seeing promotions for exactly what they are looking for it shows that you have a deep understanding of them. Trust, credibility, and being forthcoming with your story add spice to call to actions.
Scarecrow Links
If you have ever seen the movie “The Wizard Of Oz” then you will understand why theses call to actions are referred to as scarecrow links. Scarecrow links are often call to actions that provide many choices, usually prompting vague labels and often the same destination. In the movie Dorothy is asking for directions to find the Oz but is given very vague confusing directions. Sometimes webpages are giving users choices when in fact we just want to see the cool product that we just saw. If companies want the user to learn more about a product they should provide it on a landing page that way they can avoid vague call to action buttons.
Link Optimization Is More Than A Label
If you were to watch someone browse your website during a live session, you would most likely watch them hover around their mouse. Over buttons, texts, and texts with an icon to see which one is going to bring them somewhere they want to go. A learn more button would provide no help or data to the user as to where that link will take them. A good way to optimize your call to actions is steering clear of the “Learn More”, “Click Here”, and “Shop Now” buttons. These are very commonly used and a better option would be specifying your CTA’s to the users. Do not be afraid to tell the user what you want them to do with your call to action.
Every Call To Actions Is A Risk
Remember a call to action must be placed at a time you inspire your user to leave their train of thought. Every call to action is a risk. At the minimum your link should have:
- Have a clear label with the exact destination.
- Be easy to see and read.
- Must be compelling.
- Be presented at the most useful moment.
- Not have competing links nearby.
- Navigate to the desired task that will provide a benefit to your user.
As humans we have short attention spans. Keep that in mind when redirecting them or bringing in a call to action. It is important to support tasks with well organized information, architecture, and navigation.
Contact Boston Web Marketing
If you are looking to learn more about optimizing your call to actions contact our experts at Boston Web Marketing. Our team will assist with building your website, implement effective SEO tactics, and help your website rank higher on Google. Reach out to us at (857) 526-0096 or by emailing us at sales@getfoundquick.com. We look forward to hearing from you!