What is a “call to action”?
The idea is that you are requesting your visitor to do something, to take action. This usually involves logging in to an opt-in page with their name and email. Then, they’re taken to a sales page. Finally, they come to the page where they actually make the purchasing transaction. That’s when you get paid a commission.
But it all starts with that initial call to action. A call to action is necessary,– but the question is WHEN and HOW it should be done.
When and how to use a call to action
A call to action involves a level of commitment. People today are very cautious about making a commitment. This is understandable when we consider we’re in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. With this, there is unemployment at incredibly high proportions. So, to make a financial commitment, especially now, requires more trust than ever before.
We may firmly believe that our product has real value. (And we should believe this if we are offering it to others). But the fact is, this what truly matters is the visitor-
- Sees the value of the product
- Has grown to trust you
He or she must have both. When it involves commitment, a visitor simply will not respond to your call to action if they lack either aspect.
Timing your call to action is Important
Imagine a young man who sees a young woman for the first time at a dance. He immediately walks across the dance floor and introduces himself to her, and then—asks her to marry him!
Well, 99.999% if not 100% of women in the world would walk if nor run away from this man. How could he expect her to accept such a big commitment when she doesn’t even know him!
That is exactly what you are doing if you have a call to action which asks for a heavy commitment up front.
Take it step by step
Business opportunities often require a payment up front to join and then a monthly payment after that. That is a commitment that requires trust that the opportunity will work for them and – trust in you.
This means you need to let them get to trust you by the content you share with them. Just like our illustration of the young 
man and woman.
Instead of asking her to marry him when he first meets her. What if he simply asked her to dance. Afterwards, had a nice conversation and asked her out on a date. Then, after dating for a while there could be a relationship where, at least the odds would be more favorable that she would agree to marry him.
Start with a lower level of commitment
So it is the same in business. You need to have a call to actions right from the start. But the level of commitment should be easy and light. First after giving solid free content, you give a call to action. Perhaps you offer something free in exchange for the visitors name and email. Perhaps an e-book, cheat sheet, video or report.
Once the visitor is on your email list, you need to regularly send free quality content. Why not write an email for each blog you post. The short simple emails you send simply introduce them to the topic and invite them to read your latest blog. These emails contain a call to action with a link to your blog. This earns trust.
However, every few emails (I like to do this every 4 emails) you can use a call to action that links them to a greater commitment, like a business opportunity or a software product that usually involves a financial commitment up front.
If you use your call to actions carefully, and remember to always lead with valuable content, you will be earning while you blog.
Here’s a link to my review of “Wealthy Affiliate”. This platform will train you in just about every aspect of building a successful authority blog. “Wealthy Affiliate” Review…
Hey there , I liked how you explained the importance of timing “A man sees a women at the dance and ask her to marry him” definitely the proposal will be rejected hence it’s also applicable when calling for action as one should choose the right time in order to avoid being rejected,great advice right there thank you so much
Your welcome Audrey.
There is no point writing all the stories without actually getting the conversions needed to make money and this is a skill that not everybody has mastered. Having someone like you teach something as cogent as this for success is really great to see here. Thank you for giving the tips on how to successfully engage readers into taking actions. Thanks
Thank you Sherry. I hope this information is helpful.
I javereada number of online posts myself where that’s are some cal to actions and I sometimes find it hard to commit myself to things that I am not confident about. I am now in a position where I have to use the call to.action and I understand how it’s not so easy to get people to do something just like that. It’s good to be able to read this post you shared in your website here. Thanks!
Yes. It takes time to build enough trust for people to respond. Over-delivering good valuable content up front, and then asking for a small commitment, perhaps an email address in exchange for a free product, is a good way to start.
Thank you so much for sharing us an interesting and informative article. The main theme of this article is How to use a call to action. It is really laudable that you have illustrated this topic so well in your article. I have learned a lot by reading your article and gained a lot of cognition about the call to action. Of the points mentioned in your article, I like Timing. If the timing is not perfect then call to action will never be perfect so timing is very important for the call to action.
Finally, I enjoyed reading your article and so I’d like to share your article in my Facebook group if you allow me.
Absolutely. Thank you.
Commitment can be really scary for those who have had bad times with that same thin you are asking them to get involved in again and that is the bad part theater all do not want to see. Whoever have been hurt would not want to go back to it and that is why we have to give reassuring thoughts to the individual involved that this time will be different
That’s a very good point Bella. Thank you
I love the analogy you showed. I can totally agree. Trust is key in any relationship.
I recently finished an ebook that I will be giving away as a lead magnet. I also created a simple landing page on my site. There is so much to learn and do in the online marketing world lol.
Thanks for explaining the need for a call to action in a simple way. I’m sure many will benefit from this.
Your welcome Enrique,
Thanks for sharing your comment.