The call-to-action (CTA) is a button that invites the user to take a desired action.

It's important that the CTA not only invites the visitor to take action, but also promotes the added value that the visitor can benefit from: think of it as a "call to value".

What makes a good CTA?

  • Clear hierarchy

    If possible, it's advisable to use a single primary button per page to highlight the most important CTA. It should be differentiated by other secondary CTAs.

  • Prominent position

    The button should be placed as close as possible to the visible field of the page – if possible above the fold (no scrolling required) – provided that the action and flow make sense.

  • Concise label

    The label of the CTA should be as short as possible and speak for itself.

  • Clear wording

    The CTA should be worded in a way that explicitly states the action you would like the reader to take. Phrases such as "click here" or "read more" should be avoided.

Examples of actions

Main action on a page

  • Fill out the contact form (convince prospects to contact)
    • Fill out the contact form (existing clients to contact with us / CA)
      • Download the report (build brand awareness / educate)
        • Download the gated report (generate new leads)
          • Subscribe to the newsletter
            • Leads to other content (e.g. articles, product and service pages)
              • Resolve your issue independently (go to FAQ, instructions, tutorials)
                • Contact us by form / phone / visit a branch (e.g. P&C contact us page)

                Additional action on a page

                • Leads to other content (e.g. articles, product and service pages)
                • Contact us by form / phone / visit a branch
                  • Subscribe to the newsletter
                    • Resolve your issue independently (go to FAQ, instructions)

                    Before and after examples

                    Correct wording

                    Best practices

                    Be explicit and highlight the added value the user can benefit from.

                    Before

                    Be concise and tell the user what they will read.

                    Make your links say, “Click here” without actually saying “Click here”.

                    We’re all skeptics when it comes to filling out forms. Make it personal and, where possible, use first person.

                    Use benefit-oriented language instead of generic language.

                    Text length

                    Best practices

                    Your CTA needs to be short, sweet, and to the point.

                    The recommended length for a CTA button is between 2 and 4 words.

                    Make sure that the text in the button is not too long, otherwise the text will be cut off in the mobile view.
                    If possible, do not use more than 40 characters (with spaces).

                    Before

                    Desktop view

                    Mobile view

                    After

                    Desktop view

                    Mobile view

                    Clear

                    Best practices

                    Make the place to take action clear and obvious. The CTA button stands out.

                    Before

                    After

                    Clear main action & position

                    Best practices

                    Page should have defined one main action and possibly additional actions.

                    Before

                    screenshopt - donts CTA
                    • Main action is not clear. More than one primary brand button is used

                    After

                    screenshopt - donts CTA
                    • Main clear call to action
                    • Additional 'stories' with secondary button