Why Does Your Blog Need A Call-to-Action?
Every blog post and, in fact, every business related communication should have a call-to-action. It can determine your success and here is why. At a basic level, you are selling. Through your business blog, you offer information, advise, and direction based on your knowledge and expertise.
In sharing your expertise, it is natural to anticipate that your readers will do something for you in return. To increase your odds of success, you need to be clear on the following four points.
What is a call-to-action?
A call-to-action is a short sentence that is written as a command and the good ones almost always begin with a verb. Its purpose is to get the reader to perform a particular action. You see calls-to-action everywhere. Some good examples are
- Join now to…
- Register now to …
- Learn more…
- Sign up for free
- Buy now and…
- Request a quote
When should you use a call-to-action?
Whenever you can! Place a call-to-action in your blog description and in each blog post or article. Make sure that action that will connect your readers back to you. And this practice should go beyond your blog. As mentioned, it should be used in all communication. Think of all of the opportunities that you have to communcate with your customers.
- Social Media (Facebook and Twitter)
- Voicemail greetings
- Letters
- Business cards
- Invoices and Billing Statements
Remeber, your blog audience has chosen to spend their time with you. So don’t let them just wander away. Encourage them to return.
Why use a call-to-action ?
On the surface, the answer is obvious. You want support from your audience. You want them to follow your direction to “Sign Up” or “Order Now” or “Download” your information. However, there is more to it than that. A call-to-action is the courteous thing to do, because you are inviting your readers into conversation and giving them a way to stay connected and informed.
Where do you use a call-to-action?
Place your call to action at the end of your commuication. It is the most obvious place and is expected unconsciously by your audience. The anticipation actually increases the probability that your readers will act. Many bloggers rely on buttons. Call to action buttons work and they are even more effective when you reinforce them with direction. If you want your reaers to “SUBSCRIBE” to your blog, “LIKE” you or “FOLLOW” you, then guide your readers to those buttons and tell them to “CLICK.”
When you sit down to write your next blog, remember this: You don’t get anything that you don’t ask for. Don’t forget to ask! Remember that question “Ultimately, what are they asking for?” The answer is permission marketing and we will cover that in our next blog.
So here is my call to action: Scroll to top of this blog. Click on the SUCSCRIBE button. Fill in your name and email address. You will be entered to will a FREE registration to our Easy Blog Coach class in September and two 30 minute coaching sessions.
Blog Success, determine your success, Web Call to Action, Writing a great blog
