Often we catch our reader’s attention with catchy titles and headlines. We want to reel them into our content, hoping they like what we have to offer and then buy something. Then we leave them hanging because we didn’t keep their attention with a “Call to Action”.

The title I used here is a pretty strong statement and if you clicked the title to find out why you should read this right now than I have made my point. What I was trying to achieve with this title is to create a sense of urgency to my readers or those who just happen to see this and curiosity got the best of them.

There are many things to consider when implementing SEO into your online efforts but there is one that you can’t neglect and that is the “Call to Action”. You can use a call to action anywhere it’s appropriate just as I did here. But, one of the best places for one is at the end of your content. I also recommend one above the fold as well.

For example, let’s say I’ve been looking at your site and I’m not sure but I think I want to buy. But, there is nothing compelling me to take action. Now this may sound a little crazy but a call to action here may be the final straw on the proverbial camel’s back for me. If there is nothing there to encourage me to make a decision, than I will most likely to not commit to the purchase. The reality is, if that call to action is a deciding factor for me then it is a deciding factor for someone else too.

Let’s say I have just read a page of your website and I really am interested in what you are offering. Oh no! There is no call to action, contact information or a link to the contact information; therefore I am left to look around your site for the “Contact Us” link. You see, I don’t like it if it’s not made as simple as possible for me. No matter how hard I try to resist I am a product of the “microwave generation” and I want everything RIGHT NOW!

When there is a call to action, and it contains or links to contact information, I feel all warm and fuzzy knowing that I can quickly and easily get to what I want. (Your products or services)
Each page should have its own unique call to action. It is even better if the link to contact you is part of that call to action. Taking it one step further, you should have the main keyword you are using on that page as a part of that link.

For example, this is the call to action on our home page.

This one is on our web design pros page.

Notice how each call to action is a little different? This is to ensure we don’t cross the duplicate content line.

So, to pull it all together, you want to:
Create a sense of urgency for your viewers to take action, preferably at the beginning, middle and end of your content.
After you have created this need you want to direct them where to go by providing them with a simple and easy way to get there.
You want to guide them effortlessly on their online journey by providing them with a call to action.
The call to action links to the place where you want your potential buyer to be when they make the final decision to purchase something.
The call to action will contain your main keyword for that page, preferably within the link text.

I hope this was a helpful post. Please feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences with using a “call to action” on your web pages.

Notice how I was subtle with my call here. That is because this is a blog post and some social media outlets, such as blogs, shouldn’t be used as a sales tool but as a means to share, connect and contribute with an online community.

Check this out If you are at all interested in learning more about SEO and Internet Marketing