• What is Copywriting?
    • Why Copywriting is One of the Most Enjoyable, Flexible Careers
    • Answers to Your Top Questions About Copywriting
  • Blog
    • Most Popular
    • Mindset & Professional Development
    • Portfolio
    • Business Development
    • Book Recommendations
    • Pitching
    • Copywriting Tips
    • Terms to Know
  • Podcast
    • Latest Episodes
    • Top Episodes for New Copywriters
    • Student Stories
  • Copywriting Course
    • Learn About the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy
    • CCA Student Sign In
    • CCA Next Level
  • CCA Reviews
    • CCA Student Wins
    • Videos: CCA Student Reviews
  • Store
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • About Nicki Krawczyk
  • Contact Us

Filthy Rich Writer

Tips, tools, & training for new and aspiring copywriters.

Tips, Tools and Training for New and Aspiring Copywriters

  • What does “Filthy Rich” mean? It means having a job you love, being good at what you do…and making great money doing it!

What’s a CTA or Call to Action?

By Nicki Krawczyk 2 Comments

The keys to great CTAs

If you haven’t yet, you’ll probably see “CTA” all over creative briefs and project outlines. CTA stands for “call to action” and refers to the copy you use to tell the reader what you want them to do next.

Calls to Action Are Always Commands

Since CTAs are always commands, they always begin with verbs. Depending on the project, a call to action might be “Sign up now for our newsletter!” “Like us on Facebook” or even just “Buy now.”

You’re telling your audience exactly what it is you want them to do. They shouldn’t have to think about the next step, or the benefit they’ll receive if they take that action.

Every Single Piece of Copy Needs a Next Step

You need to give your audience a next step to take. (We’re writing the copy for a reason, right? We want the reader to buy the hand towel, sign up for the course or watch the video–depending on the project, of course.) The call to action tells the reader what step to take next and how.

CTAs Need to Make It clear What’s Going to Happen Next

The user needs to know what’s going to happen when they take that action. If they click on your “Buy now” button, the should be taken to the web page where they can actually buy now. If you’re encouraging them to sign up for your newsletter, the next click had better take them to a place where they can do that. And if you’re telling people to come into the health club and sign up for the raffle, it had better be pretty clear where that raffle is, the second they walk in the door.

Last Updated on December 18, 2022

Filed Under: Copywriting Tips, Terms to Know

Interested in Copywriting? Get our Free Video Training!

Plus, get on the list for updates, freebies, and more :) 



About Nicki Krawczyk

Nicki is a copywriter, copy coach and the founder of Filthy Rich Writer. She's been writing copy for more than 20 years.

Comments

  1. Niko Holmen says

    May 28, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Nicki says

      May 30, 2012 at 11:54 pm

      Hi Niko!

      We’ve been monitoring it ourselves, but the Genesis framework we’ve built the site on does a nice job of monitoring it. It’s probably too late since your site is already up, but if you’re interested, here’s the info http://www.studiopress.com/themes/genesis

      Good luck!
      Nicki

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Click here to subscribe

Break Into Copywriting

Sign up to get our FREE video training, special resources, and more!



Click here to subscribe

Comprehensive Copywriting Academy

Join the copywriting training program that's helping people just like you build successful copywriting careers!

Comprehensive Copywriting Academy from Filthy Rich Writer

Portfolio Tips

3 Copywriter Portfolio Examples That Wow Clients
Do You Need to List Your Copywriting Services on Your Portfolio Site?
Should I Put Prices on My Website? What Copywriters Need to Know

Orange square with text reading award winning designs and free domains Squarespace
View our Affiliate Link Disclosure here

Recent Articles

Freelance Copywriter Benefits: How to Build Your Own Benefits Package
5 Books to Read Written by Copywriters
How to Give Copywriting Feedback
Setting Boundaries as a Copywriter
Self Edit Your Copywriting: Why It’s a Must & How to Do It
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2023 Filthy Rich Writer | About Us | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy| Business Affiliates