Increase Sales With a Strong CTA and 3-Step Plan

Ever wonder what’s the point of a website?  I know. It seems like a silly question because if you’re a business, you know you need one. But what’s the #1 goal?

Sales

That’s really it. Sure, there are always exceptions (customer support, education). But at the end of the day, the purpose of a website is to attract leads so you make sales, whether for product-based businesses through an online shop or service-based businesses that want to attract and connect with their ideal client.

So, the effectiveness of your website (increasing sales) hinges on more than just its aesthetics or content—it's about guiding your visitors towards a specific action. When we don’t tell people what to do, they will do nothing, and if they do nothing, it’s hard to sell something. Whether it's:

• Scheduling a call

• Booking a meeting

• Or subscribing to your services

a call to action (CTA) is how you bring new leads into your sales funnel with the hope of becoming a paying client.

But what exactly makes a CTA effective, and why is it so crucial for the success of your website?

The Power of a Strong Call to Action

A good call to action is not just a button or a link; it's a strategic prompt that compels visitors to take the desired action. Here's what sets apart a compelling CTA:

Clarity: Your CTA should leave no room for ambiguity. Clearly state the action you want your visitors to take, whether it's "Schedule a Call," "Request a Demo," or "Subscribe Now."

Compelling Language: Use persuasive language throughout your website to tap into your audience's emotions and motivate them to act. Help them understand the pain you solve and how working with you will improve their lives. And don’t be afraid of using failure statements to help them understand the consequences of NOT taking action.

Visibility: Make sure your CTA stands out visually on your webpage. Use contrasting colors, bold fonts, or strategically placed graphics to draw attention to it and make it impossible to ignore. Place it in the upper-right corner of your homepage and throughout your pages because you never know what they will read that will inspire them to act.

Value Proposition: Highlight the benefits of taking action. Clearly communicate what your visitors stand to gain by clicking on your CTA, whether it's saving time, solving a problem, or achieving their goals. Don’t assume they can figure it out on their own.  Be clear and TELL them.

Urgency: Create a sense of urgency to prompt immediate action. Limited-time offers, countdown timers, or exclusive deals can compel visitors to act now rather than later.

The Importance of a 3-Step Plan

Chances are, what you do is complicated and much more involved than a mere three steps. That’s not what the three-step plan is about. This plan is to help site visitors understand what’s involved in working with you. It details what comes next after they click your call to action. Simply put, when people don’t know what to expect, they are less likely to act, especially if it’s their first time working with someone like you.

Here’s an example:

I work with a lot of interior designers, and for many, their ideal client has never worked with a designer before. They aren’t sure of the process and have no idea what to expect. They might imagine it being more complicated and involved than it actually is, so they talk themselves out of it before they even start. But when the designer includes a three-step plan on their website, they show how easy it is to get started:

Step 1 – Schedule a Call

Step 2 – Meet At Your Home To Discuss Design Ideas

Step 3 – Send Agreement

The Benefits of a 3-Step Plan

1. Clarity and Focus: A 3-step plan provides clarity and focus both for you as the business owner and for your website visitors. Breaking down the process into three distinct steps makes it easier for visitors to understand what to expect and how to proceed.

2. Guided Pathway: A 3-step plan serves as a guided pathway for your visitors, leading them through the journey from initial interest to taking action. Each step builds upon the previous one, gradually nudging them closer toward conversion.

3. Simplified Decision Making: Visitors can feel overwhelmed and indecisive when faced with too many options. A 3-step plan streamlines the decision-making process by presenting a clear and structured path forward, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of conversion.

4. Enhanced User Experience: By implementing a 3-step plan, you enhance the overall user experience of your website. Visitors appreciate simplicity and ease of navigation, and a well-defined plan helps to streamline their journey and eliminate any confusion or uncertainty.

5. Increased Conversion Rates: Ultimately, the goal of your website is to convert visitors into clients. A clear, focused, and strategically designed 3-step plan helps to maximize conversion rates by guiding visitors toward taking the desired action.

A compelling call to action and implementing a 3-step plan are essential strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of your website and increasing conversions. By following these principles:

• Clarity

• Compelling language

• Visibility

• Value proposition

• Urgency

• Focus

you can create CTAs that inspire action and guide visitors toward taking the next step in their buying journey. Combine this with a well-defined 3-step plan, creating a seamless pathway for converting visitors into loyal customers and growing your business.