In this post, we’ll take a look at 5 powerful ways to use call-to-actions in your blog posts.

Most blogs will have some kind of primary call-to-action. A call-to-action, CTA for short, is defined as to what action is desired from a user. For example – After reading an article, what action should someone take next?

Today we’ll look mainly at using call-to-actions to motivate your blog readers to do four things:

1. Engage with your content and readership (on a blog post).
2. Explore other content on your blog.
3. Subscribe to your blog email newsletter (Widely used CTA).
4. Share your content through social media.
5. Purchase a product from your blog.

Of course, the very first step to getting folks to do any of the five things listed above is not by starting with a call-to-action, but to actually create the kind of content that will compel them to want to take action!

I hope that made sense.

If you have a lot of useful and valuable content on your blog, getting readers to take action shouldn’t really be a problem.

OK, so that’s the content part covered. How do you use call-to-actions in your blog post content to achieve the five things I highlighted above?

Let’s take a look.

Using Powerful Call To Actions In Your Blog Posts!

#1. Use call to actions to encourage content discovery

A funny old phrase to use, I know, but to me ‘content discovery’ simply means motivating your readers to explore more of your content after reading one post.

Your goal is to get your readers to find value in more than just one article on your blog, right?

Some ways to encourage visitors to dive deeper into your content is to add ‘related posts’ and ‘popular posts’ elements and widgets on your blog.

You can further encourage your readers to explore content by using a call to action message.

For example, don’t just add links to related posts at the end of your articles, instead describe the content of the post, tell your readers to check them out, and why you are recommending them to read it.

Here’s an example:

Check out this post I wrote on how to write actionable content for your blog; it’s packed with amazing tips.

#2. Use call-to-actions to encourage engagement, if applicable

There’s nothing more discouraging than seeing a blog with zero engagement unless you are not promoting engagement on your blog, or perhaps you’re pushing for engagement off-site (on social media). Or you may have comments turned off like I have on my blog.

However, if you are promoting comments and engagement on your blog and your posts show zero comments, then this will do very little to encourage others to want to leave a comment.

You need to add a call-to-action at the bottom of our post, kindly asking people to leave a comment after reading.

Here are some ideas and suggestions on how to do just that:

1. Use the last paragraph to request comments. For example, use a title like “Now it’s your turn” or “Have your say,” followed by your call-to-action message to get them commenting.
2. Post questions (where appropriate) during and at the end of your post. Questions are great to get readers engaged in the conversation, and it shows that you care about their thoughts as much as you care about dishing out your own thoughts.
3. Occasionally invite your readers to suggest and share links to related posts from their own blog. Perhaps they wrote an article similar to yours that provides a different perspective or point-of-view on a similar topic.
4. Post a mini quiz at the end of your post.

In addition to encouraging comments and engagement through an effective call-to-action, commenting on your blog shouldn’t be a challenge for your readers; it should be a simple and fun process.

#3. Use call-to-action to encourage readers to signup

This is one ‘call to action’ you probably don’t want to neglect, especially if your goal is to grow your readership and boost your blog traffic.

There are several call-to-actions you can use for directing visitors to your signup page.

1. The first method is to place well-optimized opt-in forms at the end of your posts with your CTA like most blogs have.
2. The second method is to create a paragraph at the end of your post and use something like, “Did you enjoy reading this post? Signup for future updates” as the title, followed by a unique CTA to signup. You can add a link to your signup page from here. Try and keep it simple; here’s an example you can copy and use:

Are you ready to take your blog to the next level? Download my free PDF Guide/eBook/product, the XXX here!

If you especially enjoy creating long-form content, consider adding a call-to-action half-way through your post content. Use quotes to make your message stand out.

Here’s an example –

Love what you’ve read so far? Subscribe to get notified of more awesome content like this.

#4. Use call-to-actions to promote social sharing and bookmarking

First of all, ensure that you’re using social sharing buttons that make social sharing quick and easy on your blog.

Additionally, and if you use WordPress, of course, consider installing the SocialSnap plugin (Affiliate link), which includes a useful feature that allows you to add ‘click-to-tweet’ elements anywhere in your blog posts.

Don’t forget to add ‘call-to-action’ at the end of your posts as well.

If you don’t ask for people to share your post on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, chances are they may forget to do it.

Here’s an example of a simple call-to-action box.

#5. Use CTA’s to get folks to purchase a product from your blog

Last but not least, call-to-actions are essential for getting folks to buy from you!

If you have an eBook or any other digital product for sale on your blog, you can’t expect folks to automatically remember to check them out or even make a purchase. You have to guide them.

What better way to do that than to use powerful CTA’s either in a message form or inside a button?

Here’s an example of a powerful CTA text within a button:

Wrapping up

These are just some ideas on how to use effective call-to-action in your blog posts. Of course, there are many other ways to use them.

Remember, it all depends on what type of response you’re looking for from your audience. And your conversion goal too.

Experiment with a few on your blog. Harness the power of ‘asking’ people to take action when reading your content or finished reading your blog posts.

Keep them engaged on your site for longer, ask them to share a post or comment on one. Ask them to signup and join your email list.

Mention your products and use powerful CTA messages within your buttons and content.

You can even use video as a call to action. Video can be very personal and powerful. Just keep it short and sweet!

The best of luck.

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