--- title: 3 Essential Components of the Perfect Call-to-Action description: If you want a banner ad that drives conversions and not just clicks, you need a clear call-to-action that prompts the reader to take action. image: https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/hs-fs/file-2240239143-jpg/Blog_Post_Images/guywithmegaphoneandwhite_117591.jpg --- [855-594-0010](tel:855-594-0010) # [![CMG Local Solutions](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/wp-content/themes/cmg-local-solutions/assets/image/logo.svg)](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/) - Solutions - [Cox Targeted Display](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/solutions/cox-targeted-display/) - [Cox Connected Video](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/solutions/cox-connected-video/) - [Cox OneSearch](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/solutions/cox-onesearch/) - [Cox Analytics](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/solutions/cox-analytics/) - Industries - [Automotive](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/industries/automotive/) - [Financial Services](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/industries/financial-services/) - [Healthcare](https://www.coxhealthmarketing.com/) - [Higher Education](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/industries/higher-education/) - [Home Services](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/industries/home-services/) - [Legal Services](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/industries/legal-services/) - [Restaurant/QSR](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/industries/restaurants/) - Approach - [Our Strategy](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/approach/strategy/) - [How We Do It](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/approach/how-we-do-it/) - Clients - [Success Stories](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/clients/success-stories/) - [Creative Showcase](http://www.cmgadvertising.com/) - About - [Who We Are](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/about/who-we-are/) - [Careers](http://cmglocalsolutions.com/about/careers/) - Markets - [Athens](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/athens/) - [Atlanta](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/atlanta/) - [Boston](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/boston/) - [Charlotte](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/charlotte/) - [Dayton](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/dayton/) - [Houston](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/houston/) - [Jacksonville](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/jacksonville/) - [Long Island](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/long-island/) - [Memphis](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/memphis/) - [Miami](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/miami/) - [Orlando](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/orlando/) - [Pittsburgh](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/pittsburgh/) - [San Antonio](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/san-antonio/) - [Seattle](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/seattle/) - [Tampa](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/tampa/) - [Tulsa](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/tulsa/) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.cmglocalsolutions.com/) - [Resources](https://blog.cmglocalsolutions.com/online-marketing-resources) - [Contact Us](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/contact-us/) # Digital Marketing Solved Blog ## [3 Essential Components of the Perfect Call-to-Action](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/3-essential-components-of-the-perfect-call-to-action) Posted by [Alyson Phillips](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/author/alyson-phillips) on December 23, 2014 at 11:32 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![The perfect call-to-action](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/hs-fs/file-2240239143-jpg/Blog_Post_Images/guywithmegaphoneandwhite_117591.jpg?width=300&name=guywithmegaphoneandwhite_117591.jpg "The perfect call-to-action")To be successful, banner ads must be designed to complement website copy, must feature related material and, most of all, should entice consumers to click on them. However, if you want a banner ad to get more than just clicks and actually lead to conversions, it must feature a [clear call-to-action](http://blog.cmglocalsolutions.com/cleaning-up-your-call-to-action-phrase-20-verbs-you-should-be-using) (CTA) that prompts the reader to do something. All without being too pushy. Here are three essential elements to keep in mind as you create your perfect call-to-action. #### 1. Use Actionable Verbs That Are Related to Your Business When looking at [banner ads](http://blog.cmglocalsolutions.com/building-better-banner-ads-tips-and-best-practices), consumers probably won't notice copy that simply restates sales copy or is solely image-focused. Similarly, CTAs that use familiar sales verbs ("buy now" or "click here," for example) will also be ignored. However, if you can craft a call-to-action with a verb that's unique to your business, consumers will be more interested. For instance, a flooring business that offers free estimates could use a CTA like "Estimate the cost for my new floor now," which is stronger and more effective than the similar "Request a quote now," as it deals directly with the service being sold and, therefore, is more likely to catch the eye of a reader who is thinking about replacing their flooring. #### 2. Keep It Short and Sweet Though there's no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to the length of your call-to-action, if you have to use more than one line to write it out, it's too long. Too many words make it look cluttered and increases the chance that readers will skim over it. Instead, [HubSpot](http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/34014/20-Critical-Do-s-and-Don-ts-for-Clickable-Calls-to-Action-SlideShare.aspx) recommends you keep your call-to-action short, and use punctuation such as ellipses to invite the reader to learn more after they click. #### 3. Avoid Hyperbolic Language You might think the product you're selling is the best thing ever, but consumers don't respond to statements that oversell products. For instance, if you're marketing a coffee subscription service with a free trial offer, using a statement such as "Try a cup of the best coffee ever for free!" might not resonate with consumers. However, a simpler (and more realistic) "Taste the difference this week on us!" is more likely to set consumer expectations and invite a click and eventual conversion. [Crafting an eye-catching call-to-action](http://blog.cmglocalsolutions.com/faulty-call-to-action-phrases-4-quick-fixes) optimized for banner ads that sets expectations correctly and accomplishes what you want it to using limited words and actionable verbs can be hard. However, by keeping these three key components in mind, marketers can create a CTA that represents their brand well and increases sales and conversions. [![Subscribe to the Digital Marketing Solved Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/356930/133c9be0-75fc-49a2-a69d-21e7a2573437.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/356930/133c9be0-75fc-49a2-a69d-21e7a2573437) Topics: [Premium Display and Banner Ads](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/premium-display-and-banner-ads), [Digital Marketing Strategy](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/digital-marketing-strategy) ### Stay Connected ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Posts by Topic - [Digital Marketing Strategy (145)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/digital-marketing-strategy) - [Social Media Marketing (74)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/social-media-marketing) - [Integrated Marketing (70)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/integrated-marketing) - [Video Advertising (66)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/video-advertising) - [Search Engine Optimization (SEO) (63)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/search-engine-optimization-seo) - [Paid Search Engine Marketing (60)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/paid-search-engine-marketing) - [Mobile Optimization and Advertising (46)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/mobile-optimization-and-advertising) - [Premium Display and Banner Ads (42)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/premium-display-and-banner-ads) - [Content Marketing (41)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/content-marketing) - [Website Design & Development (30)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/website-design-development) - [Analytics (23)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/analytics) - [Retargeting and Remarketing (23)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/retargeting-and-remarketing) - [Reach Extension and Targeting (21)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/reach-extension-and-targeting) - [Interactive Design & Creative (20)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/interactive-design-creative) - [Native Advertising (18)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/native-advertising) - [Automotive (12)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/automotive) - [Marketing Strategy (12)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/marketing-strategy) - [digital advertising (11)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/digital-advertising) - [social media (11)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/social-media) - [Local Listings Management (10)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/local-listings-management) - [Food & Beverage (8)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/food-beverage) - [Home Services (8)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/home-services) - [target audience (7)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/target-audience) - [Responsive Design (6)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/responsive-design) - [local business (6)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/local-business) - [Digital Success Series (5)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/digital-success-series) - [Google (5)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/google) - [Retail (5)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/retail) - [Seasonal Marketing (5)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/seasonal-marketing) - [small business (5)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/small-business) - [Ask the Experts (4)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/ask-the-experts) - [Google Analytics (4)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/google-analytics) - [Professional Services (4)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/professional-services) - [ROI (4)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/roi) - [Voice Search (4)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/voice-search) - [facebook (4)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/facebook) - [video marketing (4)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/video-marketing) - [Email Marketing (3)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/email-marketing) - [Healthcare (3)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/healthcare) - [Higher Education (3)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/higher-education) - [branding (3)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/branding) - [customer journey (3)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/customer-journey) - [lead-gen (3)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/lead-gen) - [location data (3)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/location-data) - [online video (3)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/online-video) - [targeted display advertising (3)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/targeted-display-advertising) - [A/B Testing (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/a-b-testing) - [Amazon (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/amazon) - [Google Ads (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/google-ads) - [data (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/data) - [geo-targeting (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/geo-targeting) - [marketing resources (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/marketing-resources) - [ppc (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/ppc) - [social media images (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/social-media-images) - [traditional media (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/traditional-media) - [visual content (2)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/visual-content) - [B2B (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/b2b) - [Cox OneSearch (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/cox-onesearch) - [Customer Retention (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/customer-retention) - [Instagram ads (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/instagram-ads) - [Magid (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/magid) - [SEO for Beginners (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/seo-for-beginners) - [audio (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/audio) - [boosted posts (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/boosted-posts) - [brand guidelines (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/brand-guidelines) - [job search (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/job-search) - [memes (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/memes) - [multi-location advertising (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/multi-location-advertising) - [omnichannel marketing (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/omnichannel-marketing) - [retail marketing (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/retail-marketing) - [zero-click searches (1)](https://resources.cmglocalsolutions.com/topic/zero-click-searches) ## Free Resources Click [here](http://blog.cmglocalsolutions.com/online-marketing-resources) to visit our archive of free eBooks and White Papers   Search this site: Search ## Our *Partners* & Publishers ![Google Partner](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/google_partner_c.png) ![](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/04_bng_c.png) ![Tag Registered](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/tag_c.png) ![](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/digital_content_next_c.png) ![](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/http___pluspng.com_img-png_facebook-logo-png-1722-200x42.png) ![](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/09_iab_c.jpg) ![](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/doubleclick_c.png) ![](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/iStock-621141822-1024x683.jpg) ### Get started with Local Solutions today [Contact Us](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/contact-us/) **Cox Media Group** 6205 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30328 © 2018 Cox Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://cmglocalsolutions.com/privacy-policy/)