The Intrinsic Value of a Call to Action

You've probably had some young person come tofor you to engage potential customers with a call
your door. They have something to sell for a clubto action. It lets the consumer know you are
or organization they are a part of. Some kids areinterested in a sale, but more important it urges
more successful than others in door-to-door sales.the consumer to respond. The motivation could
I know of a friend who, in Jr. High, appeared tobe curiosity or desire, but you are keying in on a
be able to sell magazines as if they were icepurpose that urges them to trust you enough to
cubes in Arizona. It seemed as if no one turnedfind out more.
her down.The 'next step' you provide potential customers
On the other hand there are other young peoplemay or may not be an order form. You might
who almost give the impression they don't reallyexplain the product, service or offer in greater
want you to buy anything. You might hear themdetail. Perhaps you can provide testimonials from
say something like, "You probably don't want tosatisfied customers. You should consider the
buy anything. Do ya?"possibility of a free sample. This could be a special
These young people either have no confidence inreport, ebook for sign up or an actual sample
the product or no confidence in themselves. Theproduct in exchange for their contact information.
potential customer understands this and unlessYour call to action should never bully site visitors
they take pity on the young salesperson they willbecause a hard sell at this level simply means the
ultimately send them kindly away.consumer will have every reason to consult their
Is it possible you have a great website that'back' key or search function. No consumer needs
essentially treats sales with a, "You probably don'tto put up with harsh sales tactics online. If this is
want o buy anything" attitude? A call to actionthe method you are comfortable using in a
tells customers you believe in what you sell, youtraditional retail setting you will need to discover a
believe it has value and you think it can benefitnew tactic in online sales.
customers. Without a call to action customersA positive call to action will be the place of
may be left wondering what they are supposedcommon ground with your prospective customer.
to do with the information you've given.It allows them the understand you would like
You don't need to hard sell a product, but youthem to trust you enough to take the next step,
should give visitors the chance to respond.but there is no idle or vague threat involved in the
Consider the following phrases.decision making process.
Are you ready to take the next step?It is always best to determine in advance of an
Let's get started.online business startup if you truly believe in what
Click here to learn more.you are about to do. If so, urge potential
Want to find out more? Click now.customers forward without unintentionally sending
These and similar phrases are an important waythem home.